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Author: Salisu Saniidris

  • Digital hajj operation a sure check against illegal pilgrims – NAHCON

    Pilgrims

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Mina (Saudi Arabia), June 15, 2024 (NAN) The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), says the introduction of digital hajj operation by the Saudi authorities has prevented illegal pilgrims from gaining access to hajj camps this year.

    Its Executive Chairman, Malam Jalal Arabi, stated this during a Special National Prayer Session held at the plain of Arafat in Mina, Saudi Arabia, on Saturday.

    Arabi said that the digital hajj was the best way to guard against infiltrators and would ensure the pilgrims got value for their money.

    “In 2023 or 2022 hajj, you could see faces that were not eligible to be here who must have found their ways in.

    “But with some of the technologies introduced, you can’t come in here unless you are a genuine pilgrim.

    “What people tend to forget is that any illegible pilgrim that has found his way here is displacing an eligible pilgrim; in other words, all the pilgrims that are here paid their money for the services.

    “The money they paid covers where they will sleep, the bus they will ride and the food they will eat. So, imagine people coming to displace such people.

    “I like this innovation that was introduced that says you must have to have a card that gives you access; you have to carry your visa, which will be scanned before even getting to your accommodation.

    “The bus is labelled in so many ways. With the improvement in the services in the tent, you will know that things are working according to plan; you are bound to have your space and enjoy without any hindrance. ”

    On the significance of the national prayer, Arabi said that prayer had become part and parcel of any successful pilgrimage.

    According to him, organising special national prayer for Nigeria has been the tradition of NAHCON which he met on ground.

    “But this time around, because of the volume of those that have been invited to join the team of scholars, you could see that it has wider spread.

    “We spent much more time than in the past. I think that is a good sign,” he said. (NAN)

    SSI/ETS

    ===≈==/

  • Nigerian pilgrims converge at plain of Arafat for hajj rite

    Arafat

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Mina (Saudi Arabia), June 15, 2024 (NAN) No fewer than 65,000 Nigerian pilgrims on Saturday joined their Muslims counterpart from around the world who observe Arafat Day at Muna, Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

    They converge at the plain of Arafat to perform the core hajj rite.The ritual at Mount Arafat, known as the hill of mercy, is considered the peak of the Hajj pilgrimage.

    It is often the most memorable for pilgrims, who stand shoulder to shoulder, feet to feet, asking Almighty Allah for mercy, blessings, prosperity and good health. The mount is about 20 kilometers southeast of Mecca.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that pilgrims marched to Arafat under comprehensive security arrangements coordinated by the officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and Saudi authorities.

    The security personnel ensured the smooth flow of both vehicles and pedestrians by securing routes and implementing transportation and dispatching plans.

    The security also provided guidance and ensured the safety of the pilgrims.

    NAN reports that both officials of NAHCON and Saudi authorities provide numerous services in the Arafat area.

    The services include medical, emergency, and food services, catering to the needs of pilgrims who have traveled from all corners of the world to fulfill the fifth pillar of Islam.

    Addressing pilgrims in Hajj rite, Dr Abdallah Gadonkaya, enjoined Nigerian pilgrims to use the opportunity of Arafat to seek divine forgiveness and solutions to their personal challenges.

    The cleric also admonished pilgrims to prayed for the restoration of peace and economic prosperity to some parts of Nigeria that are facing security challenges.

    He emphasised the need for pilgrims to conduct themselves and exhibit good behaviour with a view to projecting the image of Nigeria positively. (NAN)

    SSI/ADA

    Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

  • Saudi Temperature: NACHON urges pilgrims to avoid direct sunlight

    Temperature

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Mina (Saudi Arabia), June 14, 2024 (NAN) The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has advised Nigerian pilgrims to use umbrellas to protect themselves from the scorching sun.

    The Executive Chairman of NAHCON, Malam Jalal Arabi, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Friday in Mina, a valley located eight kilometres South-East of the city of Mecca.

    NAN reports that this year’s hajj is taking place in sweltering temperatures that test the endurance of worshipers during the mostly outdoor rituals.

    He implored the pilgrims to always seek shade whenever possible to avoid direct sunlight.

    Arabi said,” It is important to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, even if they do not feel thirsty.

    ” Pilgrims are also advised to pay close attention to all health advisories and instructions provided by the medical team.

    ” To limit sun exposure, pilgrims should avoid going outside during peak heat. They should also stay cool by refraining from walking on or touching hot surfaces like rooftops.”

    Meanwhile, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health has issued a heat advisory for the pilgrims in the wake of scorching surface temperatures, which pose a significant health risk.

