Monday, July 31, 2023

Oyo Govt To Labour: Let Us Dialogue Before Embarking On Protest Updated and Posted By Ambassador Oyedeji Olusegun Abayomi CEO RBFD blogger

 Oyo Govt To Labour: Let Us Dialogue Before Embarking On Protest

Updated and Posted By Ambassador Oyedeji Olusegun Abayomi CEO RBFD blogger




The Oyo State Government has rallied the Nigeria Labour Congress to discuss the issue of salary deductions exhaustively, before embarking on any form of protest.


In a statement issued by the Commissioner of Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the Oyo State Government said only three months and not six months are owed workers.



The statement added that every State in the federation owes workers salary deductions and the three months owed by Oyo State is the least.

According to the Commissioner, the NLC had shown over the years that they are in support of the present administration because of good governance, but asked them to reflect on the disposition of government to workers’ welfare.



While the July salaries have been paid in Oyo State, not less than 20 states including Ondo, Plateau, Benue and Bayelsa are owing several months of salaries in arrears, while several more including neighbouring states are owing months of deduction arrears.


Oyo State Government started the implementation of the N30,000 minimum wage three years ago, yet up till now many states are still struggling to pay the old wage.

While it is the Right and Entitlement of our workers to access their wages, especially at this tough times, Government implores them to reflect on the sincerity of purpose of this administration.


The statement said despite the challenges of paying wages, over 2,000 civil servants have been promoted, while almost 1,000 others have been converted to regular service.



For the records, Oyo State pays N7.3bn monthly as salaries, yet collects N5bn as Federal Allocation.


Because of this, all the N2.8bn raked in as Internally Generated Revenue IGR are ploughed back literally to service salaries.



Prince Oyelade said Government deserves a pat on the back, if in spite of this tightrope Government still embarks on such magnitude of infrastructural projects, that even the NLC has applauded numerously.


Eminent pundits, including the current Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki have predicted that no state will be able to pay salaries by the end of June this year because of the worsening shape of the economy but Oyo State due to the deft husbanding of the state resources by Gov Seyi Makinde has defied the doomsday prediction.




This is why the State Government is confident that the NLC will come to the negotiating table and together with Government chart a realistic path in balancing the welfare of the workers to which Government is obviously committed and the unpleasant economic indices that stare all of us in the face.



Meanwhile, the Oyo State Government urges workers to resume at their duty-posts, and continue the good work they are known for.



E-signed:


Prince Dotun Oyelade,

Hon. Commissioner,

Ministry of Information and Orientation,



Secretariat, Ibadan

July 31, 2023.




News: NLC and TUC Protest in Ibadan, Block Oyo Secretariat Entrance , Eyewitness by ( Ambassador Oyedeji Olusegun Abayomi CEO RBFD blogger)

 News:  NLC and TUC Protest in Ibadan, Block Oyo Secretariat Entrance , 

 Eyewitness by  ( Ambassador Oyedeji Olusegun Abayomi CEO RBFD blogger)  



According to my Speaker ( Ambassador Oyedeji Olusegun Abayomi GSM Volunteer People with Disability Omituntun 2:0) is that wetin our Oyo workers want again? sebi. Sebi Salary and Promotions are regular since GSM Omituntun 2:0 is doing well 




 Oyo State workers, represented by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), staged a protest by barricading all entrances to the Government Secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan.





The protest came about due to Governor Seyi Makinde’s failure to address their demands, which included remittance of deductions, the issuance of promotion letters with financial implications, and a review of pensions, among other issues.


The workers’ protest caused significant traffic congestion along the Secretariat road, and they voiced their solidarity through chants to attract the attention of passers-by.



During a conversation with the media, Mr. Kayode Martin, the State NLC Chairman, stressed that the only acceptable resolution to the protest was a face-to-face meeting with Governor Seyi Makinde, rather than engaging through a representative.


