Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Kaduna State has reinstated its Christian pilgrimage programme after an 11-year suspension, approving government sponsorship for 50 prospective pilgrims in what officials describe as a renewed commitment to inclusive governance and religious harmony.
The announcement was made during the 2025 orientation programme for intending pilgrims, where senior government officials framed the decision as part of broader efforts to promote fairness and unity across the state’s diverse religious landscape. The revival has drawn commendation from Christian leaders and beneficiaries, many of whom interpret the move as a signal of equitable treatment among faith communities.
Kaduna, a state historically marked by religious diversity and periodic tension, suspended its Christian pilgrimage sponsorship more than a decade ago amid shifting fiscal priorities and administrative restructuring. The reinstatement under Governor Uba Sani is being presented by officials as a deliberate step to strengthen trust between government and citizens across denominational lines.
Jimami Bako, the state’s Head of Service, commended the governor for restoring the initiative, describing the action as reflective of a leadership philosophy that integrates spiritual well-being with socio-economic development. According to Bako, governance must not only address infrastructure and economic growth but also recognise the moral and spiritual dimensions that shape community life.
Ahmed Maiyaki, the Commissioner for Information, echoed that position, stating that the return of the pilgrimage scheme underscores the administration’s commitment to justice and inclusiveness. He urged the 50 selected pilgrims to conduct themselves responsibly and to offer prayers for peace, unity and sustained prosperity in Kaduna State and across Nigeria during their time abroad.
Christian pilgrimage programmes in Nigeria are typically coordinated through state pilgrim welfare boards in collaboration with the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission, which oversees travel logistics and welfare arrangements for pilgrims visiting Israel and other biblical sites. While both Christian and Muslim pilgrimages receive state-level support in various parts of the country, financial sponsorship policies often vary depending on prevailing economic conditions and administrative priorities.
Beneficiaries of the reinstated scheme expressed appreciation for the government’s decision, describing it as a restoration of confidence and a bridge-building gesture in a state where interfaith relations require continuous nurturing. Some noted that the programme’s return strengthens a sense of belonging and reassures minority communities of their place within the state’s policy framework.
The resumption also revives a tradition that once saw hundreds of Kaduna residents travel annually to the Holy Land. In November 2014, during the administration of former governor Ramalan Yero, approximately 567 Christian pilgrims were airlifted from Kaduna to Israel. At the time, Yero urged participants to serve as responsible ambassadors of Nigeria and to uphold values reflective of the country’s diverse heritage.
Over the intervening years, fiscal constraints and policy shifts led to the suspension of state sponsorship for Christian pilgrimage in Kaduna. Observers note that public funding of pilgrimages has periodically generated debate nationwide, with some advocates calling for greater emphasis on privately funded participation to reduce pressure on state budgets. Others argue that such programmes foster unity and provide moral encouragement in societies marked by social strain.
Governor Uba Sani’s administration has framed the reinstatement as limited and carefully structured, with sponsorship extended to 50 pilgrims in the current cycle. Officials did not disclose the total budgetary allocation for the programme but indicated that it aligns with broader social cohesion initiatives being pursued by the state government.
Religious leaders in Kaduna have welcomed the development, describing it as an opportunity to deepen interfaith understanding. They have also encouraged the beneficiaries to reflect positively on the state during their pilgrimage, emphasising that their conduct abroad will shape perceptions of Kaduna and Nigeria more broadly.
Political analysts suggest that the decision may carry symbolic weight in a state where questions of fairness and representation frequently intersect with governance. By restoring a programme that had been dormant for over a decade, the administration signals a willingness to revisit past policies in response to community expectations.
As preparations advance, the 50 pilgrims are expected to undergo spiritual and administrative briefings before departure. Officials have reiterated that the purpose of the pilgrimage extends beyond personal devotion, encompassing prayers for stability, reconciliation and collective progress.
The reinstatement of Kaduna’s Christian pilgrimage programme thus represents more than a logistical exercise. For supporters, it marks a recalibration of state policy toward inclusivity. For beneficiaries, it is an opportunity to embark on a spiritual journey long deferred. And for the broader public, it stands as a reminder of the delicate balance between governance, faith and social cohesion in one of Nigeria’s most diverse states.
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