Anambra State Government mandates MDAs to support the pilgrimage for residents

The head of the Anambra State Pilgrims Welfare Board has called on heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to support Christians and deserving citizens in participating in the 2026 pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

Ezeh made the appeal during a courtesy visit to Mr. Desmond Nwokoye, Chief Executive Officer of Anambra State Special Anti-Touting Squad (SASA).

Air transportation of pilgrims will begin in the first week of November and end in the last week of December 2026.

Senior Special Assistant to Governor Chukwuma Soludo informed the SASA boss that registration and sale of forms for the 2026 Christian pilgrimage were underway, urging the agency to sustain.

He said Prof. Chukwuma Soludo’s administration is committed to initiatives that promote spiritual, moral, social and economic development, adding that Christian pilgrimage is one of those avenues that also generate spiritual renewal, deeper faith and cultural exchange.

“I am confident that a productive collaboration with you will contribute to greater awareness of Christian pilgrimage and help make accessible opportunities available to the most deserving people of Anambra.

“I encourage you to identify opportunities to support deserving Christians in Anambra who may wish to undertake a pilgrimage but do not have the financial capacity to do so.

“Such support would provide them with an opportunity for spiritual enrichment while demonstrating a commitment to their well-being and development.

“Together we can promote initiatives that foster spiritual growth, encourage cultural exchange, create opportunities for our people and contribute to the overall development of Anambra,” he said.

Ezeh also briefed the SASA MD on the upcoming Anambra Christian Pilgrims Summit, designed to educate Anambra people on the need for pilgrimage, as well as highlight its essence, spiritual significance and benefits to individuals and society.

He said the summit will aid understanding of Christian pilgrimage, encourage responsible participation and strengthen cooperation between government, church leaders, market leaders and other stakeholders in promoting spirituality and development in Anambra.

He said the Pilgrims Bureau, under the supervision of Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, the Deputy Governor, had developed initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities associated with Christian pilgrimage and pilgrimage exchange programs to promote religious tourism.

“The proposed Pilgrimage Lottery Program is another initiative intended to broaden access to pilgrimage opportunities while encouraging fairness, transparency and credibility in the selection of beneficiaries.

“I encourage you to partner with the Anambra Pilgrim Affairs Office in promoting awareness of Christian pilgrimage and encouraging interested and eligible people in your sphere of influence to participate in the State’s pilgrimage programme.

“Given your important role as MD of SASA, your support would be invaluable in extending the reach of the State’s pilgrimage initiatives.

“I commend you for your leadership of SASA and your contribution to promoting order, discipline and public safety in the state,” he said.

In a reaction, Nwokoye commended the Ezeh-led Pilgrims Bureau for the initiative it was taking to enrich religious tourism in Anambra, assuring that SASA would support it to succeed.

He said Pilgrim is a true form of Christian evangelism which has contributed to a large extent in moderating the tendency of people to indulge in crime and drugs.

He said SASA and Pilgrim Office had the same set of objectives which were to ensure high moral standards and a crime-free society.

He appreciated Soludo for supporting SASA, saying their activities have brought sanity back to Anambra State.