Governor Kefas Sponsors 163 Christian Pilgrims to Holy Land

 

Pilgrimage has been an integral part of religious practice in Nigeria for centuries, with Muslims and Christians embarking on journeys to sacred sites both within and outside the country. The concept of pilgrimage in Nigeria has its roots in the early days of Islam and Christianity, when devotees would travel to holy sites in search of spiritual enlightenment and connection with the divine.

In Nigeria, the sponsorship of pilgrimage dates back to the 1970s, when the federal government began providing financial support to Muslim pilgrims traveling to Saudi Arabia for the Hajj. This initiative was aimed at facilitating the pilgrimage experience for Nigerian Muslims and promoting national cohesion.

In the 1980s, state governments in Nigeria began to sponsor Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land, with the first recorded sponsorship by the old Anambra State government in 1982. Since then, several state governments have followed suit, providing financial support to Christian pilgrims traveling to Israel, Rome, and other sacred sites.

Today, pilgrimage sponsorship remains a significant aspect of religious practice in Nigeria, with state governments and private organizations providing financial support to pilgrims from various faith backgrounds. The sponsorship of pilgrimage in Nigeria serves not only as a means of promoting spiritual growth but also as a tool for fostering national unity and social cohesion.

In a demonstration of his commitment to faith and values, Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas, has sponsored 163 Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land. This was disclosed by Very Rev. Fr. Sunday Patrick Muke, Special Adviser to the Governor on Christian Religion Matters, during the 2023/2024 Orientation Program for Taraba State's intending Christian pilgrims held at the CAN Secretariat, Jalingo.

In the context of the Taraba State Government's sponsorship of 163 Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land, this historical background highlights the significance of pilgrimage sponsorship in Nigeria and the administration's commitment to promoting faith, values, and the spiritual well-being of its citizens.

The program, which was also attended by other government officials, showcased the administration's dedication to promoting spiritual growth and moral values. As the pilgrims prepare to travel, they have been urged to act with humility and pray for themselves, the state, and the nation. 

In the statement made available to the public by the Reverend Father Muke, HRH Amb. Sanvala Shinbura II, the Gara Donga, will lead the Taraba State delegation of Christian pilgrims to the Holy Land. The traditional ruler will be accompanied by some of his counterparts.