By Ikem Ngozi
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Pilgrims Affairs, Office of the Deputy Governor, Hon. Barr. Odira Ezeh, has called on the leadership of Onitsha Main Market to encourage and support traders interested in participating in the forthcoming Christian pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan.
Barr. Ezeh made the call on October 7, when he led officials of the Anambra State Christian Pilgrims Affairs Office on a courtesy visit to the Chairman of Onitsha Main Market, Hon. Michael Chijioke Okpalaugo, at his office in Onitsha.
He urged the market chairman to consider sponsoring himself and supporting other deserving traders who may be unable to participate due to financial constraints, noting that such assistance would promote wider participation and enable more residents to benefit from the pilgrimage programme.
The Senior Special Assistant also solicited the cooperation of the market leadership in disseminating accurate information and sensitising traders on the opportunities and benefits associated with Christian pilgrimage.
He conveyed Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo’s commitment to strengthening pilgrimage activities in Anambra State, explaining that the Governor considers pilgrimage an avenue for spiritual and moral renewal, human development, religious tourism, cultural exchange and socio-economic advancement.
Barr. Ezeh explained that the visit was part of the office’s ongoing engagement with strategic stakeholders aimed at strengthening grassroots participation and creating greater awareness about Christian pilgrimage across the state.
He further highlighted initiatives of the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, aimed at expanding access and encouraging wider participation, including the Pilgrimage Exchange Programme and Pilgrimage Lottery Programme.
He disclosed that preparations were also ongoing for the proposed Anambra State Christian Pilgrims Summit, which is expected to educate residents on the spiritual, moral, social and economic significance of pilgrimage.
Responding, the Chairman of Onitsha Main Market, Hon. Michael Chijioke Okpalaugo, expressed support for the initiative and assured the Pilgrims Affairs Office of his readiness to partner with the state government towards its success.
He said, “The government has special interest in the market, especially Onitsha Main Market. Anything that comes from the government, I will always like to align myself with it in the market.”
Ngozi is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State.
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