The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has threatened to penalise any of the caterers, who violates its pilgrims’ feeding arrangements, during the Hajj in Saudi Arabia.
The commission’s Chairman, Abdullahi Muhktar, made the threat while inspecting catering and accommodation services for pilgrims on Wednesday in Mina, Saudi Arabia.
While inspecting the catering service in Kwara camp, the chairman discovered that the company handling it failed to adhere to NAHCON’s menu for dinner.
The menu had provided for a meal of rice, stew, fruits and drinks but the contractors prepared three slices of bread and small quantities of beans for each pilgrim.
The NAHCON boss immediately directed the caterers to provide the stipulated dish and serve the beans to pilgrims, who wanted it at no cost to the commission.
He said NAHCON would penalise such companies because pilgrims deserved the best service for their money.
“These meals are not free, the pilgrims paid for them and I see no reason to compromise their welfare,’’ Mukhtar said.
Addressing the pilgrims and their officials later, the NAHCON boss assured them of the commission’s dedication to their welfare.
He urged all pilgrims to intensify prayers for Nigeria, President Buhari, their governors and relations for Nigeria to prosper.
He also inspected similar facilities in the Kaduna, Kogi, Ekiti, Zamfara, Kano and Sokoto state camps where he delegated some staff of the commission to ensure the caterers complied with the feeding regulations.
Mukhtar later told newsmen that the commission was ready to improve on the shortcomings observed during the visits.
He commended all the officials and staff of each state he visited, adding that NAHCON was proud of their efforts in realising hitch-free Hajj
Youths pledge to partner Police to fight crimes
The National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has said it is willing to partner with the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to deal with pressing security challenges and reduce crime in the country.
In a statement issued by the President of the group, Malam Bello Shagari, on Wednesday, he expressed the confidence of the Nigerian youths in the Police and the leadership of the country, who, according to him, have demonstrated determination to address the concerns of the youth.
He also commended the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, for listening to the voice of young Nigerians on the unprofessional conduct of some members of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Police.
There have been a national outcry over the years, concerning the conduct of some members of SARS in dealing with civilians, especially the youths.
Mallam Shagari described the action taken by the Federal Government against the police unit as timely and necessary, adding that the Nigerian youths would continue to resist any form of harassment in the guise of policing.
His words: “SARS has been a factor that has been distancing the friendship between the Police and the citizenry. We also applaud the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris for taking a swift action in dealing with the situation by ensuring the immediate reform of the department.
“We believe that such efforts will go a long way in addressing policing issues in Nigeria. The Police can be rest assured of the support and partnership of the new leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) in dealing with pressing security issues and reducing crime in the country.”
Noting that it was the duty of NYCN to always protect and promote the interest of Nigerian youth, he gave an assurance that henceforth, NYCN leadership would begin to watch out for the well-being and welfare of the Nigerian youth and their relationship with the authorities.
