By Treasure Chinedum
The Anambra State Government has intensified efforts to make its pilgrimage programme accessible to ordinary residents by partnering with the 21 local government councils across the state.
Leading the initiative, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Pilgrimage, Hon. Barr. Odira Ezeh, paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of Aguata Local Government Area and Chairman of the Association of Local Government Chairmen in Anambra State, Hon. Dr. Chibueze Offorbuike, to strengthen grassroots collaboration.
Ezeh said the partnership aligns with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s vision of ensuring that deserving citizens, especially those who cannot afford the cost, benefit from sponsored pilgrimage opportunities.
He added that the state is working on measures to make the programme more inclusive.
He also disclosed that Deputy Governor Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim is developing a lottery-based initiative to transparently expand access to the pilgrimage scheme for more low-income residents.
Responding, Offorbuike pledged the support of all local government chairmen, describing councils as the closest tier of government to the people. He also urged the Pilgrimage Office to appoint representatives in each of the 21 local government areas to improve coordination and grassroots participation.
The partnership is expected to boost awareness, transparency and participation in the state’s pilgrimage programme.
Tags: Anambra, Soludo, Pilgrimage, Aguata, Local Government
