Anambra Pilgrimage Centre Development Strengthened Through Church Partnership.
Cardinal Okpaleke Pledges Full Support for Blessed Iwene Tansi Shrine Development as Religious Tourism Agenda Accelerates.
AWKA, Nigeria – The iNews Times | The Anambra State Christian Pilgrims Office has intensified efforts to transform the Blessed Iwene Tansi Pilgrimage Centre in Aguleri into a world-class destination, securing strategic partnership with the Catholic Church under Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s Public-Private-Community Partnership (PPCP) framework.
This latest engagement highlights the administration’s commitment to leveraging the state’s rich spiritual heritage for both faith enrichment and economic advancement.
In this report, we examine the key developments, reactions from stakeholders, and the broader implications.
Background of the Story
Blessed Iwene Tansi, the first Nigerian to be beatified by the Catholic Church, remains a towering spiritual figure whose shrine in Aguleri holds deep historical and religious significance for Catholics across Nigeria and beyond. Successive governments in Anambra have shown interest in developing indigenous pilgrimage sites to reduce the heavy foreign exchange outflow associated with pilgrimages to Jerusalem, Rome, and Jordan. The current Soludo administration has taken this vision further by integrating pilgrimage into its broader economic and human capital development agenda through the PPCP model.
Key Developments
Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Pilgrims, Hon. Barr. Odira Ezeh, led a delegation to His Eminence Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpaleke, Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Ekwulobia, on Tuesday, July 14, 2026. During the meeting, Odira called on the Church, private individuals, corporate organisations, and other stakeholders to partner with the state government in developing the Blessed Iwene Tansi Pilgrimage Centre.
He emphasised that with proper infrastructure and investment, the shrine could attract thousands of pilgrims globally, positioning Anambra as a hub for religious tourism. The SSA highlighted ongoing reforms under Deputy Governor Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, including the proposed Pilgrimage Exchange Programme and a transparent Pilgrimage Lottery Programme aimed at broadening access irrespective of economic status.
Odira also recalled his assessment visit to the shrine on May 10, 2026, and stressed the need for collaborative efforts in infrastructure, spiritual orientation, and pilgrim selection.
Reactions from Stakeholders
Cardinal Peter Ebere Okpaleke warmly received the delegation, describing the visit as “commendable” and the first of its kind by the Anambra State Christian Pilgrims Office. He praised Odira, a former seminarian, for his dedication and pledged the Catholic Church’s full cooperation.
The Cardinal noted that the Diocese of Ekwulobia has already established its own indigenous pilgrimage centre for local spiritual exercises and revealed plans to invite Governor Soludo for a visit. He reminded stakeholders that pilgrimage must prioritise spiritual renewal alongside infrastructure development.
Implications
This partnership carries profound economic, social, and spiritual significance. Successful development of the Anambra Pilgrimage Centre under the PPCP initiative could generate substantial Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), create youth employment opportunities in hospitality and related services, and stimulate local businesses. It aligns with Soludo’s vision of a livable and prosperous Anambra rooted in faith, inclusion, and sustainable development while reducing capital flight from overseas pilgrimages.
What Happens Next
Stakeholders anticipate intensified collaboration between the Pilgrims Office, various dioceses, and private investors. Plans include infrastructure upgrades at the Blessed Iwene Tansi Shrine, expanded spiritual preparation programmes, and the rollout of the Pilgrimage Exchange and Lottery initiatives. Governor Soludo is expected to engage further with key religious leaders as the project advances.
Conclusion
The emerging synergy between the Anambra State Government and the Catholic Church marks a promising chapter in the state’s pilgrimage and religious tourism journey. As The iNews Times continues to track these developments, the successful realisation of the Blessed Iwene Tansi Pilgrimage Centre could position Anambra as a premier destination for faith-based tourism while delivering on Governor Soludo’s promise of inclusive prosperity.
