Author: Salisu Saniidris

  • Shettima reiterates FG’s commitment to security, welfare of citizens

    Security

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Abuja, June  30, 2024 (NAN) Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Saturday in Keffi, Nasarawa State, reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to the advancement, security and welfare of the citizens.

    The spokesperson of the vice-president, Stanley Nkwocha, in a statement, said Shettima gave the assurance when he led a Federal Government delegation to offer condolences to the Minister of State for Police Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim.

    The minister lost her mother, Mrs Aisha Sulaiman-Danladi, on Thursday at the age of 66.

    The vice-president, who represented President Bola Tinubu was accompanied by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr Abdullahi Ganduje; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari; and the Deputy Governor of Nasarawa, Dr Emmanuel Akabe.

    Shettima, who said he was there at the instance of Tinubu to commiserate with the family over the demise of their mother.

    The vice-president paid glowing tributes to the late Sulaiman-Danladi and highlighted her positive impact on the community.

    “Everyone I have encountered so far has been showering encomiums on her. May Allah grant her Aljannah Firdaus and may Allah grant the family the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.

    “Death is an inevitable destiny that is hanging on everyone’s neck. But the beauty of her life is that she left behind a legacy of goodwill and respect.

    ” May Allah continue to bless us and grant our country peaceful coexistence, prosperity and progress.

    ” Her demise is indeed a huge loss to us all, and our President is indeed mourning with her immediate family and this community..” Shettima said.

    He further restated the government’s support for the bereaved family and the entire community.

    Shettima said, ” Our strength lies in our unity and shared experiences. Today, we stand together as one nation, one people, sharing in both joy and sorrow.” .

    Responding on behalf of the family, Alhaji Bala Fari, the Dan Ruwatan Keffi, expressed deep appreciation for the high-level visit.

    “We are encouraged to have you all here today, especially thanking Mr President for sending such a strong delegation led by his deputy to console us over the passing away of our mother.

    “We are very grateful and I pray that just as you have all come here to see us, May Allah grant you all journey mercy to your various destinations.

    ” It is not every time that we receive such powerful and big personalities in our community,” Fari stated.

    Other dignitaries at the condolence visit include the immediate former Governor of Adamawa, Sen. Bindow Jibrilla, members of the National Assembly, and traditional rulers, among many others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SSI/BRM

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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • MACBAN seeks protection, preservation of sultanate institution

    Sultanate

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Abuja, June 29, 2024 (NAN) The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has emphasised the need for the protection and preservation of the institution of the Sultanate in the country.

    The National President of MACBAN, Alhaji Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, made the call in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

    He said that the institution of the Sultanate which dates over two hundred years, should not be toyed with by politicians who were supposed to be channeling their energy in promoting good governance.

    Othman-Ngelzarma criticised the alleged subtle threats to emasculate the revered Sultan, who is the symbol of Islamic authority in Nigeria.

    He  said, ” We believe protecting and preserving the institution of the Sultanate is a cardinal responsibility of every right thinking personality in the country.

    ” We call upon the Sokoto State Government,especially the legislature, to tread softly and do all that is necessary to preserve and protect the institution that represents an all important ideology that created it.

    ” Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) is worried by the media reports alleging that the Sokoto Government intends to whittle down the powers of his Eminence the Sultan, Alhaji Saad Abubakar III.”

    Othman-Ngelzarma said MACBAN stood firmly with the Sultan, adding, “because we believe he deserves better as he has shown capacity to uphold justice and equity in all his dealings.

    ” This is evident in his efforts in propagating religious and ethnic tolerance in Nigeria among diverse groups.

    ” His background as a military man, his resoluteness to speak the truth and his standing for the poor and underprivileged in spite of being an aristocrat makes him a model for leaders to emulate.” (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SSI/BRM

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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • FG announces boost in nation’s economy

    Boost

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Abuja, June 28, 2024 (NAN) The Federal Government has reported significant boosts in the nation’s economy with the Excess Crude Account standing at 473.75 million dollars and Stabilisation Account at over N28.7 billion.

