Rivers State Government is sponsoring 2000 pilgrims this year. The Executive Director Rivers State Pilgrims Board Very Rev. John K. Wangbu stated this during a Press briefing in his office in Port Harcourt. Very. Rev. Wangbu said no State has been able to match the number of Pilgrims from Rivers State, adding that the Board is reaching out to Corperate bodies and well to do individuals in our Churches to assist in the sponsorship of pilgrims in the State. On the achievements of the Board, he said the public should say what they have seen. ”We have done a lot to transform the place, I have also published a book to aid the Pilgrims to know where they are going to visit” Rev. Wangbu said. The Executive Director said they have eliminated impersonators as well as couples travelling together on State expense noting that ”if they must do, they will have to pay for one person so that more families can take part”. He said abscondment has been reduced to the bearest minimum noting that only two persons have committed the offence since he came on board. Inspite of the successes of the Board they have also encountered some challenges noting that majority of the pilgrims are from the rural areas and preparing them, has been a big challenge. On the issue of security in the Middle East, he said ”it is only God that provides security, I know that the Syrian war will affect some areas we are to visit like Bethlehem, but if it goes beyond the level it is now we will not visit those areas”. He urged the people to know that the journey is a spiritual one not a shopping galore. Very. Rev. Wangbu said that if State are allowed to handle their Pilgrimage arrangement, it will reduce the cost of sponsorship.
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