Mr. Martin accused the Governor of being insensitive to the workers’ plight and disregarding their concerns by not engaging with them.


He further elaborated that all their attempts to communicate with the Governor had been ignored, leading to a strained industrial relationship.


Supporting his counterpart, TUC Chairman Mr. Bosun Olabiyi, highlighted Governor Makinde’s lack of responsibility and responsiveness towards the workers in the state.





He emphasized that all previous efforts to meet with the Governor had been futile, prompting them to resort to the protest as a means to assert their demands.

Oyo First Lady Advocates Six Months Exclusive Breastfeeding For Babies

 

Oyo First Lady Advocates Six Months Exclusive Breastfeeding For Babies.


By Ambassador Oyedeji Olusegun Abayomi CEO RBFD blogger


Wife of the Oyo State governor, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, has encouraged nursing mothers in the state to adopt exclusive breastfeeding for their babies in the first six months to ensure their optimal growth and good health.

Mrs. Makinde, who said this in commemoration of the World Breastfeeding Week, which takes off on Tuesday, said her office would be collaborating with the Nigerian Governors’ Wives Forum to sensitize nursing mothers on the need for them to imbibe the culture of exclusive breastfeeding for babiesbecause of the inherent benefits in it.

A statement from the Office of the Wife of the Governor indicated that Mrs. Makinde stressed the importance of a minimum of six months exclusive breastfeeding, saying“breast milk provides best nutrition for babies because it has the right amount of nutrients. It is easily digested and is readily available.”

Mrs. Makinde equally lauded the Oyo State government for approving six months maternity leave with pay for nursing mothers in the state.

She charged private organizations and other employers in the state to follow the footsteps of the State government by approving six months maternity leave with pay for all nursing mothers in their employment to ensure the wellbeing of infants.

The Governor’s wife noted that the difficulty associated with babies in the first six months of life is reduced when mothers stay close to their babies during the period.


She also stated that to make life easy for working nursing mothers in the state, the Government has a crèche at the Oyo State Secretariat Complex as well as in some other Government offices within and outside the State Secretariat.

Mrs. Makinde thus enjoined employers to do the same for their female staff so that it would be easy for them to take care of their babies while at work.

According to the statement, another feature of the World Breastfeeding Week is sensitizing Nigerians to the importance of home and school gardening, which is part of the ‘Operation Feed Yourself’ initiative of the Federal Government.

Mrs. Makinde then encouraged all Nigerians to see home and school gardening as a tool to fight food shortage in the country.





Thursday, July 27, 2023

Star ⭐ Rep.Honourable Adedeji Stanley Olajide ( ODIDI OMO) Confirmed as House Committee Chairman for ICT and Cybersecurity yesterday By Hon Oyedeji Olusegun CEO RBFD blogger

 Star ⭐ Rep.Honourable  Adedeji Stanley Olajide ( ODIDI OMO) Confirmed as House Committee Chairman for ICT and Cybersecurity yesterday

By Hon Oyedeji Olusegun CEO RBFD blogger 




⭐ Star Rep. Honouable Adedeji Stanley Olajide ( ODIDI OMO) Confirmed as House Committee Chairman for ICT and Cybersecurity



The House of Representatives has confirmed Rep. Adedeji Stanley Olajide ( ODIDI OMO)as the chairman of the Committee on Information Communication Technology (ICT) and Cybersecurity. 


The Hon member representing Ibadan Nortwest/Southwest Federal constituency was elected chairman of the committee on Thursday, July 27, 2023 yesterday 


Hon Olajide ODIDI OMO is a seasoned IT professional with many years of experience in the industry.


Hon.S. A Olajide ODIDI OMO is a strong advocate for the development of ICT in Nigeria. He was instrumental in the passage of several bills that have helped to promote the growth of the ICT sector in the country.


As chairman of the Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, 


Hon. A .S Olajide ODIDI OMO is expected to play a leading role in the development of Nigeria’s ICT ecosystem.


