A Nigerian citizen, Fada Oluoma, has written an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to end government sponsorship of religious pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia and Israel. In his letter, he argues that the billions of naira spent annually on pilgrimages constitute a “religious subsidy” that benefits only airlines, travel agencies, and host countries – not ordinary Nigerians. He compares government-funded pilgrimages to a man who cut down his mango trees to build a prayer house, only to remain poor.
Who wrote this letter and to whom?
The author is Fada Oluoma, a Nigerian citizen who shared the letter on his Facebook page. He addressed it directly to President Bola Tinubu, describing himself as writing in “responsible citizenship.” The letter is a piece of citizen advocacy – not from a politician or a lobbyist.
What is Fada Oluoma asking President Tinubu to do?
He is asking the President to end government sponsorship of pilgrimages to Saudi Arabia (for Muslims) and Israel (for Christians). He calls this “religious subsidy” and argues that it brings no benefits to ordinary Nigerians. He suggests that instead of pilgrimages, the government should establish and fund an inter-religious commission to promote dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence.
What is the parable of “Mr. Chrislam” about?
Oluoma tells a parable: a poor man had mango trees that yielded juicy fruits. He cut down all his trees to build a place of worship and prayer, hoping to become prosperous. The man became poorer. Oluoma says funding pilgrimages is no different – cutting down national resources (money) to fund religious activities that do not reduce poverty.
When did Oluoma write this letter?
The letter was written “some days ago” and shared on his Facebook page. The news was published on June 14, 2026.
Why is Oluoma targeting pilgrimage sponsorship now?
Because Nigeria is facing multidimensional poverty. He argues that spending billions on pilgrimages is “insane” and “insults our corporate intelligence.” He wants the government to apply the same courage used to remove fuel subsidy to remove this “parasitic religious subsidy.”
How does Oluoma support his argument?
He points out that rich Nigerians can sponsor themselves. Poor Nigerians who go on pilgrimages do not become rich or economically comfortable when they return. The pilgrimages do not make them “better and holier” than those who do not go. Only airlines, travel agencies, and host countries benefit.
7 explosive takeaways from Fada Oluoma’s letter to President Tinubu.
1. Oluoma compares government-funded pilgrimages to a foolish man who cut down his mango trees to pray for prosperity. This is a powerful analogy. The mango trees were productive – they yielded fruit. The man destroyed his productive asset to build a prayer house. Oluoma argues that Nigeria is doing the same: spending billions on pilgrimages that do not reduce poverty, instead of investing in productive sectors.
2. He calls pilgrimage sponsorship “religious subsidy” – analogous to fuel subsidy. Fuel subsidy was widely criticised as a regressive policy that benefited the rich more than the poor. Oluoma argues that pilgrimage sponsorship is similarly regressive. Billions of naira are spent on a small number of citizens, with no measurable economic benefit.
3. Oluoma notes that Tinubu opposed fuel subsidy removal under Jonathan in 2012. This is a sharp observation. Tinubu was a vocal opponent of subsidy removal then. Now he has removed it. Oluoma is not criticising the removal – he supports it. But he is pointing out that Tinubu changed his position. He is asking Tinubu to apply the same flexibility to pilgrimage sponsorship.
4. He argues that pilgrimages do not make attendees “better and holier” than those who do not go. This is a theological argument. If pilgrimage does not produce measurable spiritual superiority, why is the government funding it? Oluoma is challenging the assumption that state-sponsored pilgrimage has spiritual value.
5. He praises Governor Charles Soludo for prosecuting “traditional and religious rascals” in Anambra. Soludo has taken action against individuals who use religion to exploit others. Oluoma wants Tinubu to show similar courage – to take an unpopular but necessary action. He is using Soludo as a role model.
6. He supports state police and wants state governments to decide their own pilgrimage funding. Oluoma is not demanding a total ban on pilgrimage funding. He wants the federal government to stop. If state governments want to spend their own money on pilgrimages, they can. This is a federalism argument: let states decide, but do not force all Nigerians to pay for a religious activity that benefits few.
7. He proposes an inter-religious commission as a cheaper, more effective alternative. Oluoma is not anti-religion. He wants the government to promote dialogue and understanding between faiths – which could reduce conflict – rather than funding pilgrimages. He argues this would cost a fraction of what pilgrimages cost and produce measurable benefits.
How this affects Nigerians and governance.
i. It adds to the growing debate about government funding of religious activities. Critics have long argued that state-sponsored pilgrimages are unconstitutional – Nigeria is a secular state. Supporters argue that the government is simply assisting citizens in fulfilling religious obligations. Oluoma’s letter gives voice to the secular side.
ii. It challenges President Tinubu to apply his “subsidy removal” courage to another area. Tinubu is praised for removing fuel subsidy despite political risks. Oluoma is asking: why not remove pilgrimage subsidy? The political risks are different – religious groups may resist. But Oluoma argues that leadership requires hard choices.
iii. It highlights the opportunity cost of pilgrimage spending. Billions spent on pilgrimages are billions not spent on healthcare, education, or infrastructure. Oluoma is forcing a conversation about priorities.
iv. It proposes a practical alternative – an inter-religious commission. Instead of just criticising, Oluoma offers a solution. A commission could address interfaith conflict, which is a genuine national security issue. That proposal gives the letter constructive weight.
v. It may influence other citizens to demand transparency in pilgrimage funding. If the letter gains traction, other Nigerians may ask: how much is spent each year? Who benefits? What is the economic impact? Transparency could lead to reform.
Advice from this analyst.
1. To President Bola Tinubu: read this letter carefully. The author is not your enemy. He supports fuel subsidy removal and state police. He is offering constructive criticism. Do not dismiss it as anti-religious. Engage with the fiscal argument.
2. To the National Assembly: hold hearings on pilgrimage funding. Invite the National Pilgrims Commissions. Request audited accounts. Determine whether the spending is justified. Publish the findings.
3. To religious leaders: respond to Oluoma’s argument. Is pilgrimage sponsorship essential? Could the government support interfaith dialogue instead? A thoughtful response would elevate the conversation.
4. To citizens who agree with Oluoma: amplify the letter. Share it. Write your own letters to your representatives. Public pressure can force change.
5. To citizens who disagree: articulate why pilgrimage funding is necessary. Is it a religious obligation of the state? Does it produce intangible benefits? A respectful debate benefits democracy.
A question to make you reflect.
If a poor man cuts down his fruit-bearing trees to build a prayer house and remains poor – is that faith or foolishness?
Fada Oluoma would say it is foolishness. He argues that Nigeria is that poor man. The fruit-bearing trees are the billions spent on pilgrimages. The prayer house is the spiritual comfort that does not feed, house, or educate anyone. Faith without works is dead – and so is poverty that could have been alleviated with the same resources. The letter is not an attack on religion. It is an attack on misplaced priorities.
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Akahi News gathered that Fada Oluoma has written to President Tinubu. His message: end government sponsorship of pilgrimages. He calls it “religious subsidy” – a drain on national resources that benefits only airlines and travel agencies. He tells the parable of Mr. Chrislam, who cut down his mango trees to build a prayer house and remained poor. He praises Governor Soludo for tackling religious rascals. He asks Tinubu to apply the same courage used to remove fuel subsidy. The letter is thoughtful, provocative, and uncomfortable for religious establishments. It will be ignored by many. But it will be remembered by some. That is how change begins – not with legislation, but with a citizen willing to write.