Anambra State Governor, Chief WIllie Obiano has said that Christian Pilgrimage is a rewarding experience, worth embarking on and highly recommended to all Christians. He made this disclosure in his office in Awka while receiving the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Rev. Tor Uja who was on a sensitization visit to the State.
Governor Obiano Stated that because of the importance of pilgrimage to Christians” we want to encourage every able bodied men to go on pilgrimage every year”
He commended the NCPC boss for the introduction of Support a Pilgrim to Israel (SAPTI) initiative which according to him” will enable many Christians to go on Holy Pilgrimage to Israel”. He advised that the Commission should target different groups who have been contributing money to send themselves on pilgrimage. He posited that such groups would want to key into such veritable and credible platform like SAPTI.
He admonished the members of board of the State Christian Pilgrim Welfare Board (CPWB) to think out of the box and come out with creative ideas that would add value to their programmes. He stressed that the era of depending on Government sponsorship of pilgrims was over.
The Governor further assured the NCPC boss that he would provide creative ideas to support the indigent ones to go on pilgrimage.
Earlier, the NCPC boss congratulated the Governor for his selfless service to the people of Anambra state and to the nation. His words, “you have given our nation governance, you are offering leadership”
Rev. Uja further appreciated the Governor for his infrastructural and Agricultural development in the State.
He canvassed for a prayer session by men of God in the State to Pray for the Governor and the State.
He stated that those who go on pilgrimage have on enhancement than somebody who has not gone on pilgrimage.
According to him “I am convinced that every Nigerian Christian should be helped to go on pilgrimage at least once in a life time.
He informed the Governor about the four pilgrimage programmes of the Commission which according to him are all important.
He described the Youth pilgrimage programme of the Commission as very critical because of the spiritual impact on the youths””, and the need to build the nationalist character in our country and expose them to opportunities in Agriculture.
Rev. Uja urged the Governor to send at least 200 Anambra youths to Israel this year.
He intimated his host that the Commission would introduce farmers pilgrimage next year.
Rev. Uja also told the Governor that the Commission had been collaborating with individuals and corporate bodies to help in the sponsorship of pilgrims. However ,he said, ” you will still give us a helping hand so that we can maintain the course.”
He explained that the introduction of SAPTI would enable Christians to buy #500 ticket and be able to win to go on pilgrimage.
Rev. Uja appreciated the Governor for supporting the cause of Christian Pilgrimage over the years.
