By Uzo Ugwunze
Pastor Mamfe Ugese of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, The Glory Sanctuary, Awka, has commended Anambra State Government for bringing Christian pilgrimage administration closer to the people, describing the initiative as important opportunity for spiritual growth and religious participation.
Ugese made the commendation when the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Pilgrim Affairs, Hon. Barr. Odira Ezeh, alongside staff of the Anambra State Christian Pilgrims Office, paid him a courtesy visit at the church in Awka.
The visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with the church and creating greater awareness about Christian pilgrimage programmes in the state.
The cleric described pilgrimage as an important spiritual experience, saying every Christian should have the opportunity to undertake the journey at least once in a lifetime.
He commended the Anambra State Government for recognising the importance of making pilgrimage opportunities accessible to the people and praised the sensitivity and vision behind bringing pilgrimage administration closer to the grassroots.
The cleric who said he had travelled across the country and observed how state governments support pilgrimage programmes, appreciated Governor Soludo, Deputy Governor Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim and Hon. Ezeh for their commitment to repositioning pilgrimage affairs in Anambra.
He noted that the initiative was a commendable approach that other states could learn from.
He further pledged to extend information about the pilgrimage registration exercise beyond Dunamis International Gospel Centre to more than 50 independent churches affiliated with the ministry under the Sons of Prophets network in Anambra State.
He also expressed his readiness to follow up with the Pilgrims Affairs Office to obtain the operational guidelines and registration information for proper dissemination among the churches.
Earlier, Hon. Ezeh explained that the Federal Government, through the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), coordinates Christian pilgrimage in the country, while state governments facilitate the preparation and submission of intending pilgrims.
He disclosed that the Federal Government had encouraged state governors to subsidise pilgrimage costs for participants and expressed confidence that Governor Soludo would extend such support to Ndi Anambra to make participation more affordable.
The Senior Special Assistant also highlighted the proposed Pilgrimage Exchange Programme, which is expected to promote religious tourism, attract visitors to Anambra, stimulate economic activities, increase internally generated revenue and create employment opportunities for youths.
He equally explained the proposed Pilgrimage Lottery Programme, designed to widen access to pilgrimage opportunities through a fair, transparent and credible selection process.
Hon. Ezeh urged the church to partner with the Pilgrims Affairs Office in sensitising members, providing spiritual guidance and encouraging qualified Christians to participate in the programme.
He announced that the 2026 Christian Pilgrimage Registration Forms were currently on sale, urging interested persons to visit the Anambra State Pilgrim Affairs Office for registration and further enquiries.
“He expressed appreciation to Pastor Ugese for receiving the delegation and reaffirmed the office’s commitment to an inclusive and transparent pilgrimage programme in line with the Soludo administration’s vision for a livable and prosperous Anambra State.