The Ekiti State Government has called for more private sponsorship of pilgrims to Mecca and Jerusalem.
The Deputy Governor, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi made the call when the members of State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board led by the Chairman, Alhaji Babatunde Onipede paid him a courtesy visit, in Ado-Ekiti.
Otunba Egbeyemi explained that both the Federal Government and the State Government have stopped sponsoring pilgrims to holy pilgrimages to save funds for developmental purposes.
He however, expressed satisfaction with the peaceful coexistence between Muslims and Christians in the state which makes them to live together in peace as brothers and sisters.
The Deputy Governor advised individuals interested to go for pilgrimage to do so through their private savings.
He said the state government would be ready to assist the Board in the performance of its statutory duties.
Speaking earlier, the Chairman, Ekiti State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Babatunde Onipede expressed gratitude to Governor Kayode Fayemi and the Deputy Governor for finding him and other members of the Board worthy of being appointed to the office.
Alhaji Onipede revealed that the Board was not run properly during the last administration, hence the need to draw the attention of the present administration to the situation for quick assistance.
He said that the Board needed furniture and more funds for smooth running of the office for quality service delivery.
