...Outlines Core responsibilities of the board
...Charges Members to Elevate Pilgrimage Standards
The Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, has inaugurated a new executive board for the Enugu State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, marking another decisive step in strengthening the state’s religious affairs management and enhancing the spiritual welfare of Christian pilgrims. The governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, performed the inauguration at Government House, Enugu, where he charged the board members to uphold excellence, accountability, and compassion in the execution of their duties.
The newly inaugurated board comprises:
- Engr. Maryrose Abba – Executive Chairman
- Barr. Onuora Okeke – Executive Secretary
- Hon. Bibian Anekwe – Executive Member
- Rev. Fr. Ogbonna Okechukwu – Executive Member
- Rev. Uzoma Ogbodo – Executive Member
- Prof. Ngozi Ejionueme – Executive Member
Governor Mbah said the selection of the board members reflects the administration’s commitment to appointing competent, trustworthy, and spiritually grounded individuals who can effectively steer the state’s pilgrimage operations. He emphasized that the board carries a sacred responsibility, one that blends spiritual guidance with administrative precision and international coordination.
He explained that members of the board are expected to organize, screen, and accompany Enugu State pilgrims to major global Christian pilgrimage destinations, including France, Jordan, Portugal, Rome, Santiago de Compostela, Assisi in Italy, Canterbury in England, Costa Rica, Hagia Sophia in Turkey, Jasna Góra in Poland, Mexico, Egypt, Israel, Greece, among others.
According to the governor, the board is to function as a strategic agent of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), and must therefore align with national guidelines, uphold transparency, and ensure that every pilgrim receives both spiritual and logistical support throughout their journey.
He outlined the core responsibilities of the board to include:
- Coordinating the collection of forms and fees from intending pilgrims;
- Providing comprehensive spiritual preparation and orientation;
- Ensuring all logistics from travel arrangements to accommodation are managed with diligence;
- Offering continuous guidance, safety oversight, and welfare support during the pilgrimage;
- Guaranteeing that pilgrims are properly supervised, protected, and spiritually enriched throughout the exercise.
Prof. Onyia, speaking on the governor’s behalf, commended the new board members for accepting the call to serve, noting that pilgrimage is not merely a religious excursion but a profound spiritual undertaking that demands sensitivity, discipline, and leadership. He urged them to work harmoniously and uphold the values of integrity and excellence that define the Mbah administration.
With the inauguration of the new board, Christian communities across Enugu State have expressed optimism that the pilgrimage experience will witness improved organization, safety, and spiritual depth under the guidance of the newly appointed executives.