Chinedum Treasure
The United Voice of Sabbath, Anambra State has reaffirmed its support for the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, while calling for greater recognition of Sabbath missions in the state’s development programmes and Christian pilgrimage initiatives.
General Elder of United Voice of Sabbath, Most Rev. Gideon Uchenna Omenyi stated this while hosting Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Pilgrim Affairs, Office of the Deputy Governor, Hon. Barr. Odira Ezeh in his office.
The visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration between State Government and the Church in promoting Christian pilgrimage and spiritual development.
During the engagement, Ezeh commended Omenyi’s spiritual leadership and encouraged members of the Sabbath community to support Governor Soludo’s administration through prayers and active participation in the development of the State.
He also highlighted the Pilgrimage Exchange Programme, Pilgrimage Lottery Programme and the forthcoming Anambra State Christian Pilgrims Summit, noting that the initiatives would expand access to pilgrimage, promote religious tourism and create employment opportunities.
He further disclosed that registration forms for the 2026 Christian pilgrimage were available at the Pilgrim Affairs Office.
Responding, Omenyi commended Governor Soludo for efforts to revive the state’s Pilgrim Affairs Office but appealed for the inclusion of Sabbath missions in government programmes.
He also raised concerns about the difficulties Sabbath members encounter during elections when voting dates coincide with their worship days, explaining that such situations can limit their ability to exercise their civic rights.
The cleric also commended the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, for doing everything possible to ensure the success of the Pilgrim Affairs Office.
He expressed confidence that the office’s success and the administration’s continued engagement with religious communities would further strengthen public support and translate into increased votes for the government during elections.
The cleric, however, emphasised that members of the Sabbath community contribute to the electoral process and should be given fair opportunities to participate in voting and other civic activities.
While noting that the mission had spent years deliberating and making sacrifices to organise its internal leadership election, Omenyi expressed hope that greater understanding and appropriate arrangements would enable its members participate more fully in Nigeria’s democratic process without compromising their religious convictions.
“Sabbath missions have millions of members worldwide. Anambra State has a significant Sabbath population whose contributions to governance and development should not be overlooked,” he added.
The cleric praised the Soludo administration’s efforts in security, road infrastructure, education and youth empowerment, while expressing the mission’s willingness to continue supporting the governor.
He declared, “Where he goes, we go,” as he reiterated the community’s stated commitment to his leadership.
The engagement highlighted the importance of collaboration between the state government and religious institutions in advancing Christian pilgrimage, promoting religious inclusion and ensuring that Sabbath worshippers can contribute to the state’s development while enjoying their constitutional right to vote.
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