Archbishop Ibezim Urges Soludo To Sponsor Anambra Christians To Pilgrimage
Most Rev. Dr Alexander Ibezim, the Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province Of The Niger has called on Gov. Chukwuma Soludo to consider partial and total sponsorship for intending Pilgrims in the state as part of efforts to enhance their spiritual wellbeing and revive the spiritual tourism sector.
Ibezim made the call while receiving Mr Odira Ezeh, the Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Chukwuma Soludo on Pilgrim Affairs in his office Awka on Friday.
He described pilgrimage as a highly spiritual journey especially at a time when the nation was facing challenges of economic difficulties, insecurity and need of social stability at all levels.
He called on Soludo to promote spiritual exercise and rejuvenation of the people of state by sponsoring their pilgrimage journey to holy land.
He commended Soludo for reinventing the Pilgrim Office and Ezeh, the Head of the Office for the deliberate effort he is making to revive the sector.
He promised that the Anglican church would work with the Anambra government to revive the religious tourism sector.
According to him, we appeal that Gov. Soludo should find a way to support intending Pilgrims because Welfare is a very important aspect of governance.
“The government should see how they can sponsor people, considering the economy, the government should come in to sponsor people at the community and church levels.
“It used to be like that in the past and it is a good source of encouragement,” he said.
Earlier in his address, Ezeh said the visit was aimed at fostering a stronger relationship between the Anambra Pilgrims Office and the Anglican Archdiocese on the Niger.
He said it was also to explore areas of collaboration that would promote Christian pilgrimage, deepen spiritual awareness and enhance public enlightenment.
He said the governor was committed to the development and advancement of pilgrimage affairs in the State.
Ezeh urged the continued support and partnership of the Archdiocese in identifying and encouraging qualified intending pilgrims, providing spiritual preparation and telling them the significance of pilgrimage.
“The Governor recognises pilgrimage not only as a spiritual journey, but also as an avenue for moral renewal, human development, religious tourism, cultural exchange and economic advancement.
“It is the earnest desire of the governor that deserving sons and daughters of Anambra State, irrespective of their social or economic circumstances, should have access to opportunities provided through the Pilgrims Office.
“As part of this strategic direction, the Deputy Governor is championing the development of a Pilgrimage Exchange Programme, an initiative designed to attract pilgrims from within and outside Nigeria to Anambra State.
“The programme is expected to promote religious tourism, stimulate economic activities, improve the State’s Internally Generated Revenue and create employment opportunities for the youths of Anambra,” he said.
The SSA announced that the Pilgrims Office was planning a Summit for stakeholders in the sector to ensure that the benefits of pilgrimage programmes reached the people at the grassroots.
Ezeh announced that the Pilgrims Office was planning a Summit for stakeholders in the sector to ensure that the benefits of pilgrimage programmes reached the people at the grassroots.
He explained that the Summit is being conceived as a strategic platform to educate the State on the importance and benefits of pilgrimage to individuals, the Church, the State and society at large.
“The Summit is also expected to provide an avenue for relevant stakeholders to deliberate on ways of repositioning pilgrimage affairs, increasing participation, strengthening collaboration and unlocking the spiritual, social and economic potentials of pilgrimage in Anambra.
“The Church is important in promoting Christian values, moral discipline, peace, unity, responsible citizenship and proper conduct among pilgrims before, during and after pilgrimage.
“So, we ask for the support of the Archdiocese in the disseminating accurate information on pilgrimage registration, eligibility requirements, travel guidelines and relevant government policies,” he said.
