By Samuel Oyadongha

Yenagoa—Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State yesterday said the state would no longer sponsor pilgrims to Jerusalem or Mecca, saying those who wanted to fulfill the religious obligation of visiting their respective holy lands should fund such.

Dickson, who spoke while inaugurating a 10-member Pilgrims Welfare Board, explained that the decision was necessitated by the current economic realities in the country.

He urged the Board to reach out to other stakeholders, such as corporate citizens, churches,  government officials and wealthy individuals for sponsorship, as well as sensitise intending pilgrims on the need for them to take responsibility of their spiritual assignments.

According to him: “We are a praying and Christian state. But, we also have Muslims here. All people of faith are at liberty to live in our state and practice their faith without hindrance. We give support and encouragement to all. We need this Board in place, so that you can, as a body, coordinate the activities of all pilgrims, whether they are Christian pilgrims, which majority of our people are, or even the activities of Muslims, who are to be supported to perform their obligation of visiting the Holy Land.

“But let me make it clear that the circumstances of our national economy and the realities of our state economy do not support the practice of the state sponsorship anymore. But, we are going to encourage pilgrims from all faiths to be alive to their responsibilities, who may want to visit the Holy Land to do so.”