The pilgrims who spoke with our reporter said the aircraft made the journey stress-free.

Alhaji Shamsuddeen Abubakar, from Gwale Local Government Area, expressed gratitude to the management.

‘I’m particularly pleased with the management and the hospitality we received onboard,”

Alhaji Sule Isa, a pilgrim from Gwale LGA, praised the airline for making the trip stress-free and expressed gratitude for the hospitality onboard,” he said.

“Alhaji Ado Japanese, also from Gwale, said the journey was made easy due to the provision of well-serviced aircraft.

He added that this would encourage other pilgrims to use the airline in future.

Hajiya Rabi Fagge expressed confidence that Max Air would sustain the standard to encourage others to choose the airline for their future travels.

It was reported that approximately 3,345 pilgrims were transported by Max Air from Malam Aminu Kano International Airport to Jeddah for the just concluded Hajj.

The post Kano Pilgrims laud Max Air over comfortable Hajj flight appeared first on NEWSVERGE.

The clerics gave the advice while speaking with our correspondent on the sidelines of the ongoing Hajj exercise in Makkah on Thursday.

Dr Rafee Al-Ijebuwi, Grand Mufti, Ogun and member of NAHCON Ulama team for 2025 Hajj Operation, urged Nigerian pilgrims to pray for their leaders and country the way Prophet Muhammad did for Mecca.

“As far as the country is concerned, every pilgrim here in the Holy Land should love Nigeria and should pray for Nigeria.

“He or she should love Nigeria the way Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) loved Mecca.

“As for our leaders, it is the responsibility of every pilgrim, male and female, to pray that Allah should inspire our leaders with what will benefit the masses of the country.

“No pilgrim should curse the leaders because they are the products of your society. You and I should adjust where it is necessary,” he said.

Also speaking, Sheikh Garba Al-Yolawi, Chief Imam, Area 10 Mosque, Abuja, urged pilgrims to pray for Allah’s guidance to direct Nigeria’s leaders aright.

According to Al-Yolawi, Nigeria has many issues, like security, economy, morality, social vices and leadership challenges.

“We need divine intervention. With about 50,000 pilgrims sincerely praying, Allah can change things.

“But we must not pray for the ‘driver of the car’ (our leaders) to crash while we are still passengers in the same car. If the driver crashes, so, we do.

“We must pray for guidance and change that Allah directs our leaders aright, and that He opens their hearts to do good.

“Prayer can manifest in many ways, it can cause a person to change, lose power or regain sense. All of these are possible responses to sincere prayers,” he said

The post Hajj: Do not curse your leaders, NAHCON Ulama team urges Nigerian pilgrims appeared first on NEWSVERGE.

The governor also urged the residents to continue to give thanks to the Almighty for rebirth, growth and collective development due to the just-concluded Ramadan fast.

He spoke on Tuesday at the First Family of Lagos State and the Ministry of Home Affairs Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

The event had the theme: ‘My Lord Indeed I Am for Whatever Good You Would Send Me.’

It held at the Lagos House, Marina.

“By May, those travelling to Mecca will begin to travel. Please ensure you are in good health.

“If you are ill, refrain from travelling for 2025 Hajj, stay back and pray here in Nigeria,” he said.

The governor congratulated Muslims on the conclusion of their month-long Ramadan fast.

“I pray that God will continue to keep us in peace and unity. We will continue to witness Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.

“I thank all our religious leaders for teaching us more about the holy book. I wish us more celebrations in good health,” Sanwo-Olu said.

In her address, the Wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, appealed to Lagos State residents to show compassion on the less privileged in their communities.

“As we partake in the celebration, let us remember the less privileged among us and extend a helping hand to them.

“True worship goes beyond ritual; it reflects on how we treat one another and how we contribute to the betterment of our state and our nation.

“I encourage us to renew our faith in Nigeria and remain steadfast in our prayers,” she said.

