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.
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 Government Areas 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.
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