Anambra Pilgrims Office Seeks FA’s Collaboration On Mobilisation Of Citizens
Mr Odira Ezeh, the Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo on Pilgrim Affairs called on the Anambra Football community to support the effort to revive the religious tourism sector through participation of citizens in pilgrimage activities.
Ezeh made the call when he led members of his team on a courtesy visit to Chikelue Iloenyosi, Chairman of the Anambra State Football Association
in his office on Monday.
He said the visit was to foster a stronger relationship between the Pilgrim Affairs Office and the FA given the important role of sports and football in particular played in public enlightenment, grassroots mobilisation, and participation in pilgrimage programmes.
Eze said the administration of Soludo, was committed to advancing pilgrimage affairs and ensuring that deserving sons and daughters of Anambra State had access to pilgrimage opportunities, irrespective of their social or economic status.
The SSA said the Deputy Governor, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezim who supervised the office was repositioning pilgrimage administration through initiatives designed to promote religious tourism, create employment opportunities, and improve m Internally Generated Revenue.
He said some of the initiatives included the proposed Pilgrimage Exchange Programme, which seeks to attract pilgrims and visitors to Anambra State, encourage religious and cultural exchange, stimulate economic activities, and create opportunities for local businesses.
“The proposed Pilgrimage Lottery Programme is also designed to broaden access to pilgrimage opportunities while promoting fairness, transparency, and credibility in the selection of beneficiaries,” he said.
Ezeh appealed for the support and partnership of the Anambra FA in advancing the pilgrimage initiatives of the Anambra State Government.
“Given your esteemed position in the football industry and your influence among football administrators, players, coaches, and other stakeholders.
“I encourage you to reach out to philanthropists and other relevant stakeholders in the sports industry and your members to the 2026 pilgrimage scheduled for Israel and Jordan respectively.
“I believe that your support will be instrumental in encouraging greater participation in the State’s pilgrimage programmes.
“Please support the Pilgrim Affairs Office through enlightenment, dissemination of information on pilgrimage registration, identification and encouragement of qualified intending pilgrims within the football community,” he said.
The SSA further informed the FA chairman of the planned Anambra State Christian Pilgrims Summit which was being organised to enlighten Anambra residents about pilgrimage and its numerous benefits.
According to him, the summit will also provide an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss ways of strengthening collaboration, increasing participation, and repositioning pilgrimage affairs in Anambra.
“I am pleased to inform you that the 2026 Christian Pilgrimage Registration Forms are currently on sale. Interested persons are encouraged to visit the Anambra State Pilgrim Affairs Office for registration and further enquiries,” he said
In his response, Iloenyosi appreciated the Ezeh Pilgrim Office team.and assured them of the support of the Anambra FA towards achieving their objectives.
“I will do everything that I can to support you and help you succeed,” he said.