    The ministry highlighted the intense heat in Makkah as a major challenge for hajj, adding that prolonged sun exposure could be dangerous.

    NAN reports that on Saturday morning, pilgrims will proceed from Mina to the plain of Arafat for the major ritual of standing.

    Spanning approximately 33 square kilometers, Arafat hosts over two million pilgrims each year. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng),

    SSI/BRM

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    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • Shettima seeks public-private partnership to drive economic growth

    Partnership

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Abuja, June 14, 2024 (NAN) Vice-President Kashim Shettima has called for a more robust collaboration between the government and business leaders to propel Nigeria’s economic aspirations.

    The spokesperson of the Vice-President, Mr Stanley Nkwocha in a statement on Friday, said Shettima made the remark at the Heirs Holdings Group Directors’ Annual Dinner, held in Abuja.

    According to the Vice President, open dialogue, shared insights, and collaborative work between the public and private sectors are necessary tools to develop solutions tailored towards Nigeria’s unique realities.

    He called for synergy between the political class and economic stakeholders, emphasising that the two spheres are not opposites but complementary forces vital for national stability and progress.

    ” Politics is too important to be left to the politicians and enterprises that define our economic destination are too important to be left to the businessmen alone to develop.”

    The Vice-President urged conglomerates to serve as pipelines for the administration’s practical economic vision, departing from cosmetic reforms of the past.

    “Collaboration between the public and private sectors is the ingredients of a thriving economy.

    ” We must engage in open dialogue and share insights and work together to crop solutions that are peculiar to our realities.

    ” Whether it is tackling unemployment, reducing poverty, or enhancing education and healthcare, our partnership must aspire to drive sustainable development and create a safe future for all Nigerians.

    ” Our bragging right will not be about having the most unicorns on the continent but also about our entrepreneurial standing with global comparisons,” he said.

    Shettima, who commended the Chairman of Heirs Holdings Group, Tony Elumelu for his achievements, described him as an “enigma and a banking colossus whose entrepreneurial exploits have carved a niche in Africa’s economic landscape.”

    He also lauded the Heirs Holdings chairman’s visionary leadership and commitment to empowering young African entrepreneurs.

    “Tony Elumelu belongs to the class of wealthy men because he generates wealth and opportunities and is a harbinger of great tidings to the Nigerian people.

    ” For the dreams you have relegated to help build our nation, we offer our deepest gratitude and a promise to continue playing our part to enable the ease of doing business.”

    Earlier, Elumelu, reaffirmed the group’s unwavering commitment to the philosophy of Africapitalism and empowering young entrepreneurs across the continent.

    Elumelu, whose business empire spans 24 countries, noted that the annual gathering serves as a platform to review achievements, business practices, and learn from the experiences of over 100 board members.

    “Today, we started our Annual General Meeting, and it will continue until Saturday.

    ” Sessions like this afford us the opportunity to reflect on everything we have done within the year, look at things we should have done better, learn from our past mistakes, and re-strategize on how to accomplish our purpose,” he said

    Elumelu added that, at the core of Heirs Holdings’ ethos, was the belief that the private sector must play a leading role in Africa’s development, a philosophy he described as “Africapitalism.”

    He stressed the group’s focus on human impact, citing the empowerment of 20,000 young African entrepreneurs with non-refundable seed capital of 5,000 dollars each as their most significant recent achievement.

    Elumelu expressed confidence that the collective efforts of the holdings and other business groups would contribute to transforming the African continent and uplifting the black race globally.

    The Founding Trustee of the Tony Elumelu Foundation and Chairperson of Avon Healthcare Ltd, Dr Awele Elumelu, described Vice-President Shettima as an exemplary leader committed to public service and nation-building.

    ” In Heirs Holdings Group, one of our core values is excellence, and our guest speaker embodies excellence,” she said, adding that the group felt honoured by VP Shettima’s presence.” (NAN)

    SSI/ROT

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    Edited by Rotimi Ijikanmi

  • Hajj: Nigerian pilgrims begin movement to Mina ahead of Arafat

    Hajj

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Makkah (Saudi Arabia), June 13, 2024 (NAN) Nigerian pilgrims in white seamless ihram dress, began their slow and steady trek to the tent city of Mina on Thursday night ahead of the day of Arafat scheduled for Saturday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the holy city of Makkah reverberated with chants of “Labbaik Allahumma Labbaik” (O God, here I am answering your call).’./

    More than 1.5 million pilgrims from around the world readied themselves for once in a lifetime journey of faith.

    NAN reports that pilgrims will spend the Tarwiyah day on Friday, in the sprawling tent city, marking the beginning of this year’s Hajj.

