Anambra Pilgrim Office Woos Pentecostal Fellowship for Religious Tourism Push, Unveils New Programme

By Our Reporter

The Anambra State Christian Pilgrim Office is seeking a stronger partnership with the Pentecostal Fellowship Movement (PFM) to transform Christian pilgrimage into a major religious tourism and economic opportunity in the state.

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Pilgrims Affairs, Mr. Odira Ezeh, made the call during a working visit to the Bishop of the Pentecostal Fellowship Movement, Bishop Moses Ezedebego, at Amawbia on Wednesday.

Ezeh said the engagement was aimed at strengthening collaboration between the state’s Pilgrim Office and the Pentecostal community, while expanding awareness and participation in Christian pilgrimage programmes.

According to him, the initiative aligns with the Soludo administration’s broader objective of building a livable and prosperous Anambra where residents, including those at the grassroots, can access government programmes and opportunities.

‘The Church is an indispensable partner’

Ezeh, whose office is domiciled in the Office of the Deputy Governor, said the government attaches importance to pilgrimage because of its potential spiritual, moral, social and economic benefits.

He stressed that the Church would remain central to the success of the programme because of its extensive grassroots network.

“The Church remains an indispensable partner in achieving these objectives, particularly because of its extensive reach and influence at the grassroots,” Ezeh said.

He explained that the government wants ordinary residents to be better informed and enabled to participate in pilgrimage opportunities.

The SSA also disclosed that Deputy Governor Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim was repositioning and strengthening pilgrimage administration in the state.

New programmes planned to boost religious tourism

Ezeh unveiled two proposed initiatives which he said could expand participation and give pilgrimage a stronger economic dimension.

The first is the Pilgrimage Exchange Programme, which is expected to promote religious tourism, attract more intending pilgrims, stimulate economic activity and create employment opportunities for young people.

The second is the proposed Pilgrimage Lottery Programme, designed to broaden access to pilgrimage opportunities while promoting fairness, transparency and credibility in the selection process.

“Among the initiatives are the proposed Pilgrimage Exchange Programme, which is expected to deepen religious tourism, attract more intending pilgrims, stimulate economic activities and create employment opportunities for youths.

“There is also a Pilgrimage Lottery Programme, designed to broaden access and promote fairness, transparency and credibility in the pilgrimage process,” he said.

PFM asked to help mobilise intending pilgrims

Ezeh called on the PFM and other Christian organisations to support the government through sustained sensitisation and mobilisation of prospective pilgrims.

He urged churches to assist with spiritual preparation and orientation, provide accurate information on registration, eligibility and travel procedures, and encourage responsible Christian conduct throughout pilgrimage journeys.

He expressed appreciation to Bishop Ezedebego for receiving the delegation and expressed optimism that the meeting would pave the way for a mutually beneficial partnership.

Bishop Ezedebego: Give intending pilgrims incentives

Responding, Bishop Moses Ezedebego commended the Pilgrim Office for what he described as efforts to revive the pilgrimage sector.

He pledged the willingness of the Pentecostal Fellowship Movement to work with the state government in promoting Christian pilgrimage and religious tourism.

The Bishop, however, urged the Soludo administration to consider incentives that would make pilgrimage more affordable and accessible to residents, particularly intending pilgrims who may struggle with the financial requirements of travelling to the Holy Land.

He called on the government to develop practical measures that would encourage more people in Anambra to participate in pilgrimage programmes.

The engagement marks a renewed push to position Christian pilgrimage not only as a spiritual journey but also as a potential driver of religious tourism, youth employment and economic activity in Anambra State.

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