The Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC) has appealed to governors in the South-east region to support indigent but deserving Christians in making a pilgrimage to holy sites. This call was made by the Southeast zonal coordinator of NCPC, Mrs Nneamaka Opara Gladys, during a meeting with officials from the Anambra state pilgrims office in Enugu. The NCPC aims to make pilgrimage accessible to all, regardless of financial means.
Mrs Opara commended the Imo and Enugu state governments for their support in sponsoring their citizens' pilgrimage over the years. She emphasized the importance of pilgrimage for spiritual upliftment and value reorientation in society. The zonal coordinator encouraged other state governors in the region to provide opportunities for their citizens to participate in pilgrimage by supporting deserving but less privileged Christians.
During the meeting, Mrs Opara assured the Anambra pilgrims office that the NCPC, Enugu office, would provide necessary guidance and assistance for effective service delivery. She encouraged the Anambra pilgrims office and others in the Southeast to feel free to contact the zonal office for clarification or assistance. The zonal office was established to provide support and ensure a smooth pilgrimage experience.
Mrs Opara also provided an update on current pilgrimage protocols and travel advisory to some countries, including Israel, where a ban on visits was recently lifted. This information is crucial for pilgrims to be aware of the latest developments and requirements for traveling to holy sites.
Earlier, Mr Odira Ezeh, Senior Special Assistant to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Pilgrims Affairs, led the Anambra state pilgrims office officials on the visit. The purpose of the visit was to forge a stronger partnership between his office and the NCPC Southeast Zonal Office for enhanced pilgrim administration in Anambra. Mr Ezeh expressed gratitude to Governor Soludo's administration for reestablishing the pilgrims office.
Mr Ezeh commended the Deputy Governor for providing good supervision and supporting activities aimed at increasing access to pilgrimage and developing religious tourism in Anambra. He mentioned that the Anambra Pilgrims Summit, planned for October, would educate residents on pilgrimage benefits and how to participate without challenges. The summit aims to revive public awareness and interest in pilgrimage activities in Anambra.
The renewed interest in pilgrimage affairs in Anambra has opened new opportunities for citizens to participate in spiritual excursions. The collaboration between the Anambra pilgrims office and the NCPC Southeast Zonal Office is expected to enhance pilgrim administration and provide a better experience for Anambra's pilgrims.
Key points
- NCPC calls on South-east governors to support indigent Christians in pilgrimage.
- Imo and Enugu state governments have been commended for sponsoring citizens' pilgrimage.
- Anambra Pilgrims Summit to be held in October to educate residents on pilgrimage benefits.
