The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has revealed that a total of 51,447 Nigerian Muslims have successfully paid all the required fees to register for the 2024 pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
According to the commission, the number reflects a significant turnout despite the challenges posed by this year’s preparations.
Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, the Executive Chairman of NAHCON commended the federal government for its support and policies aimed at facilitating the smooth operation of the Hajj.
Arabi emphasized the importance of long-term planning and encouraged stakeholders to embrace the Hajj Savings Scheme (HSS) to mitigate future challenges related to Hajj fares.
The breakdown of registered pilgrims by state indicates Kaduna and Sokoto with the highest numbers, demonstrating widespread participation across Nigeria.
In a bid to boost community engagement and communication, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, has appointed new Police Public Relations Officers (PPROs) across various commands and formations.
Additionally, a Deputy Force Public Relations Officer has been designated at the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
The appointments according to a statement today, April 6, by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi were aimed to enhance transparency and foster better relations between the police and the public.
Among the newly appointed officers are CSP Isuku Victor Edailokun as Deputy FPRO, and ASP Hundeyin Isaac Sewanu as PPRO for Ports Authority Police (Western) Lagos.
The IGP reaffirmed his commitment to modernizing the force and wished the new appointees success in their roles.
Fear of earthquake rattled the people of the densely populated New York City metropolitan area in the United States of America today, April 5, prompting reports of rumbling sensations across the Northeast. The U.S. Geological Survey said that a preliminary magnitude of 4.7 for the earthquake, was centred near Lebanon, New Jersey, approximately 45 miles west of New York City and 50 miles north of Philadelphia. Report said that despite the significant tremors, there are no initial damage, according to the Fire Department of New York. New York Mayor, Eric Adams, received a briefing on the earthquake, with his spokesperson, Fabien Levy, saying: “While we do not have any reports of major impacts at this time, we’re still assessing the impact.” Residents in various areas reported feeling the ground shake, with some describing booming sounds and buildings shaking. The quake was felt beyond New York City, with people in Baltimore, Philadelphia, Connecticut, and other East Coast areas unaccustomed to seismic activity also reporting tremors. New York Governor Kathy Hochul confirmed that the earthquake was felt throughout the state and stated that her team is assessing any impacts and damages, with updates expected throughout the day.
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has taken enforcement action against the Abuja Electricity Distribution Plc (AEDC) by imposing a fine of N200 Million for failure to comply with the prescribed customer band classifications for the tariff billing. AEDC is also being punished for non-compliance with the Supplementary Order to the April 2024 Multi-Year Tariff Order 2024 for AEDC. The decision to punish AEDC, according to NERC, was taken after a detailed review and customer feedback, which revealed that AEDC had applied the new tariff to all customer bands, contrary to the Order, which was designed to ensure fair billing practices. The regulatory body mandated AEDC to do the following immediately: a. Reimburse all customers in Bands B, C, D and E respectively that were billed above the allowed customer categories/tariff bands provided in the Order. b. Reimburse through the provision of the balance of customer tokens that the affected customers would be entitled to receive at the applicable rates and all token reimbursements shall be issued to the affected customers by 11 April 2024. c. Pay the sum of ₦200,000,000.00 (Two Hundred Million Naira) as a fine for the flagrant breach of the Commission’s Order. d. File evidence of compliance with the directives in a & c with the Commission by 12 April 2024. “The action by the Commission underscores its commitment to protecting consumer rights and ensuring equitable practices within Nigeria’s electricity sector,” NERC said in a statement.
Controversial cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, has now become a convict after admitting before a Federal High Court in Lagos that he abused Naira. Before his conviction, the 31-year-old Bobrisky had said that he was not aware of the law on abuse of the naira. The cross-dresser, who refers to himself as Mummy of Lagos, said that he is a social media influencer with over five million followers. “I know, My Lord. My Lord, I wish that you could give me a second chance to use my platform to inform and educate my followers about spraying money. “I would do a video on my page and I will educate people about spraying money. “I will not repeat it again. I regret my actions.” But Justice Abimbola Awogboro went ahead to convict him after a review of the facts of the case. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had arrested and charged Bobrisky to court on four counts of naira abuse.
Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), has commissioned a state-of-the-art twin theatre suite on at the University of Jos Teaching Hospital (JUTH) as part of its Hospital Support Programme. The Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, commissioned the suite yesterday, April 3, with Senator Diket Plang, representing Plateau Central Senatorial District; Senator Pam Mwadkon, representing Plateau North Senatorial District; Kachollom Daju (mni), Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health; and Ambassador Bagudu Hirse, former member of the NLNG Board of Directors in attendance. The JUTH’s Chief Medical Director, Dr. Pokop Bupwatda, and the Gbwom Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba were also among the dignitaries. The twin theatre suite initiative, according to a statement, is emblematic of NLNG’s broader HSP, which aims to bolster healthcare infrastructure and services across 12 Federal University Teaching Hospitals spanning Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Launched in 2022, the HSP has rapidly gained momentum, achieving notable milestones such as the establishment of a maternity centre at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH), an intensive care unit (ICU) at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), an obstetrics & gynaecology ward at Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Lagos and an intensive care unit (ICU) at Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH), Yenagoa. Others are an occupational therapy and neuromodulation rehabilitation centre at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), Kano, a neurosurgical and stroke centre at University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH), Calabar, and an accident and emergency unit at UNIUYO Teaching Hospital (UUTH). At the commissioning in Jos, NLNG’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Philip Mshelbila, represented by Andy Odeh, General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, highlighted the urgent need to address the growing deficit in medical infrastructure and stem the outflow of skilled medical professionals from the country. He underscored NLNG’s proactive intervention as a crucial step towards bridging this gap and reinvigorating investments in healthcare. “NLNG’s commitment to elevating healthcare infrastructure mirrors our broader commitment to societal advancement. Through initiatives like the twin theatre suite at JUTH, we aim to instil confidence in Nigeria’s healthcare landscape, catalysing positive change and fostering a healthier future for all.” Dr. Mshelbila emphasised NLNG’s overarching vision to foster enhanced healthcare delivery, aligning with its mission to be a globally competitive LNG entity helping to build a better Nigeria. He urged the Federal Government and other corporate entities to follow suit in prioritising healthcare investments to ensure the well-being of the populace and drive sustainable development. In his remarks, Governor Mutfwang stressed the importance of healthcare accessibility and sustainability in fostering societal progress. He said that the new facility at JUTH would support access to critical surgical treatments and change the state’s healthcare narrative. “We sincerely thank you for putting Plateau State and Jos University Teaching Hospital in line for this project. “I was a patient at the hospital sometime in 2011, and I remember the queue I had to go through for the theatre. Today, the twin theatre will serve many people, and the turnaround time for the use of the theatre will be greatly reduced. “Therefore, many lives would be saved. We want to thank NLNG on behalf of the North Central region.”
As cloud descends on the preparations for the airlift of intending Nigerian pilgrim to Saudi Arabia for this year, 2024 Hajj, chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Jalal Arabi has admitted that this is the moment of anxiety. Signing agreement with airlines in Abuja today, April 4, Arabi said: “we have gone through challenges together this year. As we were following up, so were you.” NAHCON boss noted that because of the challenges, the signing of the agreement with the airlines should have been done long ago, but expressed confidence that this year’s Hajj would not fail. “Expectations are there for a successful outing. “You did it in the past, nothing should stop you from doing it again.” Arabi said that both the commission and the airlines faced the challenges of this year’s Hajj together, saying however: “I am confident that we wouldn’t fail. “There are moments of anxiety; what we are about to do now, should have been done long time ago. Whatever it is, at least we are here today and we are going to do it.” NAHCON has been facing multiple challenges both in the country and from the host, Saudi Arabia, chiefly on the issue of the cost of pilgrimage, which has gone as high as N8 million for each pilgrim; the issue of Basic Traveling Allowance (BTA) and the need to fill the 90,000 quarter the host country allocated to Nigeria and several others.
