Why I stopped sponsoring pilgrimages to Mecca, Jerusalem — Osoba

Former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, has explained why he discontinued the state’s sponsorship of pilgrimages to Mecca and Jerusalem during his tenure from 1999 to 2003, saying the funds were redirected to education and public infrastructure.

Osoba revealed that he was concerned about the state of public schools, noting that many students were bringing desks from home, and some talented pupils could not afford the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees.

“When I assumed office in 1999, I was disturbed that students had to carry desks from home, and many brilliant students were unable to sit for WAEC because their parents could not pay the fees,” he said.

Rather than allocating public funds to Christian and Muslim pilgrimages, Osoba said he prioritized education.

He invested in providing desks and chairs for schools and covered WAEC fees for all final-year students, ensuring that no student was denied the opportunity to complete their exams due to financial constraints.

“That was why I decided to stop spending on pilgrimages and instead use the money to construct desks and pay examination fees.

“Every student, regardless of their parents’ financial situation, had their WAEC fees covered by the government,” he explained.

Osoba made the remarks after being invested as Life Vice Patron of a club in Abeokuta, alongside Chief Olusegun Osunkeye.

He also urged governments to embrace continuity in governance, stressing that inconsistent policy implementation has hindered Nigeria’s development.

He further encouraged Nigerians to embrace farming as a means of survival and called on governors to invest more in agriculture to address food insecurity.

Reflecting on his tenure, Osoba emphasized that his administration relied on career civil servants rather than bringing in outsiders.

He highlighted achievements such as rural electrification, rural road construction, and the Abeokuta Hilltop housing estate.

“I never brought anyone from outside the state to work with me, not even a messenger.

“Whatever modest successes we achieved were the result of the civil servants’ hard work,” he said.

Expressing his gratitude for the honour, Osoba said, “Egba is my root, Abeokuta is my root.

“Being recognised today is the greatest honour I have received,” pledging to continue contributing to the development of Egba land.

Former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, described Osoba as a “colossus” and said the recognition was a fitting tribute to his long-standing public service.

In a welcome address, the club’s Life President and Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Elders, Prof. Afolabi Soyode, praised the honourees for their dignity, integrity, and service.

He described Osoba as a towering figure in journalism and governance, while acknowledging Chief Olusegun Osunkeye as a respected corporate leader.