The Ebonyi State Government, under Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has approved over ₦551 million to sponsor 46 individuals for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
The decision was announced by the Commissioner for Information, Jude Chikadibia Okpor, following the State Executive Council (EXCO) meeting held on Friday, February 7, 2025. Governor Nwifuru presided over the meeting.
Okpor emphasized that Nigeria remains a secular state, and the Ebonyi government prioritizes religious tolerance and inclusivity. According to him:
“Under the pragmatic leadership of His Excellency, the Governor, Ebonyi has not only become a peaceful home for all where religious tolerance is encouraged but also seen practised.”
The approved amount of ₦551,502,142.84 translates to about ₦8.78 million per beneficiary. Additionally, EXCO urged local government chairmen to sponsor at least one person per LGA for the pilgrimage.
This decision has sparked mixed reactions, coming at a time when communities like Amegu Nkalaha in Ishielu Local Government Area are grappling with violent conflicts, displacement, and loss of lives. Many affected residents continue to struggle with destroyed homes, lack of basic amenities, and insufficient government intervention.
What are your thoughts on this? Should pilgrimage sponsorship be a priority?