 He has promised to work with stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria becomes a leader in the global ICT space.


“I am committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that Nigeria becomes a leader in the global ICT space,


”  Star Rep Hon A S Olajide ODIDI OMO said in a statement. “I believe that ICT has the potential to transform Nigeria into a prosperous and developed nation, and I am determined to do my part to make that happen.”


⭐ Star Rep Hon Olajide ODIDI OMO’s confirmation as chairman of the Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity is a positive development for Nigeria. 


He is a highly qualified and experienced individual who is well-positioned to lead the committee in its work to promote the development of ICT in the country.


SPORTS & CEO OOA GYM: FIFA WWC: Super Falcons shock co-hosts Australia 3-2… top group B

 SPORTS: 

Publiced by Ambassador Oyedeji CEO OOA GYM 

The Super Falcons of Nigeria came from a goal down to earn a stunning  3-2 win over co-hosts, Australia at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup Thursday.
It was the fifth win by the Super Falcons in the history of the tournament and a major upset in the 2023 World Cup.
The Aussies with more of the ball possession bombarded Nigeria relentlessly, but a solid defence mounted by Super Falcons prevented the Matildas from scoring an early goal.
However, Nigeria buckled under pressure in the closing stages of the first half as Foord set up Emilly van Egmond to give Australia the lead.
But the Super Falcons refused to lay down and be rolled over, Rasheedat Ajibade who had switched positions with Uchenna Kanu on left side scooped a high ball into the Australian box and Kanu jabbed in the ball on the dot of 45 minutes to level up scores.
Kanu who earlier in the game was seemingly fidgety with her touches silenced the home fans at the Brisbane Stadium.
The Super Falcons took the fight to the Matildas in the second half and in the 65th minute defender Ohale Osinachi gave Nigeria a 2-1 lead after bundling in the ball into the net off an Ajibade headed pass into the box. Osinachi needed treatment after collecting a kick to her mid section as she head in near the post.
Substitute Asisat Oshoala, who was not fit enough to start added the third goal from a difficult angle following a miscommunication from the Australian defence. She was booked for removing her shirt and revealing a bit of her cleaves.
Alanna Kennedy reduced the deficit for Australia in the stoppage time and their efforts to level up the game failed to yield results as Nigeria held on for a memorable victory that put the Super Falcons on top of the Group B pairing. Canada also with four points will play Australia next while the Super Falcons will play Ireland that have already lost two games in the last match of the group.

CEO OOA GYM 

PDP People with Disability &Ibadan South West Association of the Deaf Congratulate the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), the 16 accomplished Commissioners, the diligent Accountant General, and the Permanent Secretaries, on their well-deserved appointments Made by Our Amiable Leader His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde Fnse.

PDP People with Disability and Ibadan South West Association of the Deaf Congratulate the newly appointed Secretary to the State Government (SSG), the 16 accomplished Commissioners, the diligent Accountant General, and the Permanent Secretaries, on their well-deserved appointments Made by Our Amiable Leader His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde Fnse.

Publiced By Ambassador Oyedeji CEO RBFD blogger 



We Know that Thier have wealth of experience and dedication to public service will undoubtedly contribute significantly to the realization of the Governor’s vision for a more prosperous and sustainable Oyo State.

 

Congratulations once again to all the appointees, and may your tenure be marked by exceptional achievements and impactful initiatives that will elevate Oyo State to greater heights. 


For on behalf of PDP People with Disability and Ibadan South West Association of the Deaf





- Honourable Oyedeji Olusegun Abayomi Coordinator PDP People with Disability and Board of Trustees Ibadan South West Association of the Deaf 



Monday, July 24, 2023

LG POLL 2024: Hon Iyanda Kabiru Abayomi (Top T) Expresses Gratitude To Dist Sen Kamorudeen Adekunle Adedibu, Political Mother Alh Modinat Abosede , Honourable Adedeji A. S. Aka ODIDI OMO, Hon Oyedeji Olusegun Abayomi Supervisory Councilor on People with Disability Ibadan South West LG, Ward 9 Leaders / People with Disability, All Aspirants, all wards members & State Party Executives for the Peaceful & Support - Publiced by Ambassador Oyedeji CEO RBFD blogger.

 LG POLL 2024: Hon Iyanda Kabiru Abayomi 

     (Top T) Expresses Gratitude To Dist Sen Kamorudeen Adekunle Adedibu, Political Mother Alh Modinat Abosede , Honourable Adedeji A. S. Aka ODIDI OMO, Hon Oyedeji Olusegun Abayomi Supervisory Councilor on People with Disability Ibadan South West LG, Ward 9 Leaders / People with Disability, All Aspirants, all wards members & State Party Executives for the Peaceful & Support

Publiced by Ambassador Oyedeji CEO RBFD blogger. 




Hon Iyanda Kabiru Abayomi  (Top T) Incoming Councilorship Ward 9 Ibadan South West LG 

 has expressed his gratitude to all of PDP Party leaders and others for support him when was picked as Ward 9 Councilorship Ibadan South West LG. 




In his appreciation message, Hon. Top T thanked the Political Mother Alh Modinat Abosede Adedibu Yeyeluha, Sen Kamorudeen Adekunle Adedibu, Hon Odidi omo, Hon Oyedeji Olusegun and others his unwavering commitment to ensuring a transparent, inclusive, and peaceful picked him as Ward 9 Councilorship Ibadan South West LG 


His appreciation message reads : 



I, Hon Iyanda Kabiru Abayomi   (TopT) really appreciate and thank all my leaders. Sen kamordeen Adedibu, Alhaja Bose Adedibu our southwest woman leader and Hon Adedeji Stanley (Odidiomo) Hon Oyedeji Olusegun Abayomi Supervisory Councilor Ibadan South West LG, Ward 9 Leaders, people with Disability and our local government chairman Hon Kehinde Akande , Hon ATU God bless you all for me. Appreciate 🙏


I hope this message finds you in good health and high spirits. I write with immense gratitude and a heart brimming with joy to express my sincere appreciation for the peaceful picked me as Hon Councilorship ward 9 Ibadan South West LG well-organized by picked me to represent our community. 


also Sen Kamorudeen Adekunle Adedibu, The Political Mother Alh Modinat Abosede Adedibu Yeyeluha, Hon ODIDI OMO with the focus on fostering an environment that encourages young leaders like myself to step forward and contribute to the betterment of our community is truly commendable.



Also Honourable Oyedeji Olusegun Abayomi is my mentor who knowledge The visionary leadership has inspired countless individuals, including myself, to actively engage in the political process and work towards positive change at our ward 9 Ibadan South West LG.



I must also acknowledge the support and encouragement I received from my fellow candidates also because it is very important for me to cooperate together with them as one family since we don't going for primary election as I were picking as Councilorship ward 9 Ibadan South West LG with peaceful in spirit of sportsmanship and Women displayed by all participants was commendable. It speaks volumes about the character of our party members and reaffirms our shared commitment to the betterment of our Dear Ibadan South West LG and ward 9 Ibadan South West LG 



 I promise to be a dedicated and diligent representative, working tirelessly for the progress and development of our ward 9 Ibadan South West local government. I assure you that I will uphold the principles of fairness, justice, and inclusivity while striving to make a positive impact on the lives of the people and Special People with Disability we serve.


Saturday, July 22, 2023

THE AMBASSADOR OYEDEJI OLUSEGUN ABAYOMI CEO RBFD CONGRATULATIONS THE APPOINTMENT OF MICHEAL OGUNSINA AS ACTING PUBLICITY SECRETARY, PDP OYO STATE CHAPTER

 

JUST IN: Oyo PDP Appoints Michael Ogunsina As Acting Publicity Secretary

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

22/07/2023 yesterday The Ambassador Oyedeji Olusegun Abayomi CEO RBFD, PDP People with Disability and able community Loyalty congratulations 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 to one of mine and Our Very Own Mentor Honourable Micheal Ogunshina aka Mike of Oyo State PDP Youth Leader to Acting Publicity Secretary, PDP Oyo State Chapter. He deserved it and keep us together. PDP POWER TO THE PEOPLE.