    They will spend the Tarwiyah day in prayers and meditation in their tents in preparation for Saturday’s standing at Arafat, the pinnacle of the annual pilgrimage of hajj.

    According to the Saudi Gazette, the Saudi authorities have mobilized all their human and material resources to make the pilgrimage hassle-free and a great success.

    The security authorities have completed all their flawless preparations to ensure the safety of pilgrims and security of the Hajj operation.

    The Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture has mobilized more than 2,000 employees to provide water services for pilgrims.

    The daily pumping rate exceeds 750,000 cubic meters in Makkah and reaches one million cubic meters at peak times on the Day of Arafat and Eid Al-Adha.

    The Ministry of Transport and Logistics prepared the flexible rubber asphalt initiative in the pedestrian walkways in the Holy Sites for Hajj this year.

    The Head of Nigeria’s Medical Team for the 2024 Hajj, urged pilgrims to drink water regularly to avoid dehydration.

    He also emphasised the need for pilgrims required to drink more than two litres of water daily.

    He said that the temperature in the Holy land may likely rise up to forty eight degree Celsius. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SSI/BRM

    ============

    Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

  • House Committee says NAHCON has transformed Muslims pilgrimage

    Operation

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Madinah (Saudi Arabia), June 12, 2024 (NAN) The House of Representatives Committee on Muslim Pilgrimage says the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has transformed the operations of the pilgrimage this year.

    The Chairman of the committee, Alhaji Jafar Mohammed, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Madinah, Saudi Arabia.

    He spoke to NAN shortly after members of the committee inspected the Niger and Katsina states pilgrim’s accommodations and feeding arrangements.

    ‘’We are here to supervise and see what is really happening on ground; regarding the wellbeing of Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia. To see how secure and protected are they.

    ‘’And to the glory of God, with what we have seen based on our interactions with the pilgrims, NAHCON is doing very well.”

    He, however, said that if the committee observed that “there is something going wrong, it will ensure that the right thing is done through appropriate corrections.

    “But in a situation where we have seen progress, we must commend the efforts of the person and organisation that is responsible for this kind of tremendous progress.”

    The Chairman said that right from the beginning of the transportation of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, NAHCON had performed very well.

    He also lauded NAHCON efforts for beating the Saudi Arabian 72 hours deadline for entering of pilgrims before the closure of its air space.

    “This is a total departure from what we used to see and we have to appreciate the NAHCON under the leadership of Malam Jalal Arabi for that success.”

    He called on Nigerian pilgrims to use the hajj period to pray for peace, progress and development of the country.

    “We need every pilgrim to put our country first in prayers before any other thing so that we can have peaceful coexistence within ourselves and attain economic prosperity.” (NAN)

    SSI/IS

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    Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

  • Stay back to salvage health sector, Shettima urges resident doctors

    Stay back to salvage health sector, Shettima urges resident doctors
    Doctors
    By Salisu Sani-Idris
    Abuja, June 12, 2024 (NAN) Vice-President Kashim Shettima has appealed to residents doctors to stay and join hands with President Bola Tinubu’s administration in the ongoing efforts to salvage the nation, particularly the health sector.
    The spokesperson of the Vice-President, Stanley Nkwocha, in a statement on Wednesday, said Shettima, made the appeal when he granted audience to the National Executive Committee of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
    The association led by its newly elected President, Prof. Bala Audu, paid him a courtesy visit at the Presidential Villa.
    The Vice-President also implored the doctors to resist the temptation of absconding without flashing a ray of hope.
    He told them that Tinubu has their interest at heart, saying: “President has a lot of empathy for medical doctors who have chosen to stay back at home despite juicy offers abroad.”
    Similarly, Shettima, who urged the Nigerian doctors not to despair, implored them to remain steadfast and resist the temptation of offering their services in foreign lands.
    He said that: “in President Tinubu, you have an ally who will stand by you at all times.
    “President Bola Tinubu has Nigerian doctors at heart. He has a lot of empathy for our medical doctors who have opted to stay put at home, not for lack of offers.”
    Shettima commended the giant strides of Nigerian doctors and their sacrifices in the service of the nation, especially in repositioning healthcare delivery.
    ” Let us stay back and salvage this nation together, this is our country and the greatest black nation on earth, and a promising nation that we need to invest in.
    ” The NMA is one of the most prestigious, preeminent associations in this country. We must commend you for the sacrifices you are making and for staying put in this nation.
    “All hope is not lost because Nigerian doctors are making giant strides, recording milestones in the profession and, most importantly, making tremendous sacrifices to serve this nation”, he said.
    Shettima further asked the NMA to encourage young doctors to specialize in key disciplines of medical practice and also check the activities of quacks in the profession.
    Earlier, the NMA President, Prof Audu, said the executive members were at the Presidential Villa to show solidarity for the Tinubu administration, particularly on account of its laudable policies for the health sector.
    “The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has come here today as a partner to your government and a patriotic group of Nigerians dedicated to the success of the Renewed Hope Agenda of this government.
    “And to ensure that this government delivers quality healthcare to all Nigerians”, he said.
    He assured that the body remained patriotic and will fully support the health policies of the government to drive improvement in quality healthcare delivery and universal access to services to all Nigerians.”
    “This committee will work closely with this government in delivering and implementing the policies of the administration in the healthcare sector.
    “The NMA wants to assure and reassure you that it will play a key role in ensuring stability in the health sector.
    “This is by extension, stability for this government to deliver on its promises to Nigerians as it has already started doing”, he said.
    He applauded the health policies of the Tinubu administration, saying when fully implemented, the programmes and projects will increase the training spaces for specialists in the country.
    “It is known as the residency training programme as well as quality of the postgraduate medical training.
    “We are sure that this government will address the infrastructural needs as well as the remuneration that will improve the wellbeing of Nigerian doctors to remain and serve in this country”, he said. (NAN)
    SSI/KUA
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    Edited by Uche Anunne

