By Chinedum Treasure
The Senior Special Assistant to the Anambra State Governor on Pilgrims Affairs, Hon. Barr. Odira Ezeh, has called for stronger collaboration between the State Christian Pilgrims Office and the Anglican Church to boost pilgrimage participation and development in the state.
Ezeh made the call when he led officials of the Pilgrims Office on a courtesy visit to the Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of the Niger and Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Dr. Alexander Ibezim.
He said the visit was part of efforts to engage religious stakeholders on ways to reposition pilgrimage administration and make the programme more accessible to Ndi Anambra.
According to Ezeh, Governor Chukwuma Soludo and his Deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, view pilgrimage not only as a spiritual journey but also as an avenue for moral renewal, human development, religious tourism, cultural exchange and economic advancement.
He disclosed plans for initiatives including a proposed Pilgrimage Exchange Programme, Pilgrimage Lottery Programme and Anambra State Christian Pilgrims Summit, which will be hosted by the Deputy Governor with Governor Soludo as Chief Host.
Ezeh also highlighted the potential of the Blessed Iwene Tansi Shrine at Aguleri as a major pilgrimage and religious tourism destination, stressing that its development would require cooperation between government, the Church and other stakeholders.
He appealed to Archbishop Ibezim to participate as a key speaker at the proposed summit and urged the Anglican Church to help identify and encourage intending pilgrims, while providing accurate information on registration, eligibility, travel guidelines and spiritual preparation.
Responding, Archbishop Ibezim prayed for the success of the Pilgrims Office and commended Ezeh’s efforts to reposition pilgrimage affairs in Anambra.
The Archbishop stressed the need for proper planning, clear information on pilgrimage destinations and adequate attention to logistics and pilgrims’ welfare.
He described pilgrimage as fundamentally a spiritual experience that offers people an opportunity for reflection on their faith, daily lives and the meaning of human existence.
He also commended Governor Soludo and Deputy Governor Ibezim for their initiatives and expressed support for efforts to strengthen pilgrimage in Anambra State.
Tags: Anambra State, Pilgrimage, Anglican Church, Chukwuma Soludo, Odira Ezeh