    The Government also said that the nation’s Natural Resources fund stood at over N53.89  billion.

    The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, disclosed this at 142nd National Economic Council (NEC) meeting, presided over by its Chairman, Vice President Kashim Shettima in Abuja,

    A statement on the NEC meeting was made available to newsmen by Mr Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media.

    Nkwocha said ithe vice president linked the boost in Nigeria’s economic outlook to the financial prudence and transparency framework adopted by President Bola Tinubu.

    In the statement, the vice president said: “At the helm of the nation’s affairs is a leader who always reminds us of the necessity of making the right calls to deliver on our promises to the nation.”

    Shettima also  explained why Tinubu earned and deserves the title, Jagaban, conferred on him by the Emir of Borgu.

    ” The President is Jagaban (the front-row commander), he has a rare political virtue that has made him the unifying nub of the zeal to serve the country.

    ” We highlighted Nigeria’s improved credit outlook by Fitch Ratings, owing to Mr. President’s transparency and effective financial management to further the nation’s economic progress.

    “Today, as we prepare for the agenda of the day, I am excited by the presence of His Excellency, President Tinubu, a reservoir of ideas, a visionary extraordinaire, as he guides us towards finding a common ground.

    “Nobody can do so better than he does, and it is this rare political virtue that has made him the unifying nucleus of our aspirations to serve the nation. He is the Jagaban, the front-row commander, for a reason.”

    Also in the statement, Nkwocha said that NEC ratified the nomination of six state governors as members of the Board of Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC).

    He said the governors, representing the six geopolitical zones, were from Borno, Katsina, Imo, Ekiti, Kwara, and Akwa Ibom States.

    Nkwocha said NEC noted the importance of NDPHC to the country’s economic development in approving the nominations.

    He said the meeting saw the presentation of key updates and recommendations from various ad hoc committees.

    Notable among them was the Ad Hoc Committee on Flood, Erosion, Drought and Desertification (Mitigation, Adaptation, Preparedness and Response), presented by the Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi.

    He said the flood committee called for the revitalisation of State Emergency Management Agencies (SEMAs) and improved coordination between different levels of government.

    Nkwocha said the council also resolved that the Vice-President, Ministers of Finance, Agriculture and Food Security, Water Resources and Sanitation, and Budget and Economic Planning would meet on Monday to strategise on funding sources to mitigate the climate challenges facing the states.

    He said the outcome of the meeting would be presented to the President on Tuesday.

    Nkwocha said the Council, equally, Similarly, adopted the recommendations of the committee’s report on implementation and provision of funds to states and relevant MDAs to address the problems.

    He added that Update from NEC Ad-Hoc Committee on Economic Affairs was presented by Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara.

    The spokesperson said the council resolved that the committee should align its mandate with the National Economic Management Team to come up with robust solutions to the nation’s economic challenges.

    According to him, the committee is working closely with states to address challenges related to foreign exchange loan facilities and fuel pricing.

    He said the Ad-Hoc Committee on Crude Oil Theft Prevention and Control, chaired by Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo presented key recommendations as part of interim measures to improve security at oil and gas terminals and enhance regulatory oversight in the sector.

    Nkwocha said Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo was co-opted into the committee as a subject matter expert and the committee was mandated to submit its final report to council within one month.

    In a related development, Nkwocha said the council received an update on the on-going discussions regarding the establishment of state police, urging states to expedite their submissions on the matter.

    In a move to bolster food security, he said the Vice-President announced the presidential approval for operationalizing the Presidential Food System Coordinating Unit.

    He said the unit is charged with the responsibility of developing robust economic solutions for the country’s food system.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SSI/ROT

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    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • FG committed to prosperity of MSMEs – Shettima

  • Association calls for review of 2024 Hajj operations

    Hajj
    By Salisu Sani-Idris
    Makkah, June 27, 2024 (NAN) Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHOUN) has called on the Federal Government to set up an inter-ministerial panel to review 2024 Hajj operations.

    Its National President, Alhaji Abdulateef Ekundayo, made the call on Thursday at a news conference in Makkah, on the outcome of the just concluded 2024 Hajj.