  • Hajj: Senate conducts assessment of pilgrims’ lodging, feeding arrangement in Madinah

    Assessment

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Madinah (Saudi Arabia), June 11, 2024 (NAN) The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs on Tuesday conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the Nigerian pilgrims’ lodging and feeding arrangements in Madinah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the committee led by the Senate Chief Whip, Sen. Ali Ndume (APC-Borno South) visited many pilgrims’ abodes to see how they were being served food.

    Briefing newsmen after the assessment tour, Ndume said the Senate decided to conduct the exercise out of concern over the alleged poor feeding of Nigerian pilgrims in the holy city.

    According to him, social media has been awash with fake pictures of poor meals being served to Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi.

    “And the Senate as an institution is concerned about the welfare and well-being of citizens decided to come and investigate the matter to ascertain the truth or falsity of the situation.”

    Sen. Senator Sharafadeen Alli (APC-Oyo South) advised Nigerian pilgrims to be well-guided, follow instructions, and ensure they worshipped Allah wholeheartedly during the pilgrimage.

    Alli also advised the pilgrims not to be distracted by earthly things during the pilgrimage.

    “We thought that since we are here, it would be nice to visit the pilgrims.

    “Secondly, there were rumours before we left home (Nigeria) about the situation of the pilgrims here.

    “So, it is right that we are here; it is better to come out and conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the situation. What we have seen so far is contrary to the things trumped up at home.

    “About the welfare of the pilgrims: I think the pilgrims are well-taken care of, and as far as their feeding is concerned we have seen the food, it is basic and not below any standard.

    “Then on the issue of the woman (a pilgrim from Kwara State) who was rumored to have committed suicide, I would say that from the video footage and information that we have here, it’s clear that she fell off the top of a building; it wasn’t a matter of suicide.

    “It was an unfortunate incident and whatever Allah wills there is nothing a human being can do”

    This is coming after the media in Nigeria reported at the weekend that a Nigerian pilgrim from the Kwara State contingent, Hajia Hawawu Mohammed, committed suicide having jumped from her rooftop in Madinah.

    The sad incident was confirmed by the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Abdulsalam Abdulkadir, on Sunday.

    Meanwhile, Prof. Abubakar Yagawal, the Commissioner, Planning, Research, Statistics, Information, and Library Services, at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), said the commission’s team is working tirelessly to meet the needs of the pilgrims.

    “We thank Allah that the team of Senators came here and witnessed what is happening and they are satisfied with whatever it has seen here.

    “Of course, some rumours that they heard were against Nigerian pilgrims but to God be the glory they have seen it and they have cleared everything.” (NAN)

    SSI/YEE

    =======

    (Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

  • Hajj: NAHCON to reduce days pilgrims spend in Saudi – Arabi

    Pilgrims

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Madinah (Saudi Arabia), June 10, 2024 (NAN) The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says it has adopted a strategy to reduce the number of days Nigerian pilgrims spend in Saudi Arabia during pilgrimage.

    Its Executive Chairman, Malam Jalal Arabi, stated this on Monday in an interview with newsmen, shortly after he arrived at the Prince Mohammed Bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Madinah.

    Arabi explained that the commission had succeeded in transporting 100 per cent of Nigeria pilgrims direct to Madinah.

    “And you know the secret? Allah helping us, if we are able to achieve this target, we hope to succeed again for the first time in reducing the number of days that Nigerians spend each time they come to perform pilgrimage.

