Author: Muhammad Lawal

Hajj 2024: 2nd flight arrives Birnin Kebbi
Arrival
By Muhammad Lawal
Birnin Kebbi, June 24, 2024 (NAN) The second flight conveying 430 pilgrims of Kebbi has arrived at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport Birnin Kebbi on Monday morning.
The plane, an AIRBUS A330 took-off from the Jeddah International Airport, Saudi Arabia at about 9:00p.m. Saudi time and arrived in Nigeria at about 1:20a.m.
The flight conveyed pilgrims from Argungu and Dandi Local Government Areas of the state as well as some Kebbi Government Officials (KGOs).
The third plane is expected to depart Saudi Arabia Sunday night and hopefully arrive Nigeria early Monday morning, Nigerian time. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
June 24, 2024
Treat mankind with good conduct – Cleric counsels pilgrims
Conduct
By Muhammad Lawal
Makkah, June 23, 2024 (NAN) Sheikh Kabiru Umar-Wasagu, a member of the Da’awah Committee of Kebbi Pilgrims Welfare Board says Islam always encourages the Muslims to treat mankind with good conduct.
Umar-Wasagu, who is also the Deputy Imam of Central Mosque, Birnin Kebbi, stated this in Makkah during the morning enlightenment programme for the pilgrims on Sunday.
The News Agency of Nigeria NAN) reports that the enlightenment was meant to further strengthen the faith of the believers especially after performing one of the five pillars of Islam, Hajj.
He described good conduct (husnul kulq) as one of the excellent qualities of Islam, hence the need for the Muslims l to promote it to the best of their ability.
The cleric charged them to avoid acts that go contrary to the teachings of Islam, identifying such acts to include; telling lies, fornication, adultery and backbiting among others.
Umar-Wasagu recalled that the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) spent ten years in Makkah calling on the people to avoid bad habits and encourage good attitudes.
He said during the period, people differed in accepting the message of the Prophet, saying: “People like Sayyidna Abubakar Siddiq accepted the Prophet directly and immediately, others accepted his message partially, while others rejected the faith completely.”
Taking his text from Sura Waqi’a, (Qur’an Chapter 56) and A’araf, (Qur’an Chapter 7), the cleric said God Almighty had classified people into three groups; those who would inherit the Kingdom of paradise, those who would go to hell fire as well those who would be in-between.
“On the last day, there are some Muslims that will enter paradise directly without any hindrance, there are some who will come as Muslims but commit different categories of sins, however, they will enter paradise.
*While the third category are those who contemplated their faith and in essence rejected the faith.
“A believer is the one called muqarab, meaning close to our creator and will enter paradise directly while there are those who will come with loads of sins.”
According to Umar-Wasagu, the likes of Abubakar Siddiq, Umar bn Kathab, Usman bn Affan and Aliyu bn Abu Talib were the four prominent companions of the prophet (PBUH) alongside others.
The rest were like Dalha bn Ubaidullah and Mu’az bn Jabal, among others, who are referred to Al-Muqarrab, who are very close to the Lord.
“The second category are those Muslims who commit sins and these are divided into two those who will enter paradise after struggle and those who will remain on the fence of A’araf they neither enter paradise nor hell fire,” he said.
Citing an example of some giant disbelievers like; Abu Jahal and Shaiba bn Rabi’a, the cleric said they stood against the message of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).
“However. Allah’s path is supreme, the message went beyond the Arabian Peninsula and spread all over the world,” Umar-Wasagu said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
June 23, 2024
Hajj flights: Kebbi maintains first-in first-out arrangement
Flight
By Muhammad Lawal
Makkah, June 21, 2024 (NAN) The Kebbi Pilgrims Welfare Board has maintained its earlier fights schedule of first-in first-out arrangement for conveying pilgrims from Saudi Arabia back to Nigeria.
Its Executive Chairman, Alhaji Faruku Aliyu-Enabo, announced this in Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Friday.
He said: “Pilgrims will be transported back to Nigeria based on first-in first-out arrangement, meaning passengers onboard in the first plane will be the first to go back home.
“While passengers onboard in the last plane will be the last to be transported back to Nigeria.”
The executive chairman gave the schedule as follows: First flight would be on June 22, second flight June 23, third flight June 24, fourth flight June 25 and fifth flight June 26.
Others, according to him, are; sixth flight June 27, seventh flight June 28 and eighth flight June 29, while the ninth flight would convey all the remaining pilgrims by June 30 to round up the exercise. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
June 21, 2024
Kebbi Board cautions returning pilgrims against excessive luggage
Luggage
By Muhammad Lawal
Makkah, June 20, 2024 (NAN) The Kebbi Pilgrims Welfare Board, has cautioned returning pilgrims from Saudi Arabia against carrying excessive luggage above the recommended 40 kilogrammes (kg) limit.