    He said “we call on the Federal Government to, as a matter of urgency, set up an inter-ministerial and credible panel to review this year’s Hajj, with the aim of restoring sanity into future operations.”

    Ekundayo, who emphasised the need for government to investigate the laws and acts that regulate Hajj affairs in the country, added that “we implore those saddled with such responsibilities to
    act now to safeguard Nigerian pilgrims.”

    He decried poor services at tent A, saying” like the previous years, tent A was characterized by lack of transparency, racketeering, profiteering and poor organisation.

    “Some of us paid double camp fees for camp at zone five and zone one on a single pilgrim.

    “Apart from the exorbitant amounts for basic services, many pilgrims couldn’t have access to the services.

    “This is the peak of any contractual breach, and we demand immediate reconciliation and payment of refund to affected members by the management of Ithra Alkhair (service provider).

    “The Mutawwif (Ithra Alkhair) should immediately reconcile with our members to refund money paid for services not rendered both in Muna and Arafat for this year because of their actions and inactions.”

    He urged the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) to stop all charges on
    members of the association, including the dollar equivalent service fees based on the new policy of government withdrawal of subsidy on Hajj.

    He said “while we agree that NAHCON has the right to charge licencing fees, we believe the Hajj licence is the most expensive of any licencing regime in Nigeria.

    “How can anyone justify a fee of N1 million for a licence that has only two months validity.

    “What happened to the component of the international pilgrims out of the N90 billion approved Hajj subsidy. Aren’t they Nigerians?.

    “Our members deserve the right for official visa during Hajj because the Ministry of Hajj provides such as a percentage of the total allocation to Nigeria.

    “Some of the problems our pilgrims face during Hajj can be easily addressed by us if we can move freely.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    SSI/HA
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    Edited by Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu

  • Let’s rally round Tinubu to salvage Nigeria – Shettima

    Nigeria

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Abuja, June 26, 2024 (NAN) Vice-President Kashim Shettima on Wednesday called on the members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and other appointees of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to rally round the president to salvage the country.

    The spokesperson of the vice-president, Stanley Nkwocha in a statement, said Shettima spoke when he received a high-powered presidential delegation in Kano to condole with him over the loss of his mother-in-law.

    The vice-president , who reiterated the president’s genuine leadership, maintained that Tinubu meant well for the nation.

    He said, ” I want to register my sincere gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for sending such a high-level delegation to condole with us over the sad demise of our mother. That portrays the purity of heart and empathy of the President.”

    ” I wish to call on all of us to rally round him and see to it that we salvage this nation together.

    ” It’s not a game of apportioning blame. It’s a game of making this country work and if Nigeria works, Africa works. No matter how long the night is, it must give way to the light of dawn.

    ” We are facing security challenges across this country, but the President is determined to redefine the meaning and concept of modern leadership and determined to address the problem of insecurity facing the entire nation.”

    Shettima expressed profound gratitude to the government and people of Kano State for hosting him and members of his family for the past three days.

    “Everyone that has come here is welcomed by the Governor. We have gone beyond politics. We are now in the phase of governance and what binds us together triumphs whatever that divides us,” he added.

    On arrival in Kano, the delegation led by Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, was received by Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano.

    While delivering the president’s condolence message to Shettima, Gbajabiamila said Tinubu felt saddened about the passing of Shettima’s mother-in-law and sent his deepest sympathy and prayers.

    ” The President has sent us to commiserate with you and your family. He sends his best wishes, his prayers, his thoughts to you and your wife and the entire family of the deceased.

    ” Mr President has asked that we convey to you his deepest sympathy and his prayers that the Almighty Allah grant our mother Aljannah Firdaus and forgive her sins.

    ” It’s indeed saddening that she died. We commiserate with you on behalf of Mr President, on behalf of the government and on behalf of his cabinet and the whole federal government of Nigeria,” he said.

