Enugu State governor Ifeanyi Ugwanyi has been dubbed “Best Pilgrimage Sponsorship Governor” in the South-East for using state funds to sponsor Christian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Jordan.

The Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC) who conferred the governor with the award also appointed him their brand ambassador.

According to the NCPC spokesman, Celestine Toruka, the award was presented to the governor in Enugu by NCPC’s Executive Secretary, Reverend Pam Yakubu.

The NCPC boss described the governor as a friendly personality willing to extend the hand of friendship to all.

“You are a friendly person and a religious leader not only to Christians but to both faiths,” Mr Pam said.

“The number of pilgrims that came from Enugu State overwhelmed all the other states. This shows that you are not only coordinating politically but you are leading spiritually.

“And the best way to encourage you is to come here physically with an award for the Best Governor in the South-East.

“You remain our number one ambassador in the South-East,“ the executive secretary enthused.

Mr Pam noted that Enugu State had the highest number of sponsorship in the South-East in the 2020 pilgrimage to Jordan.

“Out of the five states in the South-East, you were the first state that did very well. You should keep being an example to other states.

“We are here to encourage you to continue to be a father in pilgrimage and not relent in the number of people you sponsor,” he added.

In his response, Mr Ugwuanyi thanked the NCPC for the award.

He dedicated it “to the body of Christ in the state.”

“At inception, our administration put Enugu State in the hands of God and His hands have been manifest in all we do.

“God has always been faithful to the people of Enugu State, as the state has enjoyed peace and stability,” he said.

Mr Igwuanyi assured the NCPC team that his administration would continue to encourage the people to keep seeking the face of God.