Osun 2017 Hajj pilgrims laud NAHCON, Aregbesola for transparency

The Muslim pilgrims to Saudi Arabia from Osun State who performed the 2017 Hajj have lauded the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and Osun State Government for transparency and accountability in handling of their affairs. The pilgrims who thronged the Osun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board in the Office of the Governor in Osogbo, […]

The Muslim pilgrims to Saudi Arabia from Osun State who performed the 2017 Hajj have lauded the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and Osun State Government for transparency and accountability in handling of their affairs.

The pilgrims who thronged the Osun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board in the Office of the Governor in Osogbo, capital of Osun State to collect the refund of N28,500 each from their Hajj fare commended NAHCON and Aregbesola for the prompt release and payment of the money.

Some of the pilgrims who spoke with Daily Trust after collecting the money said they did not know the reason for the refund. They expressed gratitude to NAHCON and Osun State government for their openness. 

One of the beneficiaries, Alhaji Sarafadeen Hakeeb Kadara who spoke on behalf of other pilgrims said the refund came as a surprise because they were not expecting it as none of them made any complaint that could warrant the demand for such refund.

The Chairman of the Osun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board who doubled as Amir-ul-Hajj of the state, Barrister Zikrullah Olakunle Hassan explained that the refund was made because of certain welfare services that were not very satisfactorily rendered to the pilgrims at some points.

Hassan added that the Aregbesola’s administration does not joke with issue of transparency and accountability when it comes to a matter that has to do with the people of the state.

“We felt that there were certain things that our pilgrims did not enjoy to the fullest and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) met with the concerned Saudi Authorities on this and we got the refund. Governor Rauf Aregbesola approved and gave us the go ahead to disburse the money to the pilgrims immediately”, Hassan stated.