The attention of the Osun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has been drawn to reports of protest by some of its Pilgrims over poor quality of food they are being served at the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Consequent upon this development, a meeting was held this afternoon to appraise the situation and determine the root cause of the problem with the aim of finding a lasting solution to it. At the meeting were the State Government officials, some representatives of the Pilgrims, as well as the Head of Catering team for the Service Provider.
The meeting discussed the lack of adequate local Yoruba delicacies in the food menu of the service provider and the need for its inclusion in subsequent meals. The meeting also discussed the possibility of changing the caterers if no improvement is noticed.
It should, however, be noted that this problem is not peculiar to Osun State, and one can not rule out the possibility of fifth columnists blowing the situation out of control for obvious political reasons.
The Management of the Osun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board is deeply committed to ensuring that its Pilgrims derive adequate value for their money, which has been exemplified with their smooth journey to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, visitations to historical sites, securing an accommodation that is close to the Grand Mosque, constant availability of medical personnel at the Restaurant as well as relevant officials to attend to the needs of the Pilgrims.
We shall continue to take adequate steps towards improving on this mandate as contained in the farewell speech delivered by His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, to the pilgrims while leaving Osun State for the Pilgrimage. His Excellency is very much aware of this development, and he has directed that all necessary actions should be taken to fully address the concerns of the Osun State Pilgrims.
‘Bolaji Sanni
Administrative Secretary
OSMPWB
25/06/2023.
