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Hajj 2024: Nigeria gets 95,000 slots, says NAHCON
Hajj 2024: Nigeria gets 95,000 slots, says NAHCON
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has announced the allocation of 95,000 Hajj seats to Nigeria in the forthcoming 2024 Hajj.
This was made known via a virtual meeting held between the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah held on Tuesday.
The meeting which officially marked the start of the 2024 Hajj was attended by the Chairman, House Committee on Hajj, Hon Jafar Mohammed, representatives of the Chairman, Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, as well as the Nigerian Consul-General in Saudi Arabia, Ambassador Bello Abdulkadir.
A statement on Wednesday by the commission’s Deputy Director Information & Publications, Mousa Ubandawaki, said the highpoints of the discussion was that Nigeria should finalize all arrangements and negotiation with service providers including the catering, accommodation and transportation within the next 120 days.
NAHCON is also expected to submit the lists of medical and other officials to the Kingdom very early as the Kingdom has plans to work with the two bodies very closely.
It will ensure that only air carriers with at least two Aircraft on its fleet and a back-up are appointed or allowed to participate in the 2024 Hajj operation.
Leading the the Saudi team, Dr Badr Mohammed Al- Somi urged the Commission to strive to meet up with the timeline in order to enable the ministry to make adequate plan and avoid the experience and incidents witnessed in this year’s Hajj.
“We want all Hajj Missions to be proactive in meeting our time frame, so that we won’t allow what happened previously and also to give the missions sufficient time to examine the services before Pilgrims’ arrival,” Al- Talaheen said.
He promised that the refund sought by the Commission was being worked on and that as soon as the result of its investigative Committee is released, it would be acted upon accordingly.
Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan, had earlier called on the Saudi authorities to expedite action on the refund of the feeding and tent services not provided in the Mashair.
He stressed the need for the Kingdom to disengage from the provision of feeding service in the Masha’ir and allow the country to take over Muna and Arafat to afford the pilgrims opportunities to enjoy delicacies they are used to at home.
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I’m alive, Obasanjo reacts to death rumour
I’m alive, Obasanjo reacts to death rumour
Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has said he is alive, hale and hearty.
He stated this in reaction to rumours of his death being reportedly spread on some social media platforms.
He spoke in Osogbo, Osun State, during the inauguration of the Old-Garage/Oke-Fia Road reconstructed by Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Obasanjo said those who wanted him dead were spreading the rumour of his death on the social media.
He said, “I heard the rumour that I was dead. I saw it on the social media. I quickly told my children and my relations that it was not true and that I’m alive.
“Those that want me dead, that is their wish, but God still keeps me alive.”
Obasanjo praised Adeleke for his performance in Osun and charged the governor to keep up the work.
Governor Adeleke assured the people of the state that his administration would complete all the ongoing projects.
“My dear people of Osun State, our administration has constructed over 120 kilometres of roads across the state.
“Two major flyovers are also progressing to completion at Osogbo while work is progressing at the Ile Ife Flyover and Ilesa dualisation.”
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Tinubu jets out to France on three-day visit
Tinubu jets out to France on three-day visit
President Bola Tinubu will travel to France today (Wednesday) for a three-day state visit at the instance of the French president.
A statement issued by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, confirmed this.
It said, “The Nigerian leader’s three-day visit, which will focus on strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations and establishing more opportunities for partnership, particularly in agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement and employment, innovation, and energy transition, promises significant benefits for Nigeria.”
Onanuga said Tinubu and Macron would harmonise positions on stimulating more interest in exchange programmes that focus on skill development for youths and improving their competencies in automation, entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.
“Both leaders will participate in political and diplomatic meetings highlighting shared values on finance, solid minerals, trade and investments, and communication,” he added.
“They will also witness a session by the France-Nigeria Business Council, which oversees private sector participation in economic development.”
The presidential adviser stated that the Nigerian first lady and her French counterpart would discuss solutions for empowering women, children, and the most vulnerable through the Renewed Hope initiative.
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Yahaya Bello reports to EFCC office with lawyers
Yahaya Bello reports to EFCC office with lawyers
A former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, on Tuesday visited the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to honour another invitation extended to him over alleged misappropriation of funds.
Bello went to the anti-graft office with his lawyers in the morning.
The ex-Kogi governor reportedly drove himself to the EFCC’s office in a black Toyota Hilux van with some lawyers.
He was said to have been taken by some operatives of the agency and are currently being grilled.
This is coming after the Supreme Court judgment which dismissed a suit brought by some state governments challenging the constitutionality of the agency.
The EFCC at the last hearing on November 14, sought the adjournment till November 27 in the fresh case it instituted against Bello.
It stated that the 30-day window was still running for the summons earlier issued.
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