Chinedum Treasure
Majority Leader of Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Engr. Sir (Dr.) Ikenna Sylvester Ofordeme, has urged the Anambra State Pilgrim Affairs Office to prioritize transparency, proper screening of intending pilgrims and adequate visa clearance to ensure the success of the state’s Christian pilgrimage programme.
He also called for government subsidy to make the initiative accessible to more residents.
Ofordeme who is representing Ekwusigo Constituency, made the call when the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Pilgrim Affairs, Hon. Barr. Odira Ezeh paid him a courtesy visit with his team as part of ongoing engagements with strategic stakeholders to promote Christian pilgrimage and strengthen collaboration with relevant institutions in Anambra State.
The lawmaker commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for establishing a dedicated Pilgrim Affairs Office, noting that the decision reflects the administration’s recognition of the importance of religion and the need to provide opportunities for Ndi Anambra to deepen their Christian faith.
He observed that pilgrimage was not given similar attention during the governor’s first term, stressing that the new initiative demonstrates a deliberate leadership decision to positively influence people’s lives.
He described leadership as having a common vision and identifying priorities that benefit the people.
Ofordeme maintained that pilgrimage should go beyond travelling abroad and returning with a religious title, insisting that beneficiaries must be able to give meaningful testimonies about their experiences and demonstrate positive changes in their lives.
He therefore urged the state government to invest substantially in the programme to ensure that it produces genuine spiritual transformation and benefits the wider society.
He, however, expressed concern over the need for proper documentation and thorough screening of intending pilgrims before registration is concluded.
He warned that applicants who purchase forms without meeting immigration requirements or securing visas could eventually blame the government and accuse the Pilgrimage Office of misleading or extorting them.
He urged the office to establish adequate security and immigration verification measures to ensure that only qualified applicants are processed.
The Majority Leader further advised the office to clearly explain all registration and travel requirements to intending pilgrims from the point of purchasing their forms.
He stressed that applicants must understand the conditions for participation to avoid disappointment and loss of confidence in the government.
He also noted that since the programme is government-driven, residents would naturally expect some level of subsidy financial assistance to reduce the cost of participation, particularly for those who lack the financial capacity.
Barr. Odira Ezeh, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Pilgrim Affairs, said the visit was aimed at building stronger partnerships with strategic stakeholders and promoting the spiritual, social and developmental objectives of the Soludo administration.
He commended Ofordeme’s legislative leadership and representation, while recognizing the commitment of Governor Soludo and his Deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, to initiatives that promote the spiritual, moral, social and economic development of Ndi Anambra.
Ezeh explained that the Deputy Governor had developed initiatives aimed at expanding the opportunities associated with Christian pilgrimage, including the proposed Pilgrimage Exchange Programme, designed to promote religious tourism, attract visitors to Anambra, create employment opportunities and improve the state’s internally generated revenue.
He also highlighted the proposed Pilgrimage Lottery Programme, which is expected to broaden access to pilgrimage opportunities while ensuring fairness, transparency and credibility in the selection of beneficiaries.
The Pilgrimage Affairs boss also disclosed that preparations were ongoing for the Anambra State Christian Pilgrims Summit, which would educate residents on the question, “Why Pilgrimage?” by highlighting its spiritual significance, purpose and benefits to individuals and society.
He said the summit would provide a platform for collaboration among the state government, church leaders, market leaders, professional bodies and other stakeholders to advance the spiritual and developmental interests of Ndi Anambra.
Ezeh called on Ofordeme, the house of assembly to partner with the Pilgrim Affairs Office in creating awareness and encouraging interested and eligible persons within his constituency to participate in the programme.
He also appealed to the lawmaker to identify opportunities to support deserving constituents who wish to embark on pilgrimage but lack the financial resources.
He further announced that the 2026 Christian Pilgrimage Registration Forms were currently on sale, urging interested persons to visit the Anambra State Pilgrim Affairs Office for registration, information and guidance on the necessary requirements.
The visit highlighted the importance of collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government in advancing the state’s Christian pilgrimage initiative.
Both engagements underscored the need for proper planning, transparency, accessibility and accountability to ensure that the programme delivers meaningful spiritual and social benefits to Ndi Anambra under the leadership of Soludo and his Deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim.
About Author
