Odumeje Begs Soludo for Fully Sponsorship of Indigent Anambra Pilgrims

By Our Reporter

Popular Onitsha-based cleric, Pastor Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere, better known as Odumeje, has urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo to fully sponsor qualified indigent citizens of Anambra State for Christian pilgrimage, arguing that the gesture could inspire greater civic responsibility and strengthen public appreciation for government.

The General Overseer of Mountain of Holy Ghost Intervention and Deliverance Ministry made the appeal on Thursday during an advocacy visit by officials of the Anambra State Pilgrim Affairs Office to his church.

Odumeje praised Soludo for his developmental policies and efforts to revive the state’s Pilgrim Affairs Office, expressing optimism that the governor would consider his request on behalf of financially disadvantaged residents.

The cleric maintained that government-sponsored pilgrimage should not be viewed merely as religious expenditure but also as an investment in citizens who might otherwise be unable to afford the journey.

“Free pilgrimage is the type of thing a government should give to its citizens. This is what triggers positive motivation among people. They should have a reason to celebrate their government,” he said.

He added that supporting qualified citizens could encourage beneficiaries to contribute more meaningfully to society and give back to the communities that supported them.

Odumeje also described the proposal as part of evangelism, citing his ministry’s practice of supporting people without demanding payment.

“As a ministry, we do it for people. We sponsor people we do not know to travel overseas for free, and we provide free spiritual healing to people with different conditions without collecting money. It is possible,” he said.

The cleric expressed confidence that the state government would give the proposal favourable consideration.

Pilgrim Affairs Office Courts Churches for Stronger Collaboration

Earlier, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Soludo on Pilgrim Affairs, Mr Odira Ezeh, said the visit was aimed at strengthening ties between the government and Christian institutions.

Ezeh commended Odumeje for his spiritual leadership and his contribution to the religious life of his congregation.

He described churches as strategic partners in promoting moral values, spiritual growth, responsible citizenship, and the general welfare of Anambra residents.

According to him, the state government’s pilgrimage programmes are designed to support the spiritual and moral development of citizens while exploring the social and economic opportunities associated with religious travel.

Ezeh explained that Christian pilgrimage provides participants with opportunities for spiritual renewal, deeper faith, cultural exposure, and a renewed commitment to their families and communities.

Pilgrimage Exchange, Lottery Programmes in the Works

Ezeh disclosed that Deputy Governor Onyekachukwu Ibezim was promoting initiatives aimed at expanding access to pilgrimage and maximising its potential benefits for the state.

Among the proposals is a Pilgrimage Exchange Programme intended to promote religious tourism, attract visitors to Anambra, generate employment, and increase the state’s internally generated revenue.

The proposed Pilgrimage Lottery Programme is also expected to widen access to pilgrimage opportunities while ensuring fairness, transparency, and credibility in the selection of beneficiaries.

The initiatives, Ezeh explained, reflect the administration’s interest in strengthening religious engagement while exploring opportunities for tourism and economic development.

2026 Pilgrimage Registration Forms on Sale

The SSA also announced that registration forms for the 2026 Christian pilgrimage were on sale, urging interested residents to contact the Anambra State Pilgrim Affairs Office for registration details and eligibility requirements.

He further disclosed that the state would organise an Anambra Christian Pilgrims Summit to educate residents about pilgrimage and encourage wider participation.

According to him, the summit would provide an opportunity to improve public understanding of Christian pilgrimage and strengthen partnerships between government and religious organisations.

Ezeh called on Odumeje and other church leaders to mobilise their congregations, publicise the registration exercise, explain the requirements, and guide intending pilgrims through the necessary preparations.

He also urged church leaders to provide pastoral counselling and direct interested members to the appropriate government office for further information.

Can Government Sponsorship Expand Access?

Odumeje’s appeal places the question of financial accessibility at the centre of Anambra’s Christian pilgrimage programme.

Full sponsorship for qualified indigent citizens, if adopted, could remove financial barriers for eligible residents. However, the scope of any sponsorship would depend on the state government’s policy, available funding, and established eligibility criteria.

For now, the cleric has urged the Soludo administration to consider the proposal, while the Pilgrim Affairs Office continues to encourage residents and religious institutions to participate in the 2026 registration exercise.
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