The guest speaker at the occasion, Dr Munirudeen Ar-Riyardy from Lagos State University of Education, advised Nigerians to avoid sin to attract God’s grace.

“Today’s lecture is about trials of life and how to maintain our faith in God no matter the cchallenges. We shouldn’t curse our leaders; we should avoid sin,” he said.

The state Deputy Gov. Obafemi Hamzat called on Lagos residents to be good to one another.

“Show empathy, show compassion, be good to your neighbours and continue to have faith in the Almighty’s goodness,” he said.

The state’s Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr. Ibrahim Layode, urged Muslims to continue to live according to the tenets of Islam.

Hamzat’s wife, Oluremu; Special Adviser to the Governor on Religion, Alhaji Abdullah Jebe, and the Grand Imam of Lagos State, Shaykh Suliamon Abu-Nolla, were among dignitaries at the event.

The post Hajj 2025: Sick people shouldn’t travel – Sanwo-Olu appeared first on NEWSVERGE.

Shettima gave the assurance on Monday during a meeting with the Management and Board of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) held in his office at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

It was reported that Shettima summoned the meeting following the reported contractual dispute between NAHCON and Saudi service provider, Mashariq Al-Dhahabiah, which may lead to visa denials for Nigerian pilgrims.

The Vice-President also emphasised that the 2025 hajj operations would be hitch-free.

Shettima directed the leadership of NAHCON to take all necessary measures to ensure a smooth and unhindered pilgrimage for all the nation’s intending pilgrims.

“We will not allow any Nigerian intending pilgrim to miss the 2025 Hajj. The pilgrimage will be seamless, and every challenge will be addressed promptly,” Shettima assured.

Shettima directed NAHCON leadership to take all necessary steps to protect the interests of Nigerian pilgrims.

“NAHCON must do whatever it takes to guarantee the full participation of our pilgrims without any hindrance.

“From now on, we must have to set the right standards, move in the right direction and have a hitch-free Hajj exercise.”

On the purported contract cancellation with the Saudi-based company, NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Saleh Usman, reassured Nigerians that the issue would not affect the pilgrimage.

“There is no cause for alarm. No single registered pilgrim will be left behind,” Usman said.

He also dismissed allegations by the Forum of Chief Executive Officers of State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions that the contract dispute could truncate the 2025 Hajj operations.

Recall that the Forum through its Secretary, Abubakar Salihu, had on Sunday raised concern over the cancellation of the service provider contract by the Chairman of NAHCON, Prof. Saleh Usman.

The forum raised alarm that thousands of Nigerian intending pilgrims may not perform the 2025 Hajj due to the cancellation of service provider contract by NAHCON leadership.

The post No Nigerian intending pilgrim will miss 2025 Hajj – Shettima appeared first on NEWSVERGE.

The Executive Chairman of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, made this known in a statement by its Assistant Director, Information and Publication, Mrs Fatima Usara, on Monday in Abuja.

Usman also said that intending pilgrims from the Northern Zone would pay N8.4 million as Hajj fare for the 2025 pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The NAHCON boss described the hajj fare as a product of extensive collaboration with all the stakeholders.

He appreciated the support of the Presidency and the Forum of Executive Secretaries of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions.

“The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), under the leadership of its Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, is pleased to announce the hajj fare for the 2025 season.

“The fare was announced sequel to the approval from the Office of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The 2025 Hajj fare for Borno and Adamawa zone’s intending pilgrims is N8.33 million.

“Similarly, the cost of the 2025 Hajj for intending pilgrims from the Southern states is N8.78 million, while intending pilgrims from the Northern zone will pay N8.46 million.”

He said the leadership of NAHCON, in collaboration with representative of the Presidency, Malam Ameen Amshi, Special Assistant to the President, Special Duties, did their best to maintain the hajj fare within the same range as previously charged.

“This modest effort on the fare was reached after extensive consultations to ensure inclusivity in this important decision-making process.