APPOINTMENT OF MICHEAL OGUNSINA AS ACTING PUBLICITY SECRETARY, PDP OYO STATE CHAPTER

 The People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Micheal Ogunsina as the Acting Publicity Secretary of the Party. This appointment comes as a result of his dedication, hard work, and outstanding leadership as the State Youth Leader of the PDP.

Mr. Ogunsina has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the party's principles and values, and his contributions have been instrumental in mobilizing and engaging the youth within the party. As the Acting Publicity Secretary, we are confident that he will continue to elevate the party's message and effectively communicate the PDP's vision to the people of Oyo State.

Mr. Micheal Ogunsina will combine his office as the State Youth Leader with that of the Acting Publicity Secretary of the Party in Oyo State. 

The State Chairman, Hon. Dayo Ogungbenro, remarked on Mr. Ogunsina's appointment, stating, "I am delighted to appoint Micheal Ogunsina as the Acting Publicity Secretary. His track record of dedication and his passion for the party's progress make him an ideal fit for this important role. I have no doubt that he will excel in his new position."

For media inquiries or further information, please contact: Micheal Ogunsina on 08103310748.

Signed:

Hon. Dayo Ogungbenro

State Chairman.

Friday, July 21, 2023

Achievement and History about GSM Omituntun 2:0 - Honourable Oyedeji Olusegun Abayomi, GSM Volunteer People with Disability Omituntun 2;0

 Achievement and History about GSM Omituntun 2:0 - Hon Oyedeji Olusegun Abayomi GSM Volunteer People with Disability Omituntun 2:0




My Deep appreciation His Excellency for bringing the best out of we the youth and People with Disability (PWD)


Oyo youths are on their ten toes working out their best version in entrepreneurship, global network and politics, emulating our Governor & young leaders in OYSG.


To everyone, Governor Makinde is kind.

Below are verifiable giant stride performances first of its kind in Governor Makinde administration:


1. He is the first Governor to have First Female to be SSG whose name is Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun.


2. He is the first Governor in South West Nigeria to have a 27 year old Youth as honorable commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Asiwaju Seun Fakorede


3. He is the first Governor to have the youngest honorable Member at the 9th House of Assembly Oyo State in person of Hon. Yusuf O. Adebisi


4. He is the first Governor to have the youngest appointee as member board in ACCOS whose name is Hon. Eniola Christabel former Aspirant OYHA Lagelu State constituency


5. He is the first Governor to have the Current Honourable Supervisory Councilor on People with Disability to Executive Chairman ( This is my humble self)


6. He is the First Governor to have Former  Executive Assistant on PWD to Governor , SA on Special needs to Governor, Supervisory Councilors, SAs in each Local Government areas Oyo State


7. He is the first Governor to have embraced Youth inclusiveness in Politics hence bringing many into his administration starting from the local level to the State.


8. more of it Etc 



GSM Omituntun 2:0 have  come to Stay!!!

There is ability in Disability community and no one left behind - Hon Oyedeji 




- Hon Oyedeji Olusegun Abayomi

GSM Volunteer People with Disability Omituntun 2:0



Thursday, July 20, 2023

TOUCHSTONE: Do We Stop Working After Elections and Political Appointments?

 NEWSPAPER

TOUCHSTONE: Do We Stop Working After Elections and Political Appointments?

By Ambassador Hon Oyedeji Olusegun Abayomi CEO RBFD blogger. 



