By Ngozi Ikem
The Senior Special Assistant to the Anambra State Governor on Pilgrims Affairs, Hon. Odira Ezeh, has called for stronger collaboration between the state government and christian organisations to reposition pilgrimage administration and make participation more accessible to Ndi Anambra. Hon. Ezeh made the call on Sept. 8, when he led a delegation from the Pilgrims Affairs Office on a courtesy visit to the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) in Amawbia.
He said the engagement was aimed at strengthening the relationship between the government and the church while promoting a more inclusive, transparent and beneficial pilgrimage system for christians across the State.
According to him, the Soludo administration is committed to creating opportunities that are accessible to ordinary citizens, stressing that christian pilgrimage should not be perceived as an exclusive programme for the wealthy.
Ezeh disclosed that the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, was supporting initiatives aimed at repositioning pilgrimage administration and creating new opportunities for Ndi Anambra.
He said a Pilgrimage Exchange Programme was being considered to promote religious tourism, stimulate economic activities and create employment opportunities, particularly for youths. “Pilgrimage is more than a religious travel, but also targeted for cultural exchange and social development,” he said.
The SSA also disclosed plans for a Pilgrimage Lottery Programme designed to promote fairness, transparency and wider access to pilgrimage opportunities, especially for citizens who may be constrained by financial challenges. He urged christian organisations to support the initiative through grassroots sensitisation and the dissemination of accurate information on registration and travel arrangements.
He further revealed plans for a proposed Christian Pilgrimage Summit, which would provide a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on ways of repositioning pilgrimage affairs in Anambra and educate the public on the significance and benefits of pilgrimage. He said the date would be communicated after approval.
Responding, the Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria in Anambra State, Bishop Moses Ezedebego, expressed the PFN’s willingness to collaborate with the state government. He advocated for an inclusive Pilgrims Welfare Board with representation from the Catholic, Anglican and Pentecostal denominations, describing such representation as necessary for balanced participation and effective coordination.
Chief Ezeh thanked the PFN for its support and expressed optimism that stronger collaboration among the state government, the church and the Pilgrims Affairs Office would usher in a more transparent, inclusive and impactful pilgrimage system in Anambra State.
Ngozi Ikem is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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