Operators Excited As S/Arabia Reopens Hajj To Foreign Pilgrims – Newstrends
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Operators Excited As S/Arabia Reopens Hajj To Foreign Pilgrims

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Hajj and umrah operators have expressed relief over the announcement by Saudi Arabia lifting the suspension on Nigeria and 17 other countries. 

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, in a statement Monday, assured foreign pilgrims of participation in the 2022 hajj after a two-year suspension occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.

It said COVID-19 vaccination was the only basic requirement for pilgrims and that further information would be released in due course.

Some hajj and umrah operators, who spoke to Daily Trust, said the announcement signaled the commencement of their business.

Vice President, Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria, Alhaji Qasim Alabi, said: “We’ve long been waiting for the good news and it came at a time we thought the travel ban will remain in force in view of the fact Ramadan is drawing nearer.

 “The removal of the travel ban is therefore a welcome development and great relief for the hajj and Umrah travel industry in Nigeria.”

The Managing Director of B&C International Travel Agency Limited based in Maiduguri, Bachullu Goni Modu, said it was a great relief for the operators, but feared that passengers’ turnout might be low because of the difficult economic terrain. 

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 “The passengers will be very low because of the difficulty in the country today. People don’t have enough cash in their hands and that’s the only challenge we’ll have,” he said.

Abubakar Adeshola of Bridgestone Travel and Tours, said: “As usual, the expectation is actually high, but with the situation of the country, one is not actually optimistic.”

 An intending umrah pilgrim, Alhaji Abdulrasaq, said he had hoped to perform lesser hajj last month when Saudi banned direct flights from Nigeria, expressing delight over the reopening of the Kingdom to foreign pilgrims.   

Meanwhile, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria yesterday said guidelines for the 2022 hajj would be release after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.

NAHCON, in a statement yesterday by its spokesperson, Fatima Sanda Usara, said with the heightened hope that international hajj would be open in the 2022, it received the pleasant news of the uplifting of direct travel ban into Saudi Arabia effective from March 5.

“The only requirement for entry into the Kingdom is full vaccination with the accompanying registration on Tawakkalna and Eatmarna apps as gateway.” 

The commission urged intending pilgrims to desist from travelling with prohibited items such as “illicