Kaduna revives Christian pilgrimage after 11 years, sponsors 50 pilgrims in renewed push for inclusiveness and harmony.

Kaduna State has revived its Christian pilgrimage programme after an 11-year suspension, with 50 intending pilgrims set to embark on the spiritual journey under government sponsorship.

The resumption was formally announced during the 2025 orientation programme and has been widely welcomed by Christian faithful, who described the move as “a strong statement of fairness, equity, and inclusive governance.”

Head of Service in the state, Jimami Bako, commended Governor Uba Sani for restoring the programme, noting that the decision underscores a leadership approach that values spiritual development alongside physical infrastructure and economic growth.

Also speaking, the state Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, said the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to justice and inclusiveness. He urged the pilgrims to use the opportunity to pray for peace, unity, and sustained prosperity in Kaduna State and Nigeria.

For the beneficiaries, the return of the pilgrimage scheme represents renewed hope, strengthened trust in government, and a boost to interfaith harmony in the state.

The programme was last held in November 2014, when 567 Christian pilgrims from Kaduna were airlifted from the state airport to Israel.

At the time, then Governor Ramalan Yero charged the pilgrims to serve as good ambassadors of Nigeria while in the Holy Land. (AriseNews TV)

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