    Other members of the delegation included the Minister for Budget and National Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu; Minister of Transport, Sen. Sa’idu Alkali and the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Development,  Alhaji Abdullahi Gwarzo,  among others. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SSI/BRM

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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Hajj Operation: CSO seeks amendment of NAHCON act

    Hajj Operation: CSO seeks amendment of NAHCON act

    System

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Makkah (Saudi Arabia), June 24, 2024 (NAN) The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a Civil Society Organisation (CSO) has called on the National Assembly to amend the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Act to ensure an effective hajj operating system in Nigeria.

    IHR National Coordinator, Malam Ibrahim Muhammed, made the call in a statement on Monday in Makkah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    Muhammad said that the amendment would address gaps in both policy and its implementation in terms of service delivery.

    He said the call also becomes necessary because of the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj’s adjustment of hajj policy and calendar of events – which was a detailed approved guideline for all hajj participating countries.

    According to him, Nigeria is the fifth largest hajj country and the first in Africa with an allocation of 95,000 slots.

    ” Nigeria is the only country out of the top 10 Hajj participating countries which includes Indonesia, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan, Morocco and Malaysia that does not operate a centralized system.

    ” We operate a three-tier system in Nigeria (Federal, State and Local Governments).

    ” All the countries mentioned above have a unified and central control hajj administration with a coordinating unit at zones, so they found it easy to run five to six-year hajj rolling plans. ”

    The coordinator said that the Local Government Pilgrims officers do Pilgrims Registration under the control of state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards.

    ” Thereafter the State Pilgrims boards deposited such funds in their respective accounts before it will be moved to the NAHCON operational account on request all within one hajj calendar year. ”

    He noted that the management of hajj operations was strictly time-limited to start thinking of continuing with these time-consuming bureaucracies.

    ” We support an advocacy for improved services to our dear pilgrims but the recent calls for the decentralisation of NAHCON and devolving powers to the states would be a very wrong move.

    ” For example, the new calendar of activities released by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah recently scheduled Sept. 4, for the start of arrangements for the 2025 hajj.

    ” By virtue of diplomatic protocol, the Saudi Ministry of Hajj only relates with National Hajj missions not regional bodies.

    ” Decentralisation as being touted will allow 36 states’ pilgrim’s welfare boards and agencies to send 36 different delegations to Saudi Arabia (the first in the History of Hajj operation) to liaise with Saudi Arabia (host country) on Hajj plans.

    ” 36 states will also sign different hajj memorandum of understanding with one country.”

    On service delivery, he said NAHCON controls airlines and accommodation in Madina.

    ” In the last few years, Nigerian pilgrims have been housed in a 4-star hotel within the vicinity or five minutes’ walk close to the prophet’s Mosque.

    ” On the other hand, States are responsible for choosing their accommodation in Makkah.

    ” Also, registration of pilgrims starts from the local governments after which the funds are transferred to state pilgrims’ boards before being transferred to NAHCON.

    ” We, therefore, call on the National Assembly to make it possible for pilgrims to pay their deposits directly to NAHCON.

    ” This will ensure that the funds goes direct to NAHCON, so that the commission can in turn meet its obligations in time and avoid a situation where the entire operation will be put in jeopardy.

    ” This, we believe, is also the best way to truly hold the commission to account in case of any service failure.” (NAN)

    SSI/SH

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    edited by Sadiya Hamza

  • Shettima loses mother-in-law

  • Securing tents closer to Jamrat will increase hajj fare- NAHCON

    Tents
    By Salisu Sani-Idris
    Makkah(Saudi Arabia), June 23, 2024 (NAN) The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says intending pilgrims will pay more for Hajj fare to be able to stay in tents in Muna that are closer to Jamrat.

    The Chairman of NAHCON, Malam Jalal Arabi, stated this at a news conference held at the Commission’s headquarters in Makkah on Sunday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the tent camps for Nigerians and other African countries are over three kilometers from Jamrat.

    The Jamrat is where the symbolic stoning of the Devil takes place during the hajj rituals.

    The distance means Nigerians had to make a one way journey of one hour to the place to do the stoning.

    Arabi, however, said that Nigeria could get closer tents with increased fare which the commission was not currently considering.

    “The issue of getting tents in Muna and Arafat is money. That is why you hear complaints of people paying so much money to get tent, but they don’t.

