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.