Board Shortlists 1,606 For 2012 Pilgrimage

The Rivers State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, has shortlisted 1,606 intending Christian pilgrims for the 2012 pilgrimage to Israel, the Holy Land.

A statement signed by the Board’s Sole Administrator, Very Rev. Magr. John K. Wangbu said those shortlisted constitute the first batch of pilgrims for this year’s pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

Rev. Wangbu said that sale of forms and registration of pilgrims would start from July 24, while medical examination exercise is scheduled for July 25 to July 31, 2012 at the civil servants clinic, Podium Block, Rivers State Secretariat Complex, Port Harcourt.

The Sole Administrator explained that potential pilgrims must produce evidence of blood group test, medical fitness and other requirements to qualify for the pilgrimage.

The pilgrims are also required to pay N12,000 for registration and N1,600 for medical fitness and blood tests.

The statement did not, however, state when the first batch of pilgrims for this year’s pilgrimage will be airlifted, as against last year’s pilgrims who travelled in December 2011 and January 2012.

The board urged local government areas, churches, organisations and individuals who wish to sponsor pilgrims to Israel to immediately apply to the board.

Registration exercise for intending pilgrims had already commenced when The Tide  visited the board’s office.

It was gathered that the board is gearing up for early and hitch-free pilgrimage this year, as against that of the previous year when the journey spilled over to 2012.

Intending, who spoke with The Tide appealed to the management of the board to ensure that they did not suffer the fate of the last year’s pilgrims who were subjected to the use of Skye bank’s ATM/Credit card but had difficulty in casting the cards in Israel.

It would be recalled that some pilgrims could not cash their basic travelling allowance (BTA) in Israel while others got short of their entitlements.

The board introduced the use of credit card by pilgrims last year as part of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) initiative for cashless regime and following an earlier experience when pilgrims were ambushed by armed robbers enroute their way to the airport.

It is not clear yet if the same credit system will be adopted this year or the board will resort to divert cash payment to pilgrims at the airport before boarding as was previously done before the introduction of credit card system.

Goodluck Ukwe