By Benson Daniel
The Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger, Most Rev. Alexander Ibezim, has called on Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo to expand government support for Christian pilgrimage by sponsoring more residents to visit recognised religious destinations.
Ibezim made the call during a meeting with officials of the Anambra State Christian Pilgrims Office, who visited him as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation between the government and the Anglican Church on pilgrimage programmes.
The Archbishop stressed the importance of proper planning, particularly in determining the number of intending pilgrims and making adequate arrangements for their welfare, logistics and travel needs.
He noted that pilgrimage should remain fundamentally a spiritual experience, giving Christians an opportunity to reflect on their faith and personal lives.
Ibezim also urged the authorities to ensure that intending pilgrims receive clear information about recognised destinations, including Jerusalem, Rome and Greece, as well as the procedures and requirements for participating in pilgrimage programmes.
The meeting formed part of a wider effort by the state government to make pilgrimage opportunities more accessible to Ndi Anambra, irrespective of their social or economic background.
The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Pilgrims Affairs, Odira Ezeh, said the administration was working to reposition pilgrimage as more than a religious journey, describing it as an avenue for spiritual renewal, human development, cultural exchange, religious tourism and economic activity.
Ezeh said the government was considering initiatives including a Pilgrimage Exchange Programme and a Pilgrimage Lottery Programme, aimed at widening participation and improving fairness in access to available opportunities.
He also highlighted the potential of the Blessed Iwene Tansi Shrine in Aguleri to become a major pilgrimage and religious tourism destination, saying its development would require cooperation between government, churches and other stakeholders.
The officials further disclosed plans for an Anambra State Christian Pilgrims Summit, to be hosted by Deputy Governor Onyekachukwu Ibezim, with Governor Soludo expected to serve as Chief Host.
The summit is intended to increase public awareness about pilgrimage and examine ways of maximising its spiritual, social and economic benefits.
Archbishop Ibezim commended the state government’s efforts to strengthen pilgrimage administration and prayed for the success of the proposed programmes.
The renewed focus on pilgrimage comes as the Soludo administration seeks to increase grassroots participation and position religious tourism as part of its broader development agenda. The state government has previously said it wants pilgrimage opportunities to reach traders, farmers, widows and other less privileged residents whenever sponsorship becomes available.
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