Governor Sani Restores Christian Pilgrimage Sponsorship In Kaduna After 11 Years

Governor Uba Sani has restored Christian pilgrimage programme in Kaduna State after an 11-year suspension, approving the sponsorship of 50 intending pilgrims for the 2025 exercise.

The resumption was announced during the 2025 orientation programme for the pilgrims, marking the first state-sponsored Christian pilgrimage since 2014.

Christian faithful in the state have welcomed the development, describing it as “a strong statement of fairness, equity, and inclusive governance.”

Speaking at the event, the Head of Service, Jimami Bako, commended the governor for restoring the scheme, noting that the move reflects leadership that values spiritual growth alongside physical and economic development.

The Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, also said the initiative demonstrated the administration’s commitment to justice and inclusiveness. He urged the pilgrims to pray for peace, unity, and sustained prosperity in Kaduna State and Nigeria.

For many beneficiaries, the return of the programme signalled renewed hope, strengthened confidence in government, and a boost to religious harmony in the state.

Kaduna State last sponsored Christian pilgrims in November 2014, when 567 faithful were airlifted from the state airport to Israel. At the time, then Governor Ramalan Yero urged the pilgrims to serve as good ambassadors of Nigeria during their stay in the Holy Land.

The latest move formally ends more than a decade-long hiatus in the state’s Christian pilgrimage sponsorship scheme.