Chinedum Treasure
The Anambra State Pilgrimage Welfare Board has sought collaboration with the State Ministry of Information to enhance public awareness and promote the vision of the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo on pilgrimage affairs.
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Pilgrimage, Barr. Odira Ezeh made the commitment when he led a delegation from the Pilgrimage Welfare Board on a courtesy visit to the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor.
He said the visit was aimed at intimating the Information Ministry on the activities, programmes and strategic direction of the Pilgrims Office, as well as creating a stronger communication framework to showcase the opportunities and benefits of pilgrimage to Ndi Anambra.
He highlighted the commitment of the Pilgrimage Welfare Board to ensuring that Ndi Anambra benefit from the investments and opportunities created by the Soludo administration in the pilgrimage sector.
“The administration of Governor Soludo has continued to demonstrate strong commitment towards repositioning the pilgrimage sector, recognising its spiritual, social and economic importance in promoting faith, unity, responsible citizenship and human development.
“Deputy Governor of the State, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, has also played a key role in providing leadership and support towards improving pilgrimage administration in the State, with a focus on efficiency, transparency and better service delivery to intending pilgrims.
“Part of the ongoing initiatives include development of pilgrimage exchange programmes, which are expected to attract more participants, boost the State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and create employment opportunities for the youths of Anambra State,” he added.
Responding, Commissioner Mefor described the initiative as a familiar and important assignment, stressing the need to properly educate intending pilgrims on the true essence of pilgrimage.
He noted that pilgrimage should not be viewed merely as a social visit or tourism experience, but as a period of spiritual reflection and personal transformation, reminding participants that everyone is a pilgrim on earth and should strive to leave behind positive footprints.
The Commissioner further highlighted the achievements of Soludo’s administration, including ongoing infrastructure projects such as improved access roads in communities like Nzam in Anambra West and the transformation of Okpoko, described as one of the largest urban slums east of the River Niger.
He also cited key interventions by the administration, including free education from nursery to senior secondary school levels, free healthcare services, free maternal delivery programmes, free surgical interventions, smart schools, and efforts against fake religious practices.
Mefor pledged the Ministry’s support to the Pilgrimage Welfare Board whenever needed, adding that the Ministry would provide media platforms, including radio programmes, to promote the activities of the Pilgrims Office and enlighten Ndi Anambra on its programmes.
The partnership, according to observers, is expected to strengthen public engagement, increase participation in pilgrimage activities, and further align the sector with the broader vision of building a livable and prosperous State.
The partnership, according to observers, is expected to strengthen public engagement, increase participation in pilgrimage activities, and further align the sector with the broader vision of building a livable and prosperous Homeland.
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