By Chinedum Treasure
The Majority Leader of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Engr. Sir (Dr.) Ikenna Sylvester Ofordeme, has urged the state government to subsidise Christian pilgrimage to enable more residents to participate in the programme.
Ofordeme, who represents Ekwusigo Constituency, made the call when the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Pilgrim Affairs, Hon. Barr. Odira Ezeh, paid him a courtesy visit.
He commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for establishing a dedicated Pilgrim Affairs Office, describing it as a positive step towards promoting the spiritual development of Ndi Anambra.
The lawmaker, however, stressed the need for transparency, proper screening and adequate visa clearance to prevent intending pilgrims from losing money or facing disappointment.
He urged the office to clearly communicate registration and immigration requirements before applicants purchase forms, warning that inadequate screening could undermine public confidence in the programme.
Ofordeme also maintained that pilgrimage should produce genuine spiritual transformation rather than merely provide participants with an opportunity to travel abroad and acquire religious titles. He called on the government to invest adequately in the initiative and make it financially accessible to deserving residents.
Responding, Ezeh said the visit was part of efforts to build partnerships with strategic stakeholders and promote the spiritual and developmental objectives of the Soludo administration.
He disclosed that initiatives, including a proposed Pilgrimage Exchange Programme and Pilgrimage Lottery Programme, were being developed to expand participation, promote religious tourism, create employment and ensure fairness in selecting beneficiaries.
Ezeh also announced plans for an Anambra State Christian Pilgrims Summit to educate residents on the spiritual significance and benefits of pilgrimage.
He appealed to Ofordeme and the State House of Assembly to support the initiative through public awareness and assistance to financially disadvantaged but deserving constituents.
The Pilgrim Affairs boss further announced that registration forms for the 2026 Christian pilgrimage were on sale, urging interested residents to visit the state Pilgrim Affairs Office for information and registration.
Tags: Anambra State, Christian Pilgrimage, Soludo Administration, Ikenna Ofordeme
