“Why borrow money for pilgrimages?” – Gbenga Aborowa questions Nigeria's spending priorities
Gbenga Aborowa has sparked national debate after questioning why Nigeria continues to fund religious pilgrimages despite economic struggles. In a bold statement, he said:
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia does not pay for Nigerians to do Hajj. Israel does not pay for Nigerian Christians to visit the Holy Land. So why do we borrow money to do so?"
According to Aborowa, using public funds or loans to sponsor pilgrimages represents a misallocation of national resources, especially when critical sectors like education, healthcare, and infrastructure are underfunded.
His comments come at a time when Nigeria is grappling with economic hardship, growing debt, and calls for fiscal responsibility. Many Nigerians have echoed his sentiments online, urging the government to focus on strengthening the economy rather than subsidizing spiritual journeys.
The question remains: Should religious pilgrimages be a personal responsibility—or a national one?