“For further details and breakdown of the fare, please visit the NAHCON website on nahcon.gov.ng or through States’ Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards. ”

The chairman urged prospective pilgrims to take note of the timelines and the Saudi guidelines, while emphasising the importance of early payment and timely registration to avoid last-minute inconveniences.

Recall that intending pilgrims who benefited from the Federal Government’s N90 billion Hajj intervention across the zones paid N6.8 million as fare for the 2024 Hajj.

However, intending pilgrims who paid their Hajj fare after the subsidy from Borno and Adamawa zone paid N8.2million.

Similarly, those from the North zone paid N8.2 million while intending pilgrims from the Southern zone paid N8.4 million as fare for the 2024 Hajj.

The post NAHCON announces fare for 2025 hajj appeared first on NEWSVERGE.

The Executive Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Abdullahi Usman, made this known in a statement by the commission’s Assistant Director, Information and Publication, Mrs Fatima Usara, on Sunday in Abuja.

Usman explained that the four airlines were selected out of the 11 companies that submitted applications to transport Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Muslims pilgrimage.

According to Usman, the four approved airlines are Air Peace Ltd., Fly-Nas, a Saudi Arabia designated airline, Max Air, and UMZA Aviation Services Ltd.

The NAHCON boss stated that the airlines were screened and shortlisted by a team of 32 members that were inaugurated by the NAHCON on Nov. 26, 2024.

He said that the composition of the Aviation Screening Committee included representatives from State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, three members from Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and one member each from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

He also said that some members of the committee were drawn from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), and Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).

Similarly, Prof. Usman said that one member each was drawn from Nigerian Customs’ Service (NCS) and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).

Others, he listed, were NAHCON Board members representing each geo-political zone of the country, NAHCON Heads of Aviation, Procurement, Legal, Internal Audit, Special Duties as well as Board Member representing the Aviation industry.

The NAHCON boss also disclosed that three excess cargo carriers were selected for the hajj operations.

He named them to include; Aglow Aviation Support Services Ltd, Cargozeal Technology Ltd and Qualla Investment Ltd.,

The Chairman, who congratulated the successful companies, urged them to fulfill their responsibilities as promised during the screening.

Meanwhile, Prof. Usman signed the 2025 Hajj Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on behalf of the Nigerian Government.

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was represented by the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Abdulfatah Masahat, at the signing ceremony.

The event was held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to formalise this year’s Hajj engagements.

The post FG approves 4 airlines for 2025 hajj operation – NAHCON Chair appeared first on NEWSVERGE.

Mr Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Communications, Office of the Vice President, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

According to him, the Vice-President offered prayers for Nigeria’s peace and stability during the spiritual exercise.

Nkwocha said while at the holy site, Shettima beseeched God’s guidance and intervention for the nation’s leadership and citizenry.

“Our prayer is for peace to prevail in our land. May Allah grant our land peace and social harmony,” he prayed.

He also sought divine attributes for Nigeria’s leaders praying, “May Allah grant our leaders, from the President down to our local councillors wisdom , patience and the generosity of Muhammad Rasulullah (SAW) in all their dealings.

“May Allah grant us the wisdom to rule our nation well and to govern our people well.

“Let there be peace, tranquility and prosperity in our nation. This is our prayer and In sha Allah, our prayers will be answered by Allah.”

Meanwhile, the Vice President’s scheduled bilateral meeting with the President of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) in Jeddah has been rescheduled for a later date.

He is expected to return to Nigeria tomorrow.

The post Shettima performs lesser Hajj, seeks divine intervention for Nigeria appeared first on NEWSVERGE.

It was a three-in-one program that culminated in bold plans to impact society positively.

In attendance was the Adokun of Igan Okoto, Ogun State, Oba (Dr) Mukail Akanbi Salako as a special guest to discuss the state of the African culture and traditions, especially as it concerns the recent happenings. Of particular concern is the spate of kidnapping of Yoruba monarchs. Oba Adokun said: “There was a way our forefathers did things in their days and recent developments have shown that we need to toe that line, and I can confirm that many of my colleagues (obas) embraced into that”. In its communique after the conference, the group declared: “We have to appease the gods that such sacrilegious killing of our obas should stop.” It urged all concerned, including the state and federal governments, to wake up to the responsibility of protecting the interests of African traditions and cultures. “It is an abomination to kill traditional rulers. In the olden days, you hardly saw a king much more thinking of kidnapping him. People feared kings then. All kings in Yorubaland from time immemorial had what their forefathers used to organize towns, soothe the towns, and ensure peace and tranquility when there was neither Christianity nor Islam’’.

Oba (Dr) Mukail Akanbi Salako, the Adokun of Igan Okoto, Ogun State addressing members of the newly formed association over the weekend…

The second part of the conference discussed the aboriginal umbilical cord of the Kegites Club that is fast losing the sauce that brought them to the club, some over 35 years ago. The theme: “The Kegites Club, Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow” was extensively debated. Three members from outside the US presented papers on this topic; Chiefs Abiodun Sorinmade (Gbosiah the Jew -Canada, Adesina Sodipe (Ojola Ibinu) –United Kingdom and Prince Adeyemi Olaoti (Oghene Olu Dester) –Nigeria. It was concluded that there is hope, as long as the members who have enjoyed the club in the past decide to be the mirror of the past, in all their engagements so as to redirect the present for the future. In the communique, the Egbe Agba Elemu agreed to be the “mirror of the standard that we wished the comradium to be, symbolically to represent self-reflection, wisdom, vanity, and truth.”

Elder Valentine Olaseinde, the Asoju Egbe Agba, rolled out what the group stands for, stating  “We will use our secular experience and influence to work for peace, love, justice, and a sustainable Kegites Club of the past, by engaging global leaders and civil society through private diplomacy and public advocacy, to address existential komradic threats, promote global solutions, and encourage ethical cultural leadership that supports the dignity of all worldwide members of Kegites Club in particular and human beings in general”.

He continued: The Universal Archaival Elders is an internationally registered non-governmental organization of Achaival entities, whose membership of the club is over 35 years, irrespective of their past portfolios while in school.”

In conjunction with Global Alliance for Africa, The Chalker Foundation for Africa, The West African Health Foundation (WAHF) and African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF) the Ẹgbẹ́ Àgbà Elemu (EAE) will be organizing a medical outreach code-named COMO (Community Medical Outreach where members would in two days have increased access to a range of health services. These include expanded primary health for Indigenous people in the treatment and management of chronic diseases.

The EAE COMO will focus service delivery on the following chronic conditions: diabetes; cardiovascular disease; chronic respiratory disease; chronic renal (kidney) disease; and cancer. The Chairman of COMO, Elder, Gbenga Victor Odususi (Otun Basorun, Ẹgbẹ́ Àgbà Elemu) gave a glimpse of what COMO day would be like.

“A website for Egbe Agba Elemu would be the vehicle for the launch, registration of potential members for consultation, volunteers, professionals, agencies, information such as staff CVs, letters of support, or other documents supporting the outreach, and Cost Proposal Instructions – i.e., a budget detailing the costs associated with the program and a justification for it. We are looking at February 12, 2025 for the UAE COMO.”

The post Echoes of Tradition: Kegites Club veterans launch ‘Egbe Agba Elemu’ to uphold African heritage, plan philanthropy appeared first on NEWSVERGE.

Mrs Fatima Usara, Assistant Director, NAHCON, made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

Usara explained that the development resulted from the thorough screening of the respective companies after meeting the requirements for the hajj license.

She said that part of documents required for eligibility include certificate of registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission and the International Air Transport Association Certificate (IATA).