    “In the past, you see Nigerians in disarray, loitering about while their counterparts from other countries would have been evacuated back home.

    “It is a very good starting and by God’s grace, we will get good results,’’ he said.

    He commended the presidency and the National Assembly for their tremendous support towards the success of the ongoing hajj operations.

    He also commended air carriers for living up to expectations, saying that “this is because there is trust and we didn’t lie to them. We made them to believe and they believe and they performed.

    “We lack adequate words to give praises to our Creator and to thank Him, we can’t thank him enough for what he has done for us.

    “I think this day will go down in history as I don’t want to say the first time in history but the first time in a very long time since the commencement of Hajj preparations to say that 72 hours be the closure of Saudi air space, 100 per cent of our pilgrims are here.

    “At least those in our cluster and we hope the tour operators too will be able to beat the target as well.

    “Of course, that was able to be achieved through the cooperation and collaboration of all stakeholders, both the public and the private sector.

    He said that the commission had put adequate arrangements for feeding and medical care services for pilgrims at Masha’eer (core hajj rites period) which is expected to start on June 13.

    “We are hopeful that the principle of Tafweej (grouping of pilgrims) will come to play where pilgrims are group for ease of movement and identification.

    “Secondly, like we said we have come with a new innovation in monitoring and distribution of food which is very critical and fundamental.

    “In fact, this is one of the reasons we won’t even stay in Madinah, myself and a few members of my team are now heading to Makkah to do an assessment of what happened, the report we have received based on what had happened.”

    Arabi said that tonight the commission would invite all service providers that were indicted in one way or the other to read the riot act on them.

    “Because this time around, a pilgrim is a king and queen and we won’t let them be shortchange, neglected, humiliated.”

    According to NAHCON boss, all Nigerian pilgrims should be patient, law abiding and be ready to worship because it is not going to be cat walk.

    “From what I have seen while landing in Madinah, the weather is harsh but they (pilgrims) have been told and warned and I’m sure they are ready for it.” (NAN)

    SSI/ADA

    Edited by Deji Abdulwahab

     

  • Hajj: NAHCON transports 99.2% of Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi – Arabia

    Pilgrims

    By Salisu Sani-Idris

    Abuja, June 9, 2024 (NAN) The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), says it has so far transported 99.2 per cent of Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2024 Hajj rites.

    The Executive Chairman of NAHCON, Malam Jalal Arabi, made this known at a news conference on the first phase of Hajj operation, held at the Hajj House on Sunday in Abuja.

    He said that all pilgrims that NAHCON, states and general stakeholders processed their visa would be transported to Kingdom Saudi Arabia 72 hours before the deadline for the closure of Kingdom air space.

    “As of today, we have had 120 flights; we have carried more than 98, close to 99.2 per cent of our pilgrims.

    “And by the end of today, very early morning of Monday, there will be no pilgrim left.

    “Everybody will have gone to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia before the deadline normally given by the Saudi Arabia on the closure of their air space.

    “In other words, 72 hours before their formal declaration on the closure of their air space.”

    Arabi commended President Bola Tinubu and the Vice-President Kashim Shettima for their efforts towards the success of the ongoing hajj operation in the country.

    “Of course, we must give credit to the President because he stepped in at that time that matter most.

    “He (Tinubu) was an enabler, the Vice-President Shettima was round the clock, a motiveter, he stood by us too. The governors stepped in at that time when we gave up that they won’t.

    “And of course, the various states executives of Pilgrims Welfare Boards too did all they could to ensure that we got to where we are today.

    “But most pleasing and encouraging are the pilgrims themselves, because they persevered, they were so resilient and, in fact, that tells the story of who we are in Nigeria,” he said.

    On his part, the Deputy Director, Aviation, NAHCON, Malam Goni Sanda, disclosed that the transportation of Nigerian pilgrims from Saudi Arabia back to Nigeria would begin on June 21.

    Sanda said that all the air carriers have gotten approval and slots for the return journey in line with the principle of first-in-first-out.

    “Based on the strategy we adopted this year, since we commenced the transportation of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, we didn’t allow the air carriers to go with the minimum capacity.

    “If you recall, on day one, we started with only three flights, day two three flights and day four, five flights. We moved pilgrims to Saudi Arabia in staggered manner.

    “Because, based on the record or history in the return journey, the first week of the return journey used to come with lots of requests and traffic at the Jedda International Airport,” he noted.

    He, however, said that the Saudi General Authority on Civil Aviation didn’t give the approval of the adequate number of slots. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

    SSI/KLM

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    Edited by Muhammad Lawal