A faith-based advocacy group, Christian Forum for Peaceful and United Kaduna, has commended Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, for reinstating the Christian pilgrimage scheme in the state, describing the move as bold, inclusive and a step toward rebuilding trust between government and the Christian community.
The group, in a statement issued in Kaduna, applauded the governor for approving the 2025 Christian pilgrimage and facilitating an orientation programme for 50 intending pilgrims held on February 17, 2026.
In the statement signed by the Secretary , Reverend Ishaya Bulus ,the group said, “The development marks the return of the programme after it was suspended in 2015 by former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, whose administration also scrapped the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Agency.
According to the forum, the reinstatement signals a renewed commitment to fairness and religious harmony in the 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,” the statement read.
The group recalled that it had strongly criticised the suspension of the scheme under the previous administration, arguing that it denied Christians in the state the opportunity to undertake pilgrimage to the Holy Land and offer prayers for peace and progress in Nigeria.
It noted that the return of the programme represents what it described as a departure from an atmosphere it perceived as unfavourable to Christians during the last administration.
“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 added.
“We are happy that Governor Sani’s administration has framed the reinstatement as part of broader efforts to promote religious harmony, inclusiveness and fairness in governance. We are also glad that the government has also emphasised the need to rebuild relationships with faith-based organisations across the state.
However, the Christian Forum further linked the development to what it described as improved security in Southern Kaduna, noting that the relative calm being experienced in recent months stands in contrast to the insecurity and tensions witnessed in previous years.
The group which condemned the decision of the former Governor, Mal Nasir Elrufai to suspend the pilgrimage scheme, urged the Governor Uba Sani to sustain policies that promote peace, equity and mutual respect among Kaduna’s diverse ethnic and religious groups.
Elrufai marginalized Christians in Kaduna and planted seed of discord and hatred amongst the two main religions. But we thank God ,Uba Sani has uprooted all those trees that hitherto created the cracks .
“Kaduna State, known for its complex religious and ethnic composition, has in the past grappled with sectarian tensions, it against this background that we say initiatives aimed at fostering inclusion and interfaith cooperation remain critical to consolidating peace and stability in the state.” It stated .
Middle-Belt Times 