Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has approved over ₦551 million to sponsor 46 people for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.

This decision was announced by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Jude Chikadibia Okpor, after the Ebonyi State Executive Council meeting on February 7, 2025.

The commissioner stated that Nigeria is a secular country, and the Ebonyi government encourages religious tolerance.

He explained that the sponsorship package covers about ₦8.7 million per person. Additionally, local government chairmen have been encouraged to sponsor one pilgrim each to increase participation.

This decision comes despite concerns about hunger and security issues in Ebonyi State. However, the government emphasizes that the initiative promotes religious inclusivity and supports Muslim residents in the state.