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| Sen. Ike Ekweremadu deputy Senate president, NCPC Boss Mr. John Kennedy Opara and Prof. Viola Onwuliri minister of state 1 foreign affairs during there arrival for the family pilgrimage flag-off ceremony at NAIA Abuja |
He made the commendation recently in Minna during a sensitization visit to the Governor at the Government House. where he told the governor that “the way you manage both Muslims and Christians in the State is commendable” and commended him for his non discriminatory education policy of his administration which has provided free education for both indigenes and non indigenes. He affirmed: “your leadership style inspires me”.
Mr. Opara according to a release signed by the NCPC media further lauded the Governor for introducing something novel in pilgrimage sponsorship in the state by paying 50% and 30% respectively to desirous intending pilgrims to Israel. He said that because of this opportunity offered by the government, more than 200 intending pilgrims had obtained pilgrims forms for this year’s exercise.
He however enjoined him to allow the Niger pilgrims to join the President and other pilgrims on this year’s pilgrimage to Israel.
Responding, the Chief Servant of Niger State stated that he was satisfied with the level Christian pilgrimage has attained in the state.
He stressed that his government as a matter of policy ensures that everyone is carried along, stressing that as Muslims “we are not suppose to compel anybody to accept our religion”.
Mr. Opara was accompanied on the sensitization visit by the Federal Commissioner representing North Central, Mrs Helen Ughoro, her counterparts in North West, Elder Dogara Akut and that of North East, Archbishop Numel Babba
