The official flag off of the air lifting of the 2023 Christian pilgrims to the holy lands will hold Friday, April 28, in Owerri, to herald the departure of the first batch of intending pilgrims from the State to the holy lands of Israel and Jordan.
The first batch which consists of 200 pilgrims completed their screening , documentation and orientation at the Government House Chapel Thursday.
According to a statement by the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon Declan Emelumba, a record 1,000 pilgrims sponsored by the State government will eventually depart the shores of Nigeria for the 2023 pilgrimage.
He said the number of pilgrims approved for this exercise by Governor Hope Uzodimma is the highest since the creation of the State.
Emelumba added that another remarkable thing about this year’s pilgrims is that they are going under the full sponsorship of the Imo State government.
The commissioner disclosed that the Pilgrims Welfare Board headed by Rev Fr. Dr Gilbert Alaribe has concluded all arrangements for the smooth movement of the pilgrims.