Transformation of the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board Under Governor Fintiri’s Administration

 

By Catherine Philip Jelani 

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri’s administration has made significant strides in uplifting the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board (CPWB) in Adamawa State, demonstrating a firm commitment to religious inclusiveness, spiritual growth, and institutional development.

In showcasing his passion and commitment towards advancement and stability, Governor Fintiri has revitalized and reorganized the Board by first introducing new hands to man the institution. He swore in new Board Members and appointed a competent Executive Secretary, Chief Geoffrey Garba whom many refer to as "the Messiah" to lead the affairs of the Board.

Upon their appointment, the new leadership envisioned a comprehensive transformation of the Adamawa State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board. Their plans included:

Constructing and completing a one-storey office building with a standard boardroom that could compete with its counterparts both locally and internationally;

Renovating the three blocks of offices within the premises;

Raising the perimeter fence of the office complex; and Landscaping the entire compound.

These visions are currently being actualized, courtesy of the "Talk and Do" Governor of Adamawa, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri. The Governor has facilitated the upgrading of pilgrimage facilities as envisioned by the Board. The new upstairs office building now stands tall and is already in use. One of the three office blocks is nearly completed, with the remaining two underway.

Governor Fintiri did not stop there. He has recently upgraded the welfare services of the Board and has also sponsored many indigenes of the state for the 2025 Easter Pilgrimage to Israel. By the grace of God, these pilgrims are expected to travel before the end of August 2025.


In an interview granted by the Executive Secretary of the Adamawa State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Chief Geoffrey Garba, expressed the Board’s 

return to the days when the private sector actively participated by sponsoring themselves to the Holy Land. He revealed that out of all the pilgrims slated for the 2025 Easter Pilgrimage, only one is currently self-sponsored.

Chief Garba commended the efforts of the Local Government Councils for sponsoring three pilgrims per LGA, an improvement from the previous pilgrimage, where only two were sponsored per LGA. He also noted that plans are underway to engage the private sector to support the government, emphasizing that pilgrimage is a shared responsibility and not solely that of the government. The Board also aspires to return to conducting pilgrimages twice a year, during the Easter and Christmas seasons.

To ensure accountability and enforce anti-corruption measures, the Executive Secretary stated that due process is being followed to ensure a hitch-free pilgrimage. The official application forms issued to intending pilgrims now require two guarantors, one from a church and another from a court of law, in case of abscondment.

For those without e-passports, the Board has liaised with the Immigration Command in the state to provide them at a subsidized rate. Those with expired passports are also being enrolled for renewal.

Meanwhile, the Board is working diligently to put all necessary teams; medical, media, security, and others in place ahead of the screening exercise, which will be conducted by the National Christian Pilgrims Welfare Commission (NCPC) from Abuja. The screening is scheduled to take place from Thursday, August 14th to Friday, August 15th, 2025, at the Board's premises in Yola.
Governor Fintiri’s administration has shown that pilgrimage is not just a journey, but a service to God and the nation. By reforming the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, he has strengthened the spiritual foundation of many citizens and ensured that Adamawa’s Christians are represented with dignity and care on the global stage.





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