LASG halts pilgrims sponsorship, saves N2.4bn

By Lanre Adesanya

The Lagos State government has saved N2.4 billion with the stoppage of annual sponsorship of pilgrims to Jerusalem and Mecca, even as the 2016 pilgrimages conducted by the State were adjudged the best in the country.

The State Commissioner of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Dr. Abdulhakeem Abdullateef, who stated this on Tuesday at the 2017 Ministerial Press Briefing in commemoration of the 2nd year anniversary of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration in office, informed that the savings was ploughed back to finance infrastructural projects and other developmental programmes in the State.

He also applauded the peaceful co-existence and harmonious relationship among the religious groups and adherents in the State, adding that the Ministry planned to hold a Special parley and thanksgiving services for religious bodies as part of activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the State this month.

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The Commissioner explained that, as part of efforts by the State government to maintain and foster peaceful co-existence amongst residents, the Ministry has, through the Lagos Chapter of Nigeria Inter-religious Council (NIREC) – a faith-based organization for promoting religious harmony – being able to nip in the bud, many religious crises that could have escalated into serious conflicts.

While noting that plans are afoot to decentralize the activities of the NIREC to the 20 Local GovernmentAreas and 37 Local Councils and Development Areas to further enhance interaction and religious tolerance at the grassroots, he maintained that NIREC, Lagos Chapter has ensured that collaboration between Christians and Muslims in the State has reached such an unprecedented level.