Anambra Pilgrim Boss Seeks MDAs’ Support for 2026 Holy Land Pilgrimage

By Our Reporter

The Head of the Anambra State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr Odira Ezeh, has urged heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to support Christians and other deserving residents seeking to participate in the 2026 pilgrimage to the Holy Land.

Ezeh made the appeal during a courtesy visit to the Managing Director of the Anambra State Special Anti-Touting Squad (SASA), Mr Desmond Nwokoye, where he solicited institutional support to promote the pilgrimage programme and expand access for eligible residents.

According to Ezeh, the airlifting of pilgrims is scheduled to commence in the first week of November and end in the last week of December 2026.

He disclosed that registration and the sale of forms for the 2026 Christian pilgrimage were ongoing, urging SASA to assist in publicising the programme and directing interested applicants to the appropriate office for further information.

The Senior Special Assistant to Governor Chukwuma Soludo said the state government remained committed to initiatives that promote the spiritual, moral, social and economic development of the people.

He described Christian pilgrimage as an avenue for spiritual renewal, strengthening of faith and cultural exchange.

“I am confident that a productive partnership with you will contribute to greater awareness of Christian pilgrimage and help make the available opportunities accessible to more deserving Anambra people,” Ezeh said.

He encouraged government agencies and other stakeholders to identify and support Christians who wished to undertake the pilgrimage but lacked the financial means.

“Such support would provide them with an opportunity for spiritual enrichment while demonstrating a commitment to their welfare and development,” he added.

Ezeh noted that collective efforts by government institutions and other stakeholders would help promote spiritual growth, encourage cultural exchange and create opportunities for residents across the state.

Anambra Christian Pilgrims Summit in the Works

The pilgrims’ board chief also informed Nwokoye of plans for an upcoming Anambra Christian Pilgrims Summit, designed to educate residents on the purpose, spiritual significance and benefits of Christian pilgrimage to individuals and society.

He explained that the summit would deepen public understanding of pilgrimage, encourage responsible participation and strengthen collaboration among the government, church leaders, market leaders and other stakeholders.

According to him, the Anambra Pilgrim Affairs Office, under the supervision of Deputy Governor Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim, has been developing initiatives to expand access to Christian pilgrimage and promote pilgrimage exchange programmes as part of efforts to advance religious tourism.

Ezeh further highlighted the proposed Pilgrimage Lottery Programme, describing it as an initiative intended to broaden access to pilgrimage opportunities while promoting fairness, transparency and credibility in the selection of beneficiaries.

He called on SASA to partner with the pilgrims’ office in raising awareness and encouraging eligible residents within its sphere of influence to participate in the state’s pilgrimage programme.

“Given your important role as the MD of SASA, your support would be invaluable in extending the reach of the state’s pilgrimage initiatives,” he said.

Ezeh also commended Nwokoye for his leadership of SASA and its contributions to promoting orderliness, discipline and public safety in Anambra State.

SASA Pledges Support for Pilgrimage Initiative

In his response, Nwokoye commended Ezeh and the pilgrims’ office for their efforts to promote religious tourism and spiritual development in the state.

He assured the delegation that SASA would support the initiative and contribute to its success.

Nwokoye described Christian pilgrimage as a valuable form of evangelism, saying it could help strengthen moral values and discourage criminal activities and drug abuse.

He noted that SASA and the pilgrims’ office shared common objectives in promoting high moral standards and working towards a crime-free society.

The SASA managing director also expressed appreciation to Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his support for the agency, stating that its activities had helped restore sanity and orderliness across Anambra State.

The proposed collaboration is expected to strengthen awareness of the 2026 Christian pilgrimage and encourage greater participation by eligible residents, particularly those who require financial assistance.

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