By; MOHAMMED KAWU, Bauchi.
Executive Secretary, Bauchi State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Engr. Daniel Shawulu has said that the State Government will no longer sponsor Christians for pilgrimage to Israel in view of the present economic challenges.
Shawulu made the remark when he received Women Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in charge of the North East, Mrs. Fatima Danjuma Maicibi when she paid him a courtesy visit in his office.
Engineer Daniel Shawulu explained that shortfall in revenue generation in the state necessitated the state government to change tactics in its spending by considering only projects that are of immense importance to the people.
The Secretary called on the management of various churches in the state to sponsor worshippers for the pilgrimage instead of total reliance on the state government, as he charged well to do Christians in the state to sponsor themselves for the pilgrimage.
According to him, the pilgrimage enable Christians to visit important historical places in the Christendom, hence the need to embark on the religious journey.
North East APC Women Leader, Mrs. Fatima Danjuma Maicibi, has earlier said the purpose of the visit was to congratulate the Executive Secretary for his appointment, and urged Shawulu to justify the confidence reposed in him by the state government.
Mrs. Fatima Maicibi, while commending Governor Mughammad Abubakar for the appointment and for his concern to the Christian community in the state, assured of their continued loyalty and support to the state government for the progress of the state.
Also speaking, the Special Assistant to the State Governor on Christian Affairs, Mr. Sale commended women in the state for their support and cooperation to the present administration.
He called on Christians in the state to pray for Governor Muhammad Abubakar to enable him implement his good policies and programmes for the development of the state.
The Special Assistant reminded Christian parents of their responsibility of good upbringing of their wards to enable them contribute to the development of the state
