Govt has no business sponsoring marriages – Dino Melaye
Dino Melaye, a former lawmaker representing Kogi West Senatorial District, has criticized the government for its financial support of religious activities, including the sponsorship of marriages. Melaye voiced his concerns during a recent appearance on the KAA Truths podcast.
He condemned both state and federal governments for allocating significant public funds to religious endeavors, which he argues should instead be invested in essential infrastructure such as roads and hospitals.
The African Democratic Congress chieftain contends that religion is a personal matter and should not be funded by the state. “Government has no business sponsoring religious activities including marriages. It’s so wrong that government now starts funding these activities,” Melaye stated. He questioned the role of churches and wealthy individuals who have the means to support religious pilgrimages.
Melaye emphasized that there is no scriptural mandate in the Quran or the Bible requiring pilgrimage to Mecca or Jerusalem as a prerequisite for salvation. He expressed concerns about the misallocation of government resources, stressing that billions of naira earmarked for development are instead being spent on religious tourism.
He concluded, “We cannot prioritize our spending. What is the business of government with religion? That we are spending hundreds of billions annually to send people to Mecca and Jerusalem?”
