A professor of Islamic Studies, Department of Religions, University of Ilorin, Prof. Yasir Quadri has said the money used for the sponsorship of pilgrimages of Muslims and Christians could be better
spent on policies and programmes that would ameliorate the hardship faced by many Nigerians.
He spoke at the UNILORIN 133rd inaugural lecture entitled, "All in the name of God," in Ilorin on Friday.
Quadri, who is a member of UNILORIN's Governing Council, observed that many beneficiaries of the pilgrimage sponsorship do not deserve it.
He stated that poor people should have been considered for the pilgrimage sponsorship instead of rich people and politicians.
He argued that it would be unwise for the federal, state and local governments to continue to sponsor pilgrimages when there are many developmental needs competing for public funds.
"The high unemployment rate in the country is a factor responsible for the disturbing level of poverty among Nigerians. The youths in particular are idle; they must be rescued from the devil's worship of armed robbery, kidnapping and terrorism.
"The government must find a solution by creating meaningful jobs and empowering the youths to be positively engaged.
"The wide gap between the rich and the poor must be bridged to enable everyone to experience peace and tranquillity in the Nigerian society," Quadri said.
He lamented that Nigerians kill one another during inter-religious crises all in the guise of fighting for God.
He called for a harmonious co-existence and religious tolerance among the faithful of different religions.
He noted that the recent attacks on places of worship, wanton destruction of properties and killing of Nigerians by Boko Haram deserve a critical examination.
"From all indications, the group is not an Islamic organisation. Its demands and mode of operation are far from being Islamic. For example, it opposes man-made laws and westernisation," Quadri said.
The Punch