    “The tent is pegged on payment close to 20,000 Saudi Riyal; imagine lumping that amount on Hajj fare to our intending pilgrims.

    “So, it is the case of let me buy what I can afford. That was what we did. We bought the ones we can afford but with quality in it.

    “If wishes were horses, all our pilgrims will be in Tent A, B or C.”

    He said that the other option for the tent was early payment which for now was not feasible due to the culture of late payment of hajj fare in Nigeria.

    He added that the commission was still awaiting reports on the challenges faced by some state governors and high personalities about access to Tent A.

    “No Nigerian pilgrim will say he or she didn’t get a space while in Muna or food; but we know the challenges of inadequate toilets.”

    The NAHCON boss stated that the commission was able to move Nigerians out of ghettos and got accommodation with improved services.

    “Going forward, with Allah’s help in our capacity and currency gaining strength, we will get it right.”

    He added that with the timetable for the 2025 Hajj released, it would ensure early preparation for participants and the money to be paid.

    On the issue of illegal pilgrims, often referred to as Takari, Arabi said most of them operate in concert with some legal persons.(NAN)
    SSI/IS
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    Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

  • Hajj: Forum condemns infiltration of illegal migrants, seeks improved security

    Infiltration

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Makkah (Saudi Arabia), June 22, 2024 (NAN) The Forum of Chief Executive Officers of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions, has condemned the infiltration of Mina by illegal migrants (Takarai) during the period of the core hajj rituals.

    The forum’s Chairman, Alhaji Idris Al-Makura, made the condemnation while briefing newsmen on the outcome of the just-concluded 2024 Hajj rituals, on Saturday in Makkah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mina, also known as Muna, and commonly known as the “City of the Tents” is a valley located eight kilometres southeast of the city of Mecca.

    The city accommodates the pilgrims for over multiple nights in the month of Dhu al-Hijjah (months of Hajj).

    Al-Makura, who is the Chairman, Nasarawa State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, said that the infiltration of Mina by the illegal migrants constitutes a nuisance to the environment.

    He, therefore, called on the Saudi’s Government to tighten its hole on the Mina entry.

    Al-Makura said, ” We are here today because of the just concluded 2024 Hajj rituals and normally we used to sit down and review what has happened and adopt a resolution.

    ” So that we will be able to plan ahead. As you rightly heard during the post-afarat meeting, the Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Malam Jalal Arabi, said that 2025 had kick-started.

    ” So, we are here to let the whole world know what happened during the just concluded hajj ritual.”

    Al-Makura said that the forum commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for early processing and approval of the 2024 hajj visas.

    ” This is the first time that state pilgrims got visas between two to three weeks before an outbound flight.

    ” And the state pilgrims note with admiration that all the pilgrims spent an equal number of days in Madinah and the commission felicitates entrance into the Rawdah (holy site of worship inside the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah).

    “This is commendable and the forum encourages NAHCON to sustain them,” he said.

    Al-Makura, who said that the inbound transportation of Nigerian pilgrims was commended, prayed that the outbound operation would be seamless.

    He added, ” We also commend NAHCON and the service providers effort’s during the core hajj period. The Forum notes an improvement in accommodations and feeding in this year’s Masha’eer (sites of hajj rituals) compared to the 2022 and 2023 Hajj.

    ” The Forum, however, called for the inclusion of more local food vendors for future Masha’eer feeding.

    ” The Forum expresses its dismay with the disappointment of NAHCON by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), despite the arrangements to give all pilgrims 500 dollars each as Basic Travels Allowance (BTA) only to turn around and sell their dollars at the prevailing market rates.”

    On Medical services, the forum’s Secretary, Alhaji Abubakar Salihu, said the National Medical Team had done its best in the provision of effective service delivery to the Nigerian pilgrims.

    ” We still have services optimally rendered. I was in one of the clinics and saw how triaging is actually perfectly being carried out.

    ” And a health worker, myself I can attest to that. So the team is actually working hard to meet the health needs of the pilgrims,” Salihu said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

    SSI/BRM

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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani