2023 Hajj operations; Osun pilgrims in  good  spirit,
   ...... Says Sheik Marouf Ishola, the Amirul Hajj
        .......As the Osun State  Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board debunks the rumour of poor feeding in the holy land

The Management of the Osun State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has declared its readiness at all times  at   ensuring that its Pilgrims continue to  enjoy the best of life as they perform this year's hajj.

    It, however,  described the rumour making the rounds of poor feeding arrangement for the pilgrims in Saudi Arabia by the Board as totally baseless and unfounded .

A statement issued by the Administrative Secretary of the Board, Mr 'Bolaji Sanni on behalf of the Amir ul Hajj, Sheik Moruf Ishola described the rumour as completely fabricated by  fifth columnists aimed at  smearing  the good reputation of the board and in  particular the administration of Senator Ademola Adekeke which had earlier put all necessary arrangements in place to make  this year's hajj a success.

While recalling with satisfaction how the Osun state Pilgrims Welfare Board  adequately facilitated the smooth journey of the Osun pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia from Nigeria, the Board says  the rumour making the rounds of poor feeding arrangement should be completely discountenanced by the public and in particular the people of Osun state whose relations are currently performing this year's Hajj exercise in Makkah and Madinah .

     According to Mr Bolaji Sanni , the alleged poor food  being purportedly served the pilgrims was a political mischief intentionally fabricated by fifth columnists  to wilfully disparage and malign the good reputation of the Board.

     He ,however, emphasised that the board  will not leave any stone unturned to correct such erroneous impression being created in the minds of the innocent public.

     The Administrative Secretary of the Board therefore maintained that all the pilgrims are in good spirit in the holy land and doing well  as they look forward to performing some of the last hajj rites very soon without any problem whatsoever.

To lay credence to his assertions,Mr Sanni recalled how  the board since arrival in the holy lands of Makkah and Madinah arranged  visitations to different historical sites, securing a good accommodation  close to the Grand Mosque in Makkah for the pilgrims  in addition to well qualified  medical personnel attending  to their  needs  in the holy land .

    He ,consequently , reiterated  the readiness of the board to   continue to take adequate steps towards improving on a  mandate given to it  as contained in the farewell speech delivered by  Osun state governor, Senator Ademola  Adeleke before the  pilgrims left  Osun State for the pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia,
     Mr 'Bolaji Sanni also  recalled how Senator Adeleke  directed that all necessary actions should be taken to fully address the concerns of the Osun State Pilgrims, which,according to him, the board has never for once been  found wanting in complying  with.

       It would be recalled that few days ago there were reports making the rounds that Osun state pilgrims were among other pilgrims from other states in Nigeria  staging a protest over poor quality of food being served them.
     Consequent upon the development,Osun state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board officials alongside top delegation of Osun state government and Head of the Catering team for the service provider met to deliberate on the matter .

    It noted at the meeting that the problem is not peculiar to Osun state pilgrims alone just as it also concluded necessary plans to change the caterers with immediate effect if no improvement is noticed henceforth.

     Mr Sanni therefore implored all the pilgrims to  continue to have absolute confidence in the ability of Osun state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board to enjoy their stay   in the holy land during the on going Hajj operations.