Bishop Urges Soludo to Subsidise Christian Pilgrimage, Says Full Self-Sponsorship Could Discourage Participation

By Praise Chinecherem

The Executive President of the Pentecostal Bishops’ Association, Anambra State Inc. (PBAAS), Bishop Prince A. Nwodika, has appealed to Governor Chukwuma Soludo to subsidise the cost of Christian pilgrimage for intending pilgrims from the state, warning that full self-sponsorship could discourage participation.

Nwodika made the appeal when the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Pilgrim Affairs, Office of the Deputy Governor, Hon. Barr. Odira Ezeh, led members of staff of the Pilgrim Affairs Office on a courtesy visit to the association during its meeting in Awka.

The cleric acknowledged the efforts of the Anambra State Pilgrim Affairs Office in promoting Christian pilgrimage but noted that the financial implications of the exercise could prevent many interested Christians from participating.

According to him, although the ₦10,000 registration fee may be affordable, the overall cost of the pilgrimage journey remains a major financial challenge for many intending pilgrims.

He therefore urged the Pilgrim Affairs Office to intensify its engagement with the state government to secure financial support for the programme, citing the Enugu State Pilgrimage Board as an example of government intervention in making pilgrimage more accessible.

He also observed that some northern states provide free pilgrimage opportunities to eligible participants.

“Even if the state government cannot sponsor the pilgrimage 100 per cent, it should consider subsidising between 70 and 80 per cent of the total cost. This will significantly reduce the financial burden on intending pilgrims and encourage greater participation,” he said.

Beyond financial support, Bishop Nwodika called for proper medical and age assessments of prospective pilgrims before departure.

He stressed the need for adequate health screening to establish the medical fitness of participants, noting that age-related considerations were equally important in preventing avoidable medical emergencies and casualties during the exercise.

Earlier, 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 encourage grassroots participation in pilgrimage programmes.

He highlighted Governor Soludo’s commitment to repositioning pilgrimage affairs in the state, under the strategic direction of the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim.

The governor’s aide also outlined some proposed initiatives, including the Pilgrimage Exchange Programme, Pilgrimage Lottery Programme and the forthcoming Anambra State Christian Pilgrims Summit.

According to him, the initiatives are designed to promote religious tourism, stimulate economic activities and expand opportunities for Christians in the state to participate in pilgrimage programmes.

Ezeh further disclosed that registration forms for the 2026 Christian Pilgrimage were currently on sale, appealing to the association to assist in sensitising churches, pastors and their congregations about the exercise.

He expressed appreciation to the Bishop and members of the association for their warm reception and solicited their continued partnership in advancing Christian pilgrimage in Anambra State.

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