PDP Chieftain, Hon. Abayomi Fagbenro-Bibire’s Post-Election Productivity, philanthropic gesture in his community

In a touching display of compassion and encouragement, Hon. Abayomi Fagbenro-Bibire, a respected alumnus of Government College Ibadan (GCI), made a significant donation of uniforms to Cadet students, of Government College Ibadan.

The donation took place on the hallowed grounds of Government College Ibadan.

For Hon. Abayomi Fagbenro-Bibire, the event was an opportunity to reminisce about his own cherished experiences during his time as a student at GCI.

Addressing the students, Hon. Fagbenro-Bibire stressed the importance of education and character development in shaping the leaders of tomorrow. He commended the Cadet students for their unwavering commitment, hard work, and dedication to upholding GCI’s legacy of excellence.

“My alma mater fills me with immense pride, and I am truly amazed by the outstanding individuals it continues to produce,” shared Hon. Abayomi Fagbenro-Bibire. “Giving back to this institution, which played a crucial role in my personal and professional development, is an absolute honor. I hope that my contributions will inspire these deserving Cadet students to reach even greater heights in their endeavors.”

The generous donation included a substantial number of impeccably tailored uniforms, reinforcing the Cadet corps’ sense of identity and unity.

In the future, Hon. Fagbenro-Bibire will bestow prizes upon the most exceptional Cadet students, to acknowledge their exceptional leadership skills and academic brilliance.

Mr. Remi Adelabu the Principal of GCI, expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the entire school community for Hon. Fagbenro-Bibire’s benevolence. “We are deeply moved by Hon. Fagbenro-Bibire’s generosity and commitment to enhancing our school. His contributions will undoubtedly inspire our students to strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives.”

Hon. Abayomi Fagbenro-Bibire’s laudable initiative serves as a shining example of how alumni can play a pivotal role in nurturing and empowering the next generation of leaders. His act of philanthropy will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the Cadet students of Government College Ibadan, motivating them to continue their pursuit of excellence.

The students expressed their heartfelt appreciation for the invaluable support they received, further strengthening the bond between the esteemed alumnus and the current GCI community. The legacy of Hon. Abayomi Fagbenro-Bibire’s contribution will undoubtedly resonate through the corridors of Government College Ibadan for generations, inspiring Cadet students to embody the values of leadership and academic brilliance.

Concluding his speech, Hon. Abayomi Fagbenro-Bibire has this to say “You don’t have to possess the wealth of a Dangote or Otedola to bring joy and assistance to your community. Popularity, special treatment, or a multitude of degrees are not prerequisites to be a source of happiness and support to your fellow human beings.

Take notice of the challenges around you and seek solutions, even if they may not be the grandest issues.

In this particular case, I choose to address the uniform problem for these students. I once walked in their shoes, and my journey began as a cadet student, where I saw the potential for greatness.

The resources that God has entrusted to us are not for our sole benefit but to be used to help others in need.

Let us remember that politics is a human ideology, separate from the divine.

I encourage all those who possess the means to come together, pool our resources, and assist the less privileged, making Oyo state a better place for all.

Although the elections have concluded, and political appointments are underway, it will not hinder me from pursuing my true calling. With or without politics, I will persist in doing what I believe God has destined for me.

In this challenging period, I urge every citizen of Nigeria to pray for one another and unite. There is hope, and we will see light at the end of the tunnel”.

Ambassador Oyedeji Olusegun Abayomi for everyone and no one left behind - The Office of the Co-Moderator JONAPWD platform. 

© Honourable Abayomi Bibire © Ambassador Oyedeji Olusegun Abayomi CEO RBFD blogger & Friends of Oyedeji/ Bibire 🤗





Sunday, July 16, 2023

MANY FG DEPARTMENTS, AGENCIES, NCPWD ARE RENTING OFFICE SPACES IN ABUJA” – SEN SHEHU SANI

 MANY FG DEPARTMENTS, AGENCIES, NCPWD ARE RENTING OFFICE SPACES IN ABUJA” – SEN SHEHU SANI

PUBLICED: AMBASSADOR OYEDEJI CEO RBFD BLOGGER 


A former senator who represented Kaduna Central at the 8th Senate, Shehu Sani, has expressed concern on the continuous use of borrowed office spaces by several federal government departments and agencies, including the National Commission of Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD), while some elements of the Buhari administration just auctioned the FG confiscated properties to themselves, instead of handing them over to those agencies”

The former Senator made this known via his Twitter handle on Friday after visiting some FG departments and agencies, including the NCPWD where he received a copy of policy documents on disability in brail format and some assistive devices to distribute to members of the Disability community in his constituency.

“Many FG Departments and Agencies are still renting office spaces in Abuja, including the National Commission of Persons with Disabilities NCPWD, and elements of the Buhari administration just auctioned the FG confiscated properties to themselves, instead of handing them over to those agencies”he said.

Saturday, July 15, 2023

HAJJ 2023: ‘Pilgrims Didn’t Get Value For What They Paid For, Refund Them’ – Oyo Lawmaker, Odidiomo Tells NAHCON


HAJJ 2023: ‘Pilgrims Didn’t Get Value For What They Paid For, Refund Them’ – Oyo Lawmaker, Odidiomo Tells NAHCON by Ambassador Oyedeji CEO RBFD blogger 



 Following the untold hardship faced by close to 100,000 Nigerians pilgrims at the just concluded Muslim pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the lawmaker representing Ibadan North West/South West federal constituency in the house of representative, Hon. Dhikirulahi Adedeji Olajide, has asked the National Hajj Commission, NAHCON, to refund the pilgrims.

In a motion to that effect on Wednesday, the two-term house of representatives member said he performed the pilgrimage with other Nigerians and could not but table their plight.

Odidiomo, as the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, parliamentarian is known, said that he was not happy with the whole situation, adding that apart from the fact that many Nigerians are yet to be airlifted back home many days after the completion of the hajj rites, pilgrims didn’t get value for the huge amount they paid for the exercise.

Speaking at the plenary, the outspoken lawmaker said that “I rise to move a motion on the need to investigate the untold hardship faced by Nigerian pilgrims at the recently concluded 2023 Hajj.

“The exercise in the holy land of Saudi Arabia involved over 95,000 Nigerian pilgrims. Also, note that the Chapter 2 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, particularly section 14, 2b provides that the security and the welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.

“A form of a total of about 95,000 slots were allotted to Nigeria, which was coordinated by the NAHCON, and pursuant to section 4, it is charged with the mandate to provide effectively and efficiently Hajj and Umrah services to the Nigerian pilgrims.

“Be informed too that this year’s Hajj recorded one of the largest turnouts in the history of Nigeria. Some core operators perpetrated the worst form of unprofessionalism by failing to provide services to pilgrims in terms of accommodation, feeding and transportation.

“Mr Speaker, I am disturbed by the absence of emergency medical services for sick patients in distress at Minna camp as many could not even access ambulance services to the camp.

“Furthermore, I am also disturbed by the fact that most Nigerian pilgrims were made to miss their flights and had to procure new ticket without justification or justifiable cause, due to the disturbing bottlenecks placed by the Hajj services centres, especially service centre 16, who withheld passports of pilgrims until the bottlenecks were fulfilled.

“Worried that many Nigerian pilgrims cannot get commensurate value for the high amount of money they paid for, I am justly clamouring for a full refund for the tent and their feeding. I am worried that the agency mandated to cater for the pilgrims affairs, NAHCON, has not been proactive in ameliorating the plight of Nigerians during the Hajj exercise.

“Please, we are asking that you mandate the Committee on the Pilgrim Affairs constituted to conduct a detailed investigation into the several anomalies that emanated from the exercise and report back to the House within four weeks for further legislative actions.

“Also, mandate the Committee on Legislativen Compliance, when constituted, to ensure implementation,” he said.