Anambra Pilgrims Office Seeks Assembly Support for Tansi Shrine

|By Marvelous Ezenwa, Awka

The Anambra State Christian Pilgrims Affairs Office is seeking legislative support to strengthen pilgrimage administration and develop the Blessed Iwene Tansi Shrine in Aguleri as a pilgrimage and religious tourism destination.

The Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Pilgrims Affairs, Barr. Odira Ezeh, made the call during a courtesy visit to the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, in Awka.

Ezeh said Anambra, which is recognised by the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, NCPC, needed a more accessible and transparent system that would give more people the opportunity to participate in pilgrimage.

He said pilgrimage should not be seen only as a religious journey, but also as an opportunity for spiritual renewal, cultural exchange, human development and economic activity.

Among the proposals, Ezeh mentioned a Pilgrimage Exchange Programme to attract pilgrims to Anambra and a lottery scheme to widen access and promote fairness.

He also identified the Blessed Iwene Tansi Shrine in Aguleri as having potential for religious tourism.

He said the Pilgrims Office had visited the site to assess how it could be developed while preserving its spiritual heritage.

Ezeh said the office also planned a state pilgrimage summit to educate the public and encourage wider participation.

Responding, Speaker Udeze called for stronger organisation of the Pilgrims Office, including competent personnel, dedicated funding and partnerships with individuals and organisations.

He proposed a Pilgrimage Affairs Board, with the Deputy Governor, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, suggested to lead it, and urged the House committee responsible for pilgrimage affairs to work closely with the office.

Udeze said the Assembly would support the initiative through legislation, but stressed that pilgrimage must remain primarily a spiritual exercise and not be reduced to a commercial venture.