By Ikem Ngozi
The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Pilgrim Affairs, Hon. Odira Ezeh, has on November 4 intensified efforts to strengthen collaboration with churches across Anambra State as part of initiatives to promote Christian pilgrimage and religious tourism.
Ezeh, accompanied by members of his team, visited Pst. Mamfe Ugese of The Glory Sanctuary, Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Awka, to seek the church’s partnership and encourage greater participation in Christian pilgrimage programmes.
He explained that the initiative aligned with Governor Soludo’s commitment to ensuring that Christians in Anambra State, irrespective of their social and economic backgrounds, have access to available pilgrimage opportunities.
Ezeh noted that Christian pilgrimage was part of the state government’s efforts to promote spiritual renewal, strengthen the faith of believers and encourage engagement with significant biblical sites in Israel and Jordan.
He also highlighted the proposed Pilgrimage Exchange Programme initiated by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Nkem Ibezim, aimed at promoting religious tourism, attracting visitors to Anambra State, creating employment opportunities and increasing the state’s internally generated revenue.
The SSA further outlined proposed pilgrimage exchange and lottery programmes designed to stimulate religious tourism, attract visitors, boost economic activities and create employment opportunities, particularly for young people.
Responding, Pst. Ugese commended the state government’s approach, describing its emphasis on grassroots church engagement and broader spiritual development as commendable. He noted that the initiative offered a different dimension to pilgrimage programmes traditionally focused mainly on overseas religious journeys.
The cleric pledged to disseminate information about the programmes through Dunamis churches and affiliated independent congregations across Anambra State. He also expressed interest in obtaining the necessary operational guidelines covering registration, coordination and pilgrimage arrangements.
Ezeh explained that the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission coordinates overseas pilgrimage arrangements, while state governments are responsible for mobilising intending pilgrims and submitting their details for federal coordination.
He reaffirmed the Pilgrim Affairs Office’s commitment to building strategic partnerships with churches and other Christian organisations to ensure effective coordination, wider participation and the successful implementation of impactful pilgrimage programmes in Anambra State.
Ikem Ngozi is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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