By Toyeeb Omotayo
The Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has assured pilgrims from the state that their welfare remains a paramount concern amidst recent complaints about food shortages.
The Head of Madinah Operations for Kwara Pilgrims and a member of the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Dr. Abubakar Agbaje, gave this indication in a statement reacting to a reports complaints of food shortages by Kwara Pilgrims and a copy made available to Sobi FM.
He stated that the board has been proactively managing the welfare of the pilgrims in collaboration with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to ensure their well-being.
He also clarified that NAHCON bears direct responsibility for providing food and logistical support to the pilgrims in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, while the role of the Kwara State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board primarily involves overseeing the process to maintain orderliness.
Dr. Agbaje assured that the board is dedicated to addressing these issues diligently as they arise and noted that improvements in services are already being observed as the transition from Madinah to Makkah takes place.
“The reported challenges appear to be associated with some pilgrims’ preferences for specific food options, leading to self-reliance and expressions of discontent,” Dr. Agbaje explained.
He further noted that deviations from designated feeding schedules have been observed, with some pilgrims prioritizing engagement in spiritual and tourism activities during the scheduled feeding times, subsequently raising concerns about food scarcity upon their return.
“It is noteworthy that many of our pilgrims are undertaking international travel for the first time, and their unfamiliarity with international travel norms has contributed to some of the misunderstandings being witnessed,” he added.
Dr. Agbaje assured that the board is dedicated to addressing these issues diligently as they arise and noted that improvements in services are already being observed as the transition from Madinah to Makkah takes place.
