Victor EzejaCatholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN) has called on the Federal Government to stop sponsoring pilgrimages and direct the funds to other critical development projects.
The Catholic body stressed that this would also curtail waste of public funds and corruption.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe Catholic bishops made the call during a meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Friday.
The CBCN President, Most Reverend Lucius Iwejuru Ugorji, the Archbishop of Owerri diocese, who led the delegation of 20 Bishops from across the country, said the government should withdraw from sponsoring pilgrimages and let religious groups take full responsibility of doing so.
“The government should allow religious groups to take full responsibility for organising pilgrimages,” the CBCN president stated.
According to him, there are instances of corruption among national and state pilgrim boards. He added that in most cases, management of the pilgrim boards neither serves adherents in their religious groups nor the broader interest of the nation.
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“In their current structure, the national and state pilgrims’ boards serve neither their adherents nor the broader interest of the nation. You’re undoubtedly aware of the instances of corruption that have led to the removal of some board executives to ensure greater efficiency and accountability.
“We would propose that public funds be redirected towards pressing national needs,” the CBCN President further stated.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
