2023 Hajj: Hospitality received was superb — Returnee Hajj pilgrim, Munirudeen
By Jeleel Olawale
One of the returned 2023 Hajj pilgrims, Alhaji Munirudeen Rabiu has described the hospitality received from the host Saudi-Arabia authority as one of the best since the history of hajj in Nigeria.
According to him, “The hospitality received was superb especially from the host. We were well hydrated with provision of enough water and juices to battle the dehydration effect of hot sun. There is the regular provision of edibles like: cakes, breads, etc even packed food items, as Sadaqah. Proper ventilation of our accommodation and stability of electricity cum water supply.”
He said the 2023 Hajj exercise was well planned and there was no delay of pilgrims at Hajj camp in Lagos, saying the highest number of days every pilgrim spent was 24hrs after which they were airlifted.
He noted that on getting to Medina, they were taken to various notable historical sites such as HARAM MASJIDUL QUBAI, MOUNT OF UHUD, MASJIDUL QIBLATAYN AL BAQI’I.
“We also visited JABAL THAUR, GHAARUL HIRAAI, MINA, ARAFAH, MUZDALIFAH and JAMARAH.
“It is unique because of rigorous enlightenment put in place by the Welfare Board both before, during and after the take off of the exercise. Besides, befitting accommodation secured very close Kaabah was also superb,” he posited.
Munirudeen stressed that the pilgrims were initially promised a local delicacies especially in Makkah by the Welfare Boar.
“While the NAHCON takes care of our feeding in Madinah, the Muasassah takes care of feeding and accommodation on Mashaair (Mina, Arafah, Musaldalifah and Jamurah,” adding that all these promises fell short of fulfillment of what they were promised in terms of quality, quantity and promptness of all these.
“Though, aside all these, all went well as the preparation was well adequate. The Osun State Government contributed in assisting in securing and payment of accommodation, prompt airlifting and returning of pilgrims.
“The government also supported with medical personnel and qualified Ulamaau and officials, production of brochure for all the Hujaaj for referencing, to mention but few.”
He said, though only Allah is perfect the preparation of Osun Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Board was above average. This has resulted into good performance before, during and after the Hajj.
He hinted that the contingents from Osun conducted themselves in a good manner both in Makkah and Madinah to the extent of earning NAHCON’s recognition.
He, therefore, urged Nigerian government to commence earlier preparation by engaging in adequate enlightenment for all contingents so as to avail them opportunity of attaining the Hajj they went for.
He added that effort should be made to convince the Ministry of Hajj in Saudi Arabia to as a means of bringing comfort to the Hujjaj, each country should be allowed to feed her contingents.
