By Ademola Orubon
THE Chairman, Ogun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, (OGSMPWB), Imam Miftau Majekodunmi has expressed his optimism for the refund of money being made to the last pilgrims who took part in the last hajj exercise in the state by the Saudi Arabian government for unrendered service.
Majekodunmi, who could not hide his happiness at the distribution of the fund to the pilgrims at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, said the refund was paid by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
“I am delighted to see that the government of Saudi Arabia has extended this gesture to the State, I know the money can actually address some needs. I want to assure that the Board will not relent in its effort at carrying out its duty as expected.
Also, the Executive Secretary of the Board, Alhaji AbdulHakeem Tunji Kalejaiye in his remarks, said the gesture has a long way to go in the lives of the pilgrims and it would strengthen the confidence reposed on both NAHCON and OGSMPWB, noting that all the people participated in the last Hajj exercise would be refunded.
He appreciated the NAHCON for deeming it fit to refund the money, as it was paid back for the unrendered services from the Saudi Arabian authority, saying that this would propel the already established integrity with the Arabian government operatives.
“This is a welcome gesture from Saudi Arabian government authority and also to the NAHCON, and it is expected also that if there is any refund to be made after account reconciliation, such be made available to pilgrims afterwards”, he said.
Among the Pilgrims that received their refund, Alhaji Sulaimon Ogunremi from Abeokuta North Local Government and Alhaja Rammat Adeniji from Odeda Local Government appreciated the NAHCON and state government for the job well done, saying the refunds would even cater for some of their needs.
The duo said the state government does their best in taking care of the pilgrims at the last Hajj exercise, saying that if they have opportunities of performing another Hajj, they would hesitate to pass through the Ogun state government.
“Indeed, we really appreciated the hands of fellowship being extended to us at the last Hajj exercise, especially the government and State Hajj official for their welfares, urging them to improve their services so as to encourage others to register with State government pilgrims’ welfare board.
