Sponsorship of religious pilgrimages: Unlike his predecessors, Ambode has saved N4.5bn in 3yrs – Commissioner for Home Affairs

Unlike his predecessors who spent average of N1.5billion annually to sponsor pilgrimages free of charge to Israel and Saudi Arabia, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos state has saved a total of N4.5billion in the last three years by putting a stop to the programme.

Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. Abdul Hakeem Abdul Lateef (2nd left), Special Adviser to the Governor on Information & Strategy, Mr. Idowu Ajanaku (right); Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information & Strategy, Mrs. Kofoworola Awobamise (2nd right) and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Mrs. Toyin Awoseyi (left)

This was disclosed by Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. Abdulhakeem Abdullateef, on Monday at the annual ministerial press briefing to mark the third year in office of Governor Ambode’s administration, in Alausa, Lagos.

The Commissioner further revealed that the funds allocated for that purpose was diverted by the Ambode's administration into the construction of roads and other amenities for the benefits of Lagosians.

He said, “ In the past before the present administration came on board, the State Government spent an average of N1.5billion annually to sponsor people of the state to pilgrimage free of charge. But since Governor Ambode decided to stop the sponsorship of pilgrimage, we have saved N4.5billion in the last three years and the Governor has not changed his mind with regard to sponsorship of pilgrimages.

“What the Governor has said and we have been doing is that the State Government will provide for the welfare of the pilgrims; support them with medical tips; support them with clerics who would guide them to ensure that they are focused on the spiritual objectives of the pilgrimage and not something else.

Dr. Abdullateef however disclosed that the funds are saved specifically for infrastructural development of the state.