GOVERNOR MAKINDE APPEALS TO MUSLIM PILGRIMS ON WAITING LIST TO BE PATIENT

Oyo state Governor Seyi Makinde has appealed to Muslim pilgrims on awaiting list to exercise patience as his administration would synergize with the national Hajj commission in resolving administrative bottlenecks causing delays.

The Governor made the appeal when he received some of the intending pilgrims on a peaceful protest to his office at secretariat Ibadan.

Governor MAKINDE who acknowledged that the challenges were due to backlog caused by COVID-19 pandemic and restrictions based on visa quota amongst others, said his administration would take necessary actions and responsibilities in ensuring intending pilgrims shortlisted from Oyo state were airlifted.

Governor MAKINDE also expressed shock on the poor state of social facilities and conveniences at the Olodo Hajj camp Ibadan, promising to quickly address the challenge to enable intending pilgrims enjoy standard social facilities at the camp subsequently.

Explaining further the Governor noted that Oyo state initially got a list of 629 intending pilgrims, therafter an additional 150 making 779, which should not have been mixed up to give advantage to the first batch, while assuring the concern intending pilgrims that the situation would be resolved to their benefit.

Speaking earlier on behalf of the pilgrims on the waiting list, Alhaji ADEBAYO GAFAR lamented their ordeal while appealing to the Governor to intervene in ensuring their efforts were not in vain by being airlifted.

They equally presented a list of all intending pilgrims yet to be airlifted to Governor Seyi Makinde for consideration and to expedite actions