Kaduna Forum Applauds Uba Sani Over Return Of Christian Pilgrimage Scheme

A faith-based advocacy group, Christian Forum for Peaceful and United Kaduna, has commended Kaduna State governor, Senator Uba Sani, for reinstating the Christian pilgrimage scheme.

It described the move as a bold step towards inclusivity and rebuilding trust between the government and the Christian community.

The group, in a statement issued in Kaduna by its secretary, Rev. Ishaya Bulus, applauded the governor for approving the 2025 Christian pilgrimage and facilitating an orientation programme for 50 intending pilgrims.

The forum noted that the development marked the return of the pilgrimage scheme, which was suspended in 2015 under the administration of former governor, Malam Nasir el-Rufai, alongside the scrapping of the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Agency.

According to the group, the reinstatement signalled a renewed commitment to fairness, equity and religious harmony in Kaduna State.

“We commend Governor Uba Sani for taking a courageous and just decision to reinstate the Christian pilgrimage scheme. This is a testament to inclusivity, equity and a genuine desire to strengthen unity among the diverse religious communities in Kaduna State,” he said.

The forum recalled that it had strongly criticised the suspension of the scheme by the previous administration, arguing that it denied Christians in the state the opportunity to embark on pilgrimage to the Holy Land and offer prayers for peace and national development.

The group added that the programme’s return represents a clear departure from what it described as an unfavourable atmosphere for Christians in the past.

“Today, a milestone has been achieved. The return of the pilgrimage programme demonstrates that government policies can be reviewed in the interest of justice and unity. It restores confidence among Christian faithful who felt marginalised.”

The forum further noted that the reinstatement aligns with the present administration’s broader efforts to promote religious harmony, inclusiveness and fairness in governance, as well as rebuild relationships with faith-based organisations across the state.