The Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, has approved the participation of 50 Christian faithful in this year’s holy pilgrimage, bringing to an end an 11-year suspension of the programme.
The decision marks a significant policy shift, as the Christian pilgrimage scheme had been halted during the administration of former governor Nasir El-Rufai, following the dissolution of the state’s Christian Pilgrims Welfare Agency—a move that sparked widespread criticism within the Christian community at the time.
Reacting to the development in a telephone interview on Wednesday, the Kaduna State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Ma’aji Bawa, described the governor’s action as bold, inclusive, and confidence-building.
“We are grateful to Governor Uba Sani for approving 50 Christians to resume pilgrimage after 11 years. This decision has restored hope and strengthened the confidence of Christians in the state,” Bawa said.
While welcoming the move, the CAN chairman noted that the approved number was modest but expressed optimism that it would be expanded in future exercises.
“Although the number is 50 for now, we believe this is a foundation to build upon. We trust that the government will gradually increase the slots so more faithful can participate,” he added.
Bawa stressed that pilgrimage should be viewed strictly as a spiritual undertaking, not a social excursion. According to him, those embarking on the journey would pray for peace, unity, and development in Kaduna State and Nigeria as a whole.
“Pilgrimage is not a jamboree. It is a sacred journey to seek God’s face. Those going will intercede for our state and our nation,” he said.
He also called for transparency and fairness in the selection process, urging authorities to ensure that beneficiaries are spiritually committed and capable of representing the state with dignity.
“The process must be credible and transparent. Those selected should understand the spiritual responsibility involved and act as worthy ambassadors of Kaduna State,” Bawa noted.
Describing the restoration of the pilgrimage programme as symbolic, the cleric said it reflects the government’s recognition of religious diversity and the role of faith in fostering social cohesion.
He further urged Christians in the state to remain law-abiding, prayerful, and supportive of policies that promote unity and development, expressing hope that the resumption of the pilgrimage would deepen harmony and spiritual renewal across Kaduna State.
