‘Rivers To Continue Sponsorship Of Pilgrims’

Senator Oluremi Tinubu (2nd-right), receiving symbolic picture of one of the kidnapped ‘Chibok Girls’ by the Coordinator of ‘BringBackOurGirls’ (BBOG), Lagos State branch, Mrs Yemisi Kuti, during a sit-out session with Sen. Oluremi Tinubu over the kidnapped ‘Chibok Girls’ and the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Lagos, yesterday. With them are from left: former member, Lagos State House of Assembly, Lola Akande and member, Federal House of Representatives, Rep. Jide Jimoh.

The Rivers State  Governor, Chief  Nyesom Wike,  has  declared  that  his administration  will  continue  the  sponsorship of Christian  and Muslim  Pilgrims to their respective  Holy Lands.
Inaugurating the  State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board  and the  State  Muslim Pilgrims  Welfare  Board  yesterday  at the Government  House,  Port  Harcourt, Wike  said  though the state’s resources  are dwindling,  it will continue  the sponsorship  of  pilgrims.
The  governor noted that pilgrimage  is necessary  for  the  spiritual  growth  of the  people.
He, however,  said that the number  of  people  to be sponsored  on pilgrimage  will be reduced  in line  with  the  state’s  resources.
Wike  charged the two boards to be prudent in their management  of resources,  pointing  out  that  both boards must work hard to avoid financial scandal.
He noted that his administration  will  continue  to  promote  religious  harmony.
He said: “we are supporting  the  Muslims because  of  our belief in religious diversity “.
Responding  on behalf  of  the  two boards,  Mrs Biobele  Odesola, assured  the governor  that the  two boards will live up to expectations.
Chairman  of the Muslim  Pilgrims  Welfare  Board,  Alh. Abdulrazaq Diepriye, commended Wike  for always promoting religious  tolerance.
Members of the newly reconstituted Rivers State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board include, Alh. Abdulrazaq Diepriye, Chairman, Alh. Ibrahim  Mai Sundu, member ; Alh. Jachrich  Macson  Mustapha Member; Alh. Ibrahim  Akani, member.
Others are, Alh.  Abdullahi Ajesere,  member; Alh. Ibrahim  Adokiye Okiri, member; and  Alh. Ibrahim  Orlu, member.