The widow of the late former Governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, Mrs. Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu, has reportedly married to her late husband’s younger brother, Professor Wole Akeredolu. Information reaching us showed that decision was made by the Emeabiam Community in Owerri West Local Government Area of Imo State. The ceremony was said to have reached its climax when the Umuegeolu kindred formally handed Betty over to Professor Wole Akeredolu, indicating the family’s desire to continue having Android within their fold after her husband’s death. It was said that prior to the symbolic gesture, customary offerings of kolanuts, palm wine and a she-goat were presented to the Umuegeolu kindred by the Akeredolus, in adherence to tradition. In response, Professor Wole Akeredolu expressed gratitude to the Umuegeolu kindred and the entire Emeabiam Community for their hospitality. He affirmed the Akeredolu family’s commitment to continue caring for Betty, acknowledging the support received during the mourning period and the interment ceremony held in Owo. The Mgbafu Mkpe ceremony, a traditional Igbo practice, signifies the transition of a widow back to her husband’s family following his passing. It involves the mutual agreement between both families, with rituals performed accordingly.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has admitted that the military personnel are still occupying Okuama community in Delta State to ensure thorough clean up of dangerous weapons hidden everywhere in the community. “We are currently conducting a cordon and search in the community. Cordon and search operation means we are searching every nook and cranny within the community because they have a lot of illegal funds from crude oil theft. “They have bought a lot of weapons. It is for us to thoroughly clean the community to ensure that no weapon, no explosive is left in the community.” The Chief of Defence Staff, who spoke on Arise TV, confirmed that arms and ammunition of the killed in-action troops have not been recovered. General Musa said that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State and residents of Okuama where the attack took place, have no access to the community because the security agencies are in serious operations in the area. “I can tell you that at the end of the operations, residents of the community will always go back.” It would be recalled that irate youths who are suspected residents of Okuama, working with some other suspects, on March 14, ambushed and murdered the Commanding Officer of 181 Army Amphibious Battalion, two majors, one captain and 13 soldiers. The Defence Headquarters had said that the troops were attacked while responding to a distress call, arising from a clash between Okuama and Okoloba communities, both in Delta State. Eight suspects have since been declared wanted in connection with the brutal murder of the military personnel.
A 35-year-old man, Abayomi Babalola, has been arrested for allegedly abducting and turning a housewife into a sex slave for three weeks, with the help of charms. Spokesperson for Osun Amotekun Corps, Yusuf Idowu, told newsmen in Osogbo, the state capital, that the suspect, who lives in Modakeke, had used a magic ring, made for him by a cleric, to commandeer the victim, identified simply as Sofiyat, out of her husband’s house and move her to Modakeke, where she was kept as a sex slave. According to the Amotekun spokesperson, luck ran out for the suspect last week Friday when he took the victim to Campus Area in Ile-Ife and abandoned her by the roadside. After Babalola had left the vicinity, the woman suddenly regained her senses and raised the alarm, attracting some Amotekun operatives. After listening to her ordeal at the hands of Babalola, the Amotekun operatives trailed the suspect to his hideout in Sekona where he was eventually arrested. The statement read: “The suspect confessed that in September 2023, the victim, Sofiyat, approached him to help her sell her palm oil because that is the business he does. “Along the line, he asked her out, but she refused him, saying she was married. Babalola later approached a herbalist in Sekona who gave him some charms. “Since using the charm on her, he claimed that the woman had been listening and following his command. “He used the charm to control and make Sofiyat leave her husband’s house. “When the woman arrived at Babalola’s house in Modakeke, he changed her SIM card. “All that happened within three weeks, and he was sleeping with her randomly during the period.” Amotekun said that the victim also confirmed that she had approached the suspect to help her sell palm oil. “He asked her out, but she refused. Later, Babalola called and directed her to meet him in Modakeke. “When she got to Modakeke, he removed the SIM card from her phone and replaced it with a new one. “He locked her in his house and came around with food whenever he pleased. “On 29 March 2024, he came to the house to pick her up, and he dropped her at Campus Area in Ile-Ife. “Sofiyat later raised the alarm which attracted Amotekun operatives in the area, and the suspect was trailed to his hideout in Sekona where he was arrested.” The Osun Amotekun Corps Commander, retired Brigadier General Bashir Adewinmbi said that the suspect has been transferred to the custody of the State Security Services for further interrogation and prosecution.
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has revealed that a total of 51,447 Nigerian Muslims have successfully paid all the required fees to register for the 2024 pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In a bid to boost community engagement and communication, the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Olukayode Egbetokun, has appointed new Police Public Relations Officers (PPROs) across various commands and formations.
