Kaduna State Govt lifts 11-year ban on Christian Pilgrimage, clears 50 for holy trip
The Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, has approved 50 Christians to embark on a holy pilgrimage, formally ending an 11-year suspension of the programme in the state.
The Christian pilgrimage scheme was discontinued during the administration of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, when the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Agency was scrapped — a decision that sparked controversy within parts of the Christian community.
Reacting to the development on Wednesday, the Chairman of the Kaduna State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Ma’aji Bawa, praised the governor’s move, describing it as bold and inclusive.
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He expressed gratitude to the state government for restoring the programme after more than a decade, noting that the decision had renewed hope among Christians in Kaduna and strengthened their confidence in the administration.
Bawa described the approval of 50 pilgrims as an important first step and voiced optimism that the number would increase in subsequent exercises to allow more faithful to participate.
According to him, pilgrimage is a sacred spiritual obligation rather than a leisure activity. He stressed that those embarking on the journey would be seeking divine guidance and praying for peace, unity, and development in Kaduna State and Nigeria as a whole.
He further described the reinstatement of the scheme as symbolic and spiritually significant, saying it reflects the government’s recognition of the role of faith in society and its commitment to religious inclusiveness.
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However, the CAN chairman called for transparency and fairness in selecting beneficiaries, urging that only spiritually committed and responsible individuals be chosen to represent the state.
He also encouraged Christians across Kaduna to remain law-abiding, prayerful, and supportive of government initiatives aimed at promoting unity and development, expressing hope that the revival of the pilgrimage programme would deepen harmony and spiritual renewal in the state.
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