FG may stop funding pilgrimages

[Punch]

There are indications that the Federal Government may soon stop funding of spiritual pilgrimages.

Already, the government has asked stakeholders to set up alternative funding mechanisms.

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, stated this on Thursday in Abuja during the maiden stakeholders summit organised by the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission to seek for ways of improving on its activities.

At the event, the Executive Secretary of NCPC, Mr. John Opara, warned that the report of the Steve Oronsaye Committee, which recommended the scrapping of the commission, "should not be allowed to happen because it will affect the entire Christian community."

According to Ekweremadu, cases of absconding of pilgrims have dropped to a zero level.

He said, "It is my sincere hope that these spiritual benefits would help us maintain the dividend and legacy of enduring democracy and positively impact the lives of pilgrims to also impact their various communities.

"However, we have a challenge facing us, as there are indications that the Federal Government may stop funding pilgrimage activities in the near future.This are understandable given the need to separate religion from the state. Pilgrimage is a personal and spiritual matter.

"The predominant global practice is not for governments to sponsor pilgrims, but to put in place sound economic policies and administrative structures that will guarantee hitch-free pilgrimages that conform to best practices around the world.

"Thus, the indications coming from the Federal Government should not be seen as a setback, but a forewarning that should guide stakeholders to step-up our pilgrimage administration and expand the quest for alternative funding."



The Punch

[Folami David]

The federal government had to take that step because it really had to happen. Funds are very important.