By Ifeanyichukwu Ibe
The Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Nekede (FEDPONEK), Dr. Basilia Igbokwe has described the Imo State 2025 Christian Pilgrimage to Israel and Jordan as a spiritually enriching exercise with far-reaching benefits for pilgrims, Imo State, and the nation at large.
Dr. Igbokwe made the remarks at the Government House Chapel, Owerri, on Sunday, February 22, during a church thanksgiving service for a successful 2025 pilgrimage, where she characterized the exercise as the best the state has witnessed so far.
The academic who also interacted with our reporter on the sidelines said: “I’m privileged and blessed to be part of the last Imo State Christian pilgrimage to Israel. It was a wonderful experience and spiritual encounter for me. The outing has strengthened my Christian faith, having witnessed the reality of various accounts in the Bible,” she said.
Describing the pilgrimage as invaluable, Dr. Igbokwe emphasized its role in personal transformation and societal development. According to her, when spiritual matters are properly aligned, other aspects of life — including governance and economic stability — begin to fall into place.
“Christian pilgrimage is a powerful instrument of empowerment because when the spiritual realm is aligned, every other aspect of life begins to fall into place. As the Bible says, ‘Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.’ Those ‘things’ include the economy and the overall affairs of a state or nation,” according to her.
She noted that Governor Uzodimma’s decision to sponsor a large contingent of pilgrims was a strategic move to seek divine guidance and intercede for the progress of Imo State and the country.
Beyond spiritual upliftment, the FEDPONEK Rector highlighted other implications of the exercise, linking improved security situation and empowerment programmes in the state to divine intervention following the pilgrimage.
Dr. Igbokwe also referenced the financial allowance provided to pilgrims, describing it as a spiritual seed capable of yielding stability, breakthroughs, and multiplication when accompanied by faith and prayer.
Drawing from the biblical account of Jesus feeding thousands with five loaves and two fish, she likened the allowance to the ever-flowing ‘Pool of Bethesda.’ “It is working for me, and I hope that others are experiencing similar things,” she noted.
The Rector expressed profound gratitude to Governor Hope Uzodimma for prioritizing the spiritual well-being of the state and its citizens, noting that the administration has demonstrated commitment not only to infrastructural and human capital development but also to spiritual growth.
“Governor Uzodimma does not speak much, but he is a proven achiever — a proactive and quintessential leader. His achievements accross the state speak eloquently for themselves. He has transformed the state in an unprecedented manner. I sincerely thank him in a special way for sponsoring this large number of pilgrims to the Holy Land.”
She concluded with prayers for the administration’s success, stating that the pilgrimage would leave a lasting impact on their lives.
