The Sole Administrator of Rivers State Christian Pilgrim Board, Very Rev. John Wangbu, has said the era of recycling pilgrims for the annual holy pilgrimage to Jerusalem is over.
Very  Rev.  Wangbu made this assertion when the executive council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Rivers State paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Port Harcourt on Friday.
He said since he assumed office, the idea of couples travelling for pilgrimage have also been stopped, so that the opportunity given by the Rivers State Government could go round for many Christians to benefit.
The board chairman hinted that only those selected were given forms to participate in the pilgrimage in order to avoid  too much stress.
Very Rev. Wangbu said as an innovation, pilgrims now travel with the Rivers State council for arts and culture to showcase the rich culture of the state as well as the Port Harcourt rural male choir to entertain the pilgrims.
He lauded governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi for his support and freedom of operation of the board, which had also helped in facilitating activities of the board transparently.
According to him, the governor does not interfere with the allocation of slots to intending pilgrims in the state unlike other states, as well as the provision of enabling environment which had made them to do well and serve the people of the state better.
He also thanked the governor for giving him the opportunity to serve for the second time and promised to ensure that he would carry out the assignment diligently for the interest of the state.
The sole administrator however solicited support from journalists in order to sensitise Christians, publicised its activities and assured of partnering with them.
Earlier, the State Chairman of nuj, Mr. Opaka Dokubo, commended Governor Amaechi for deviating from the appointment of politicians to head the board, describing the appointment of Rev. Wangbu as round peg in a round hole, because it is spiritual.
Mr. Dokubo said since his assumption of office as board chairman of the state Christian welfare board, there had been orderly and no complain as before, adding that things have changed although it is difficult to satisfy everybody.
He said with the measures taken in recycling pilgrims, every Christian would benefit because it enhances a spiritual growth, and thanked the state government for strengthening the faith and spiritual awakens
He enjoined Christians in the state to pray God to encourage him.
The NUJ state boss however reminded him that the union for the past three years have been denied slot to travel to Jerusalem for the holy pilgrimage and solicited for slots to enable journalists bould their spiritual faith.