Osun State Pilgrims Express Dissatisfaction with Food Quality
PulseNets reports that pilgrims from Osun State, who are currently on pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia for this year’s Hajj, have protested against the poor quality of food provided by the State Pilgrims Welfare Board.
Despite the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) announcing the fares for pilgrims, with different rates for various states, pilgrims from Osun State have been voicing their dissatisfaction with the food served by the caterers hired by the State Pilgrims Welfare Board since their arrival in Saudi Arabia.
In a viral video that circulated on Sunday, the pilgrims were seen discarding the food packs they had been given in front of room 211, believed to be occupied by the state Amirul Hajj, Dr Maroof Ishola. This display was an expression of their displeasure.
Tensions regarding the welfare of the pilgrims heightened when some of them visited the Lagos camp and discovered that those in the camp were receiving better quality food.
One of the pilgrims expressed their discontent, stating, “We are rejecting the food given to us. We are at the door of Osun Amirul Hajj. We are rejecting the food given to us. The food is poor; we can’t continue such after paying a huge amount for this pilgrimage.”
In response, the management of the State Pilgrims Welfare Board has acknowledged the protest and held a meeting with the caterers and representatives of the pilgrims to address the situation. The Administrative Secretary of the Board, Bolaji Sanni, released a statement confirming this development. The statement highlighted the need for the inclusion of local Yoruba delicacies in the food menu and discussed the possibility of changing caterers if no improvements are observed.
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The statement also mentioned that the problem faced by Osun State is not unique and cautioned against the influence of fifth columnists who may exploit the situation for political reasons.
The grievances expressed by the pilgrims from Osun State underscore the significance of addressing the quality of food and ensuring the satisfactory welfare of individuals undertaking the Hajj pilgrimage.
