Bauchi Governor sponsors 355 christians for Israel pilgrimage

Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has sponsored 355 Christian pilgrims for the 2025 pilgrimage to Israel. This was announced by the Executive Secretary of the State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Ibrahim Yakubu Gwallang, at the commencement of the screening exercise in Bauchi.
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The Executive Secretary Ibrahim Yakubu Gwallang stated that the sponsorship shows the commitment of the Governor to ensure that Christians receive adequate support, and to be encouraged to pray for the Governor’s success.
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Governor Mohammed, has previously been recognized for his non-discriminatory approach to supporting both the Muslim and Christian faiths in Bauchi State, having also sponsored thousands of Muslims for the Hajj pilgrimage. The sponsorship is aimed towards fostering unity and spiritual growth in the state.
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‎The screening exercise for the intending pilgrims is being conducted by multiple federal agencies, including the National Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), the Nigeria Immigration Service, and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), ensuring that all participants meet the legal and medical requirements for the journey.
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Speaking at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Christian Affairs, Pastor Zakka Magaji, praised Governor Mohammed for consistently identifying with the Christian population in his administration. The beneficiaries were urged to maintain orderliness, present genuine documents, and serve as good ambassadors of Bauchi State.
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However, critics argue that public funds should not be used for religious purposes but should instead be channeled into essential secular services like education, healthcare, or infrastructure, which benefit all citizens regardless of their religious affiliation.
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