The Executive Chairman, Alhaji Faruku Aliyu-Enabo, stated this in Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, while handing over Sallah packages donated to the pilgrims by stakeholders to Local Government Hajj Guides.
Aliyu-Enabo recalled past experiences where pilgrims were forced to abandoned some valuable items that they bought for flouting the recommended luggage weights limit.
Addressing journalists on preparation of the board towards airlifting of pilgrims back to Nigeria, the executive chairman said that the big bag given to pilgrims was expected to carry 32kg luggage.
He added that the small handbag would equally contain eight kilogrammes, making a total of 40kg.
“Therefore, we are appealing to pilgrims to ensure compliance with the standing rules by not exceeding the luggage limit of 32kg and 8kg for big and handbags respectively.
“I have instructed all the LG Guides to make sure that they guide their pilgrims in the process of weighing their luggage; it is a duty upon them to stand for their pilgrims,” he said.
Aliyu-Enabo thanked God for the opportunity given to the state to be the first to land in Saudi Arabia for 2024 Hajj and the first to be transported back to Nigeria.
“First plane, God’s willing, will leave Saudi Arabia Friday night to arrive in Nigeria Saturday morning.
“In view of this, we want to use this medium to appreciate the gigantic efforts of Gov. Nasir Idris and other stakeholders which culminated into a huge success,” he said.
On the Sallah package, Aliyu-Enabo said: “All promises made by the stakeholders from different LGAs are hereby fulfilled and I have handed over the money to each Hajj Guide for onward distribution to the pilgrims.
“We have instructed all the Hajj Guides in the 21 LGAs to make sure that what is due to each pilgrim is given to him or her today.”
The executive chairman also said that the pilgrims that were under Kebbi Government Officials would also receive their Sallah package.
One of the Hajj Guides from Jega local government area, Alhaji Sani Hali-Jega, popularly known as Malam Arzika confirmed receipt of the Sallah package, an undisclosed cash for onward disbursement to the pilgrims.
Malam Arzika identified the stakeholders who contributed the money for the wellbeing of pilgrims from their respective LGAs as commissioners, members of State and National Assemblies and other prominent politicians.
He told the News Agency of Nigerian (NAN) that Aliyu-Enabo was highly transparent because he itemised each LG with its officials and how much each official donated to assist his people.
“Aliyu-Enabo also calculated how much each pilgrim will collect, depending on how much his/her stakeholders contributed.
“This is a new development. We have never witnessed this kind of excellent arrangement before. This will go a long way in assisting the pilgrims,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Philip Yatai
June 20, 2024
Acceptable Hajj: Cleric preaches forgiveness among pilgrims
Forgiveness
By Muhammad Lawal
Makkah, June 20, 2024 (NAN) An Islamic cleric, Malam Usman Sani-Zaga, has urged pilgrims who performed this year’s Hajj to forgive one another to earn Allah’s favour.
He stated this in Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during a morning enlightenment programme for the pilgrims on Thursday.
The News Agency of Nigeria NAN) reports that the enlightenment was meant to further strengthen the faith of believers especially after performing one of the five pillars of Islam, Hajj.
The cleric identified forgiveness to one another as fundamental to earning Allah’s mercy and favour, adding: “God Almighty is ever forgiven and He is the one who accepts from us.
“One of the signs that your pilgrimage is accepted, is for you to follow it with good deeds.
“After completing your Hajj, then turn to your Lord with good deeds, praise Him and glorify Him and seek for His forgiveness.
“The first supplication (du’a) of a pilgrim whenever he/she meets his/her fellow pilgrim colleague should be, may God Almighty accept our Hajj and make us among those who will repeat the Hajj next year and in subsequent years.”‘
Sani-Zaga observed that it had become a tradition, whenever pilgrims completed Hajj rites their minds would not be thinking of anything rather going back hone.
He, therefore, encouraged them to be patient as all arrangements had been concluded towards their airlift back home by the concerned authorities.
The cleric stressed the need for each pilgrim to perform farewell circumunbilation (Dawafil Wadah) in view of its importance, assuring that it was an instruction from Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him).
He quoted the Prophet as saying: “Whoever completes his/her Hajj rites should perform Dawafil Wadah.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
June 20, 2024
Daily recitation of Surah Al-Fatihah strengthens faith — Cleric
Fatiha
By Muhammad Lawal
Makkah, June 19, 2024 (NAN) Sheikh Kabiru Umar-Wasagu, a member of Da’awah Committee, Kebbi Pilgrims Welfare Board, says a Muslim recites Fatiha 17 times daily in his five obligatory prayer.
The daily recitation of Fatiha is targeted towards strengthening the faith of believers.
Sheikh Kabiru Umar-Wasagu, who is also the Deputy Imam of Central Mosque, Birnin Kebbi, stated this in Makkah during a morning enlightenment programme for the pilgrims on Wednesday.
The News Agency of Nigeria NAN) reports that the enlightenment was meant to further strengthen the faith of believers especially after performing one of the five pillars of Islam, Hajj.
The cleric said: “A Muslim recites Fatiha everyday two times in Subh prayer, four times in Zuhur prayer, four times in Asr, three times in Magrib then four times in Isha’i prayer.
“Fatiha is the first chapter (Sura) a new convert learns to recite, because of its importance.
”You cannot pray without reciting Fatihatul Kitaba. Fatiha is very important and that’s why it’s called with different names to signify its importance.”
Umar-Wasagu enumerated some of the names of Fatiha to include; Ummul Qur’an the mother of the Glorious Quran, Fatihatul Kitab, Arruqya and Saba’al Mathani among others.
He noted that Allah (SWT) said: “Indeed, We have revealed the holy Qur’an and we are the ones to protect it.
”The Fatiha we recite everyday is very important, it glorifies God Almighty, it amplifies Him, and gives Him all His necessary due and it has seven verses.”
On why Fatiha is called Ummul Qur’an, the cleric said: “Because it comprises three major attributes of Allah (SWT); Rububiyya, Qulihiyya and Assama’u Wassifat.
“All these are attributes of Almighty Allah which cover all aspects of Allah’s worship. Glorifying Allah (SWT) in His oneness, seeking His help and assistance alone in all aspects of human life as well as glorifying His names and attributes.”
The cleric stressed that Allah (SWT) has 99 names, advising that Muslims should try to know them and their meanings, so as to supplicate to Him (Almighty) using those names.
He said the chapter was divided into two parts, glorification of Allah (SWT) as well as supplication to Allah. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Bashir rabe Mnai
June 19, 2024
Gov. Idris pays off bill for pilgrims’ sacrificial rams
Payment
By Muhammad Lawal
Arfat (Saudi Arabia), June 15, 2024 (NAN) The Kebbi Government on Saturday said it has settled the bill of all sacrificial rams for the state’s pilgrims performing the 2024 Hajj in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Gov. Nasir Idris disclosed this in an interview with journalists at Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia.
The News Agency of Nigeria NAN) reports that Idris boarded the last flight and joined his people to perform this year’s Hajj.
NAN also reports that Kebbi has about 3,800 pilgrims performing this year’s Hajj exercise out of which three died following brief illnesses.
Idris, who did not disclose the amount paid to procure the rams, explained that the decision to pay the money was informed by his desire to make people happy in all ramifications.
“We have made a promise that we are going to help the people if God Almighty gives us the power.
”God has given us, therefore, we shall do everything possible to assist pilgrims, because it’s part of our pledge.
“When the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) announced an increase in the Hajj fare, we spent N3.8 billion to pay-off more than 50 per cent of the 2024 Hajj balance to enable our pilgrims perform Hajj.
“Again, because of the logistics difficulties we used to encounter during Hajj operations, we ordered for new buses purposely for conveying pilgrims from Hajj camp to Ahmadu Bello International Airport, Birnin Kebbi and back to camp after Hajj exercise,” he said.
Idris appreciated the Kebbi Pilgrims Welfare Board as well as all committees that participated towards ensuring the success of the entire exercise.
While appreciating the pilgrims for their perseverance, orderliness, support and prayers in the holy land, the governor insisted that his administration remained people’s oriented and would continue to focus its attention on people, especially the masses.
“Even before we came here, we were receiving reports on what the pilgrims are doing for us because of what we have been doing to the people of Kebbi.
“They pray for us, for the state and the nation at large. Our government is people’s focused administration and I am happy to say that right from first flight to ninth flight everybody is engaged,” he said.
The governor expressed satisfaction with the way the board was being governed under Alhaji Faruku Aliyu-Enabo, assuring that there were lot of innovations that led to positive changes in the entire board operations.
He then encouraged both the Executive Chairman, board members and other lieutenants to sustain the tempo flying to take the board to the highest peak of operation not only in Nigeria but Africa. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
June 15, 2024
Kaduna pilgrim dies in Makkah
Dead
By Muhammad Lawal
Arfat (Saudi Arabia), June 15, 2024 (NAN) A female pilgrim from Kaduna State, Hajiya Asma’u Muhammad-Ladan, died at the King Fahad Hospital in Makkah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Friday after a brief illness.
This is contained in a statement by the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Malam Yunusa Muhammad-Abdullahi, issued to newsmen in Arfat on Saturday.
The PRO, who did not indicate her Local Government of origin, however, said that the deceased was registered at the headquarters of the agency.