Usara said, “Others are accredited staff and principal officers with no record of criminal conviction, presentation of evidence of owning N30 million minimum share capital, possession of standard corporate office and evidence of having operated eight years of Umrah successfully or two years of Hajj operations.

“A N25 million refundable security deposit must also be submitted. The purpose of this is to protect the interest of the registered pilgrims in case of contract violation or other infringements.”

She said that a total of 155 companies applied out of which 58 were initially successful while 97 companies were disqualified.

Usara added, “But given room for appeal. 80 companies appealed and out of this number 52 companies met the criteria for qualification making a total of 110 private operator companies that resultantly qualified.

“For the full list, please go to the NAHCON website on https://nahcon.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/COMPANIES-APPROVED-FOR-2024-HAJJ-SLOT.pdf.”

She said that the commission was holding further discussions with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

Usara stated that the discussion centre around the ministry’s earlier policy to prune down the number of tour operators that would participate in the 2024 hajj operation from Nigeria and other parts of the world.

The post NAHCON approves 110 tour operators for 2024 Hajj appeared first on NEWSVERGE.

Dr Usman Galadima, Chief of Operations and Head of the NAHCON National Medical Team, made this known during a post-Arafat meeting with stakeholders on Sunday in Makkah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Galadima explained that seven pilgrims died before Arafat, six died during the five-day Mashair (core Hajj period) and additional one person died after the Arafat.

“We had six reported death at Mashair, four died in Arafat and the other two died in Mina. Already we lost seven pilgrims before Arafat and just now I have just been informed that we lost another pilgrim. This brings the total of deaths recorded to 14.

“The mortality rate is similar to that of 2019,” he said.

He also revealed that the medical team recorded three cases of chickenpox during the core hajj period and the affected pilgrims were immediately moved out of the area as a preventive measure to avoid the spread of the disease.

Galadima also disclosed that the team recorded two deliveries during the period of hajj ritual in Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah, adding that one of the pregnant women delivered on the road, while the second one was brought to the clinic and delivered safely.

He emphasised the need for a thorough pre-hajj medical screening with the issuance of a certificate of medical fitness.

He also said that elderly pilgrims and those that are very sick should be discouraged from participating in the symbolic devil stoning at Jamrat because of the stress involved.

In his presentation, the NAHCON Head of Aviation, Alhaji Goni Sanda, disclosed that the transport of pilgrims back to Nigeria would begins on Tuesday, July 4.

He said the policy of first in, first out would strictly be applied in the evacuation of the pilgrims back to Nigeria.

He further stated that the Saudi authorities have a policy that in the first two weeks, the air carriers would not operate maximally due to the volume of traffic and the large number of aircraft involved in the evacuation of pilgrims from different countries, as well as the fact that virtually all planes will take off from one Airport, the King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah.

He stated that in the first two weeks of the start of the transportation of pilgrims, Flynas would only utilise four of it six aircraft for the operation, adding that the other two are undergoing some checks and maintenance.

Also, the Commissioner, Operations of NAHCON, Alhaji Abdullahi Hardawa, said the commission had resolved to ensure that pilgrims fully obey its luggage policy during their return journey to Nigeria.

He recalled that in 2022, there was a breach, but pledged that such breaches would not be tolerated this year, so as to have a seamless operation.

He decried the attitude of some pilgrims, particularly the females, who go to the airport with multiple bags all in the name of hand luggage, warning that this time the situation would not be accepted.

He therefore called on officials of state pilgrims boards to inform their pilgrims about the policy to avoid any inconveniences and unnecessary delays at the airport.

“The airline operators have bitterly complained about this untoward behaviour of some pilgrims, which put lives of other passengers in the aircraft at risk. This time it will not be business as usual.

“And for fear of losing some valuables at the airport, the pilgrims should abide by the 32kg luggage policy, or they should avail themselves with the cargo window.”

The post 2023 Hajj: Nigeria loses 14 pilgrims in Saudi Arabia appeared first on NEWSVERGE.