Anambra Pilgrimage Office Seeks Anglican Church Partnership to Boost Participation, Religious Tourism

By Praise Chinecherem

The Anambra State Christian Pilgrims Office has sought a stronger partnership with the Anglican Church to reposition pilgrimage administration, increase grassroots participation and harness the spiritual, cultural and economic opportunities associated with pilgrimage.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Anambra State Governor on Pilgrims Affairs, Hon. Barr. Odira Ezeh, made the call when he led officials of the Pilgrims Office on a courtesy visit to the Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, His Grace, Most Revd Dr. Alexander Ibezim.

Ezeh said the engagement was part of efforts to deepen collaboration with major religious stakeholders and develop a more inclusive and effective pilgrimage system in the state.

He said the administration of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, in collaboration with his deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, was committed to making pilgrimage opportunities accessible to eligible and interested Ndi Anambra, regardless of their social or economic status.

“The government sees pilgrimage beyond a spiritual journey. It sees it as an avenue for spiritual and moral renewal, human development, religious tourism, cultural exchange and economic advancement,” Ezeh said.

According to him, the Deputy Governor is championing initiatives aimed at expanding the reach and impact of pilgrimage, including a proposed Pilgrimage Exchange Programme designed to attract pilgrims to Anambra and stimulate religious tourism, employment and economic activity.

He also disclosed plans for a proposed Pilgrimage Lottery Programme, which he said would broaden access to pilgrimage opportunities while promoting transparency, fairness and credibility in the selection process.

Ezeh identified the Blessed Iwene Tansi Shrine in Aguleri as a major potential destination for pilgrimage and religious tourism, stressing that its development would require a coordinated effort involving government, the Church and other stakeholders.

He further announced preparations for the proposed Anambra State Christian Pilgrims Summit, to be hosted by Deputy Governor Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, with Governor Soludo as Chief Host.

According to him, the summit is expected to educate Ndi Anambra on the significance of pilgrimage while exploring ways to maximize its spiritual, social and economic benefits.

Ezeh appealed to Archbishop Ibezim to join Bishop Okpaleke as a key speaker at the summit and called on the Anglican Church to play a greater role in identifying, encouraging and preparing intending pilgrims.

“We also urge the Church to provide spiritual orientation and disseminate accurate information on pilgrimage registration, eligibility, travel guidelines and other relevant policies through parishes, homilies, retreats and other church programmes,” he said.

Responding, Archbishop Ibezim prayed for divine blessings and protection for the Anambra State Christian Pilgrims Office, its leadership and staff, while commending Ezeh for his efforts to reposition pilgrimage affairs in the state.

The Archbishop emphasized the need for proper planning and effective administration, noting that intending pilgrims must be adequately informed about recognised pilgrimage destinations, including Jerusalem, Rome, Greece and other centres.

He also called for greater attention to logistics and pilgrims’ welfare, stressing the importance of proper arrangements based on the number of participants and their specific needs.

“Pilgrimage is fundamentally a spiritual experience. It provides individuals with an opportunity to reflect on their daily lives, their faith and the essence of human existence,” Archbishop Ibezim said.

He commended Governor Soludo and Deputy Governor Ibezim for their initiatives to strengthen pilgrimage administration in the state and prayed for the success of the proposed programmes.

The meeting is expected to strengthen collaboration between the Anambra State Government, the Christian Pilgrims Office and the Anglican Diocese of Awka, particularly in promoting responsible pilgrimage, spiritual preparation and grassroots participation.

The partnership also aligns with the broader vision of making pilgrimage not only a meaningful spiritual experience for Ndi Anambra, but also a platform for religious tourism, cultural exchange and human development.

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