The Executive Secretary of Gombe State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Saadu Hassan has commended the feeding arrangements put in place by the Saudi Arabian service provider for Nigerian pilgrims.
Alhaji Hassan gave the commendation while speaking to Hajj Reporters In Makkah, after a team of officials from the state undertook a tour of some kitchens being used to prepare meals for the pilgrims.
He said the tour was an eye opener which has exposed the officials to the excellent arrangements by the service provider including proper attention to sanitary conditions at the premises.
“We received complaints from some of the pilgrims on the need to include our local dishes in the menu.
“As a result, we resolved to visit the kitchen and see for our selves and to also discuss how to meet the expectations of our pilgrims with regards to the inclusion of local dishes in the menu,” he said.
Alhaji Hassan said following the tour and a meeting with the officials of the service company, it was agreed that there will be local dish for at least four days every week.
He said they also agreed that apart from chicken, other protein sources such as beef and lamb will also be included in the menu
The Executive Secretary said they have also agreed to have an improvement in the type and size of breakfast to be provided.
Alhaji Hassan said some pilgrims from Gombe have offered to help the kitchen staff in preparing local dishes.
He said however, that the company officials said only licensed persons are allowed to work in the kitchens following a standard health checks protocols by authorities in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
