To boost spirituality in Imo State, Governor Hope Uzodinma has approved the sponsorship of a record 1,000 pilgrims to Israel and Jordan this year.
Declan Emelumba, the commissioner for information and strategy, revealed this in a statement released yesterday in Owerri.
Emelumba said the approval has already been given to the Imo State Pilgrims’ Board to commence screening of would-be beneficiaries.
According to him, forms have been sent to churches and other segments of the society for distribution to interested members.
The commissioner announced that those nominated have up to April 15 to submit their completed forms to the Christian Pilgrims’ Board.
Uzodinma sponsors because of his belief
Speaking on the exercise, Emelumba said Uzodinma decided to sponsor this number of pilgrims this year, because of his belief in both the physical and spiritual growth of Imo people.
According to him, unlike before when candidacy for the pilgrimage was restricted to well-to-do and connected citizens, those going for this year’s edition are from all segments of the society, including the very poor.
He noted that the the governor started out by reconstituting the Christian Pilgrims’ Board with Fr. Gilbert Alaribe as Chairman.
(Guardian)
