By Chukwuka Ugokwe
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor of Anambra State on Pilgrim Affairs, Hon. Barr. Odira Ezeh, has sought stronger collaboration with the private sector to promote Christian pilgrimage and religious tourism in the state.
Ezeh was speaking during a courtesy visit to Chief Chinedu Ani, Managing Director of Elite Hotel and Suites, 33 Onitsha, Anambra State.
The visit was part of ongoing engagements with strategic stakeholders to strengthen partnerships and encourage private-sector participation in the state’s pilgrimage initiatives.
During the meeting, Chief Ani expressed his continued support for the administration of Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, noting that he had supported the state government for over ten years and remained committed to contributing to its development programmes.
He also pledged to support the Pilgrim Affairs Office, particularly because someone he considers close to him is leading the office, adding that discussions focused on identifying areas where he could contribute to the success of its activities.
Chief Ani commended Governor Soludo for his leadership and also praised the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim for his efforts in developing and repositioning the Pilgrim Affairs Office.
He expressed his willingness to explore opportunities for collaboration that would advance the state’s pilgrimage programmes and create mutual benefits for the government and private businesses.
In his remarks, Ezeh appreciated Chief Ani for his contributions to the hospitality industry and his willingness to support initiatives aimed at advancing pilgrimage affairs in Anambra State.
He explained that Governor Soludo recognises Christian pilgrimage not only as a spiritual journey but also as an avenue for spiritual and moral renewal, human development, religious tourism, cultural exchange and socio-economic advancement.
The Senior Special Assistant highlighted the proposed Pilgrimage Exchange Programme and Pilgrimage Lottery Programme as initiatives designed to expand access to pilgrimage opportunities, attract visitors to Anambra, create employment and stimulate economic activities.
He explained that the exchange programme would encourage religious tourism and strengthen the relationship between the state and relevant stakeholders, while the lottery programme is intended to promote fairness, transparency and credibility in selecting beneficiaries.
Ezeh disclosed that Elite Hotel and Suites would be considered to provide accommodation and hospitality services for visitors and participants under the proposed Pilgrimage Exchange Programme.
He noted that partnering with established hospitality businesses would help ensure comfortable experiences for visitors while creating business opportunities for local operators.
The proposed arrangement was also expected to strengthen public-private collaboration and enable the hospitality industry to benefit from increased religious tourism.
The statement further disclosed that preparations were underway for the Anambra State Christian Pilgrims Summit, which was expected to educate residents on the question, “Why Pilgrimage?” and highlight its spiritual, moral, social and economic importance.
The summit was also intended to bring together the state government, church leaders, market leaders, hospitality operators and other stakeholders to discuss ways of increasing participation and strengthening pilgrimage activities across the state.
Ezeh also announced that registration forms for the 2026 Christian Pilgrimage were on sale, urging interested persons to visit the Anambra State Pilgrim Affairs Office for registration and further enquiries.
He called on Chief Ani to help publicise the exercise among his staff, business associates and members of the public.
The visit ended with an appeal for sustained cooperation between the government and the private sector to promote religious tourism, encourage cultural exchange, create employment and contribute to the overall development of Anambra State.
Chukwuka Ugokwe is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation Anambra State
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