Christian pilgrimage resumes in Kaduna — after 11 years

Kaduna state has resumed its Christian pilgrimage programme after an 11-year hiatus, with 50 intending pilgrims preparing to embark on the journey under government sponsorship.

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

Jimani Bako, head of service in Kaduna, commended Uba Sani, governor of the state, for bringing back the programme, noting that it reflects a leadership that values spiritual growth alongside physical and economic development.

Ahmed Maiyaki, commissioner for information in the state, said the initiative demonstrates the government’s commitment to justice and inclusiveness, urging pilgrims to pray for peace, unity, and sustained prosperity in Kaduna and Nigeria.

For beneficiaries, the return of the pilgrimage scheme signals renewed hope, strengthened trust in the state, and a boost to religious harmony in Kaduna.

In November 2014, 567 Christian pilgrims from Kaduna were airlifted from the state airport to Israel.

Speaking at the airport during their take-off, Ramalan Yero, then governor of the state, urged the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of Nigeria while in the holy land.