Chinedum Treasure
Executive President of the Pentecostal Bishops’ Association, Anambra State Inc. (PBAAS), Bishop Prince A Nwodika has appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to consider subsidising the cost of Christian pilgrimage for intending pilgrims from Anambra State.
He noted that full self-sponsorship could discourage many people from participating.
The Bishop made the appeal when the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Pilgrim Affairs, Office of the Deputy Governor, Hon. Barr. Odira Ezeh, alongside members of staff of the Pilgrim Affairs Office, paid a courtesy visit to the Association during their meeting in Awka.
The Bishop acknowledged the efforts of the Anambra State Pilgrim Affairs Office in promoting Christian pilgrimage but observed that while obtaining a registration form for ₦10,000 may be affordable, financing the entire pilgrimage journey could be a major challenge for many Christians.
He urged Ezeh to intensify efforts in convincing the Governor to support the programme financially, citing the Enugu State Pilgrimage Board as an example of how government intervention could make pilgrimage more accessible.
He also noted that some northern states offer free pilgrimage opportunities to eligible participants.
According to him, even if the Anambra State Government cannot provide 100 per cent sponsorship, it should consider supporting between 70 and 80 per cent of the total cost to reduce the financial burden on intending pilgrims and encourage wider participation.
Bishop Nwodika further advised the Pilgrim Affairs Office to introduce proper health and age assessments for prospective pilgrims before departure.
He stressed the importance of confirming their medical fitness and considering age-related concerns to minimise health emergencies and avoid preventable casualties during the pilgrimage.
Earlier, Hon. Odira Ezeh explained that the visit was part of the office’s ongoing engagement with Christian organisations and strategic stakeholders to strengthen collaboration, promote spiritual development and increase grassroots participation in pilgrimage programmes.
Ezeh highlighted Governor Soludo’s commitment to repositioning pilgrimage affairs, with the strategic direction of the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim.
He also presented proposed initiatives, including the Pilgrimage Exchange Programme, Pilgrimage Lottery Programme and the forthcoming Anambra State Christian Pilgrims Summit, aimed at promoting religious tourism, economic activities and wider participation.
The Senior Special Assistant also informed the Bishop that the 2026 Christian Pilgrimage registration forms were currently on sale and appealed to the Association to assist in sensitising churches, pastors and their congregations.
He expressed appreciation for the Bishop’s reception and solicited sustained partnership in advancing Christian pilgrimage in Anambra State.
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