The statement said the family of the late pilgrim had been notified, adding that the management and staff of the agency commiserated with them over the incident. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
June 15, 2024
Sallah: I ‘ll never disappoint Kebbi people – Gov. Idris
Sallah
By Muhammad Lawal
Arfat, (Saudi Arabia), June 15, 2024 (NAN), Gov. Nasir Idris of Kebbi, has promised not to disappoint the people of the state in his efforts to take the state to the next level of development.
Alhaji Ahmed Idris, Chief Press Secretary to the governor disclosed this in a statement issued to newsmen in Arfat, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Saturday.
Idris quoted his principal as saying this in his Sallah message to mark the 1445 Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
The governor said his desire for Kebbi to be one of the best states in Nigeria was beyond someone’s imagination.
Idris observed that his coming into the position of authority was by the will of God Almighty, who influenced the minds of the Kebbi people to support and vote him into power.
“Therefore, I am ready to serve you better and by His (Almighty) grace, I will never disappoint you people.
”Let me reiterate that my mission and vision for the state is for the good of all, not for my personal aggrandizement,” he assured.
While appreciating the good people of Kebbi for rallying round his administration, Idris solicited for more support and cooperation from all and sundry to enable him give the state a befitting outlook.
He felicitated the Muslim Ummah in Kebbi, Nigeria and around the globe for yet another Eid-el-Kabir celebration and prayed for a blissful, peaceful and successful Sallah celebration.
To the pilgrims, the governor rejoiced with them over a successful and peaceful Hajj exercise and prayed for an acceptable Hajj (Hajj Mabrur) to each pilgrim.
He then commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Kebbi Pilgrims Welfare Board for their tireless efforts towards a successful Hajj operations.
Idris appealed to both organisations to sustain the gigantic efforts for a successful Hajj exercise.
The governor thanked the different Hajj committees in the state for working round the clock to achieve the successes recorded so far and urged them to improve on what they have done in the subsequent years. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mnai
June 15, 2024
High sense of decorum, critical to successful Hajj, cleric tells pilgrims
Decorum
By Muhammad Lawal
Makkah, June 14, 2024 (NAN) A cleric, Prof. Muhammad Abubakar-Walid, has charged pilgrims to be orderly and respect constituted authorities to enable the 2024 Hajj record the desired success.
The cleric, who is also a member of Da’awah Committee of Kebbi Pilgrims Welfare Board, stated this at a routine enlightenment session shortly after the dawn (Subhi) prayer in Makkah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Friday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the essence of the enlightenment session is to educate the pilgrims on rituals of Hajj towards an acceptable Hajj (Hajj Mabrur).
Abubakar-Walid said the call became imperative in view of the fact that Almighty Allah has instructed Muslims in the holy Qur’an to obey Him, obey His messenger and those in position of authority.
He advised those who might not leave Makkah early due to the screening processes up to the time of Juma’at prayer not to force themselves in observing Juma’at prayer at the Haram Mosque, “because your condition is just like a traveller.
“Therefore, observing Juma’at prayer is not obligatory upon you. But you are expected to pray five congregational prayers of Zuhur, Asr, Magrib, Isha’i and Subhi in Muna and the following morning leave for Arfat for the D-Day, standing in the Mount of Arfat.”
Vividly explaining what is expected of a pilgrim, the cleric said: “Today, being the 8th of Dhul-Hajj, you are expected to take bath in your hotel room, perform ablution, wear your Ihram and pray two raka’ats, then board a vehicle to Muna.
“Inside the vehicle, once the driver starts moving, you pronounce “Labbaik Allahumma Hajjan” meaning, oh, Allah, I have answered your call to perform Hajj.
“From there, he/she will continue with Talbiyya ‘Labbaikallahumma labbaik, labbaika la sharika laka labbaik, innal hamda wanni’amata laka wal mulk, la sharikalak.”
On reaching Muna, the cleric said, a pilgrim is expected to rest and get ready for Arfat the following morning.
He advised pilgrims not to carry much load with them, as it might later become a budden to them, however, explaining that if a pilgrim so wishes to stay in Muna for the two days, 11 and 12 of Dhul-Hajj, then he/she could carry one set of cloth to change after stoning of third Jamrat with seven pebbles and shaving on the 10th.
The cleric added that a pilgrim is expected to stone all the three Jamarat with seven pebbles each on 11th Dhul-Hajj and repeat the same thing on 12th Dhul-Hajj.
Abubakar-Walid urged pilgrims to always ask questions on grey areas, “because you are not expected to serve God Almighty ignorantly.
” Allah (SWT) does not accept ignorant and reckless worship but pardons those who serve Him with knowledge but make mistakes or forgetfulness.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
June 14, 2024