Anambra House Majority Leader Backs Campaign For Increased Participation In Pilgrimage
Chief Ikenna Ofodeme, the Majority Leader of Anambra House of Assembly has thrown his weight behind the call on the people of Anambra to participate in the forthcoming Christian pilgrimage to holy land.
Ofodeme, representing Ekwusigo State Constituency in the Anambra House of Assembly made the call when he received the management of Anambra Pilgrims Office in his office, Awka on Wednesday.
He said such a spiritual journey would not only enrich the world view of participants but enhance their spiritual wellbeing and better citizenship.
He however urged the Anambra to fine-tune every diplomatic protocol to ease the process of travelling and measures were put in place to ensure there was no abscondment.
In his address, Mr Odira Ezeh Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo on Pilgrim Affairs said the visit was aimed at fostering a stronger partnership with the distinguished lawmaker in advancing the spiritual, social and developmental objectives of the current administration.
Ezeh said lawmakers’ engagement with their constituents was an important platform for promoting initiatives that contributed to the welfare, development of overall progress of Anambra State.
He said the Anambra government under Soludo was committed to initiatives that promote the spiritual, moral, social and economic development of Anambra.
He urged the Majority Leader to identify opportunities to support deserving constituents who may wish to embark on pilgrimage but lack the financial capacity to do so.
He said such support would provide them with an opportunity for spiritual enrichment while demonstrating a commitment to their welfare and development.
“Christian pilgrimage is one of the avenues through which individuals can experience spiritual renewal, deepen their faith, learn from other cultures and return home with a renewed commitment to their families, communities and the State.
“The Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, has developed initiatives aimed at expanding the opportunities associated with Christian pilgrimage.
“These include the proposed Pilgrimage Exchange Programme, which seeks to promote religious tourism, attract visitors to Anambra State, create employment opportunities and improve the State’s internally generated revenue.
“The proposed Pilgrimage Lottery Programme is another initiative intended to broaden access to pilgrimage opportunities while encouraging fairness, transparency and credibility in the selection of beneficiaries,” he said.
Ezeh used the opportunity to inform the lawmaker about preparations for the forthcoming Anambra State Christian Pilgrims Summit.
He said the Summit was being developed as a platform to educate the people about the essence of pilgrimage, spiritual significance and benefits to individuals and society.
“It is intended to deepen public understanding of Christian pilgrimage, encourage responsible participation and strengthen cooperation among the government, church leaders and other strategic stakeholders.
“In this regard, I wish to encourage you to partner with the Anambra Pilgrim Affairs Office in promoting awareness of Christian pilgrimage and encouraging interested and eligible persons within your constituency to participate in the State’s pilgrimage programme.
I believe that collaboration with you and other distinguished members of the Anambra State House of Assembly will help expand participation in the State’s pilgrimage initiatives and ensure that more deserving Anambra people can benefit from the opportunities they offer,” he said.
Ezeh said airlifting to pilgrimage would commence from early November to the last week of December adding that intended pilgrims should visit the Anambra State Pilgrim Affairs Office for registration and further details.
