By Ikem Ngozi
The Anambra State Government has intensified efforts to develop the Blessed Iwene Tansi Shrine, Aguleri, into an internationally recognised pilgrimage destination, promoting religious tourism and strengthening pilgrimage administration across the state.
The initiative was disclosed during a courtesy visit by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Pilgrims, Hon. Barr. Odira Ezeh, to Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpaleke at Ekwulobia Diocesan Secretariat.
Barr. Ezeh said the Aguleri Shrine possesses outstanding spiritual and historical significance capable of attracting pilgrims from Nigeria and abroad through sustained investment, improved infrastructure and strategic partnerships with stakeholders.
He called on churches, faith-based organisations, philanthropists and the private sector to embrace the government's Public-Private-Community Partnership initiative by investing in facilities that will enhance pilgrims' experiences and unlock economic opportunities.
According to him, the Soludo administration, through the Office of the Deputy Governor, remains committed to repositioning pilgrimage administration by making pilgrimage opportunities accessible to deserving Anambra citizens regardless of financial status.
Barr. Ezeh explained that the Deputy Governor's Pilgrimage Exchange Programme will attract pilgrims from within and outside Nigeria, promote religious tourism, increase internally generated revenue and create employment opportunities statewide.
He recalled his assessment visit to the Blessed Iwene Tansi Shrine on May 10, 2026, expressing confidence that adequate investment and modern infrastructure would make Aguleri compete favourably with global pilgrimage destinations.
Responding, Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpaleke commended the government's renewed pilgrimage initiatives, urging sustained collaboration with bishops and churches while encouraging preservation and development of indigenous pilgrimage centres across Anambra State.
Both parties reaffirmed commitment to stronger collaboration promoting spiritual renewal, religious tourism and socio-economic development, with the shared vision of positioning the Blessed Iwene Tansi Shrine, Aguleri, as a globally recognised pilgrimage destination.
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