Abuja — The FCT Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board has disqualified 22 intending pilgrims from performing the 2009 Christian Pilgrimage to Rome/Israel.

Our reporter learnt that the disqualification is an outcome of a screening exercise conducted by the board for the intending pilgrims on October 12-13, 2009, during which 1,200 pilgrims attended.

Some of the criteria used for the screening were based on age limits, economic status, family ties, Christian faith, previous travels, medical/health and pregnancy test among others.

With this disqualification, the affected intending pilgrims would not be allowed to travel with the FCT Contingent to participate in the 2009 Christian Pilgrimage exercise either in Rome or Israel.

A source at the board stated that with this action, the number of absconders would drastically be reduced to the barest minimum, as those genuinely interested in performing the holy pilgrimage would be given the desired opportunity to embark on the spiritual journey.

The date for the commencement the airlift for the pilgrimage to Rome and Israel is November 14, 2009 and would end on January 14, 2010.

The FCT Administration has concluded arrangement for the Zonal Orientation for medicals, Para-medicals and consular beginning November 7- November 10, 2009.

It is expected that the entire exercise would be rounded up in January 2010 to enable the board commence preparation for the next year pilgrimage in earnest.