Pilgrims from Osun State, who performed Hajj last year in Mecca, Saudi Arabia have received N17.7 million refund. The 852 pilgrims converged on the Muslim wing of the state Ministry of Home Affairs, Tourism and Culture, to collect the refund made as part of the expenses they incurred during the pilgrimage to the Holy land.
Speaking with reporters after refunding N9,300 to each pilgrims, the Amir Hajj, Barr. Dhikrullahi Olakunle Hassan, ?said the money was refunded because the Saudi Arabian authorities could not provide some services to the pilgrims following the confusion occasioned by the crane crash of last year, in which many lives were lost.
According to him, each of the 852 pilgrims had earlier collected N11,600 on April 6th, 2016. He added that the release of more funds by the authorities in Saudi Arabia, to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCOM), necessitated the new payment of additional N9,300 to each pilgrims.
Hassan disclosed that Governor Rauf Aregbesola ordered the immediate payment of the first batch as soon as it was received in April and the second batch this June. He further disclosed that nine pilgrims were yet to receive their refund from the first batch, assuring that they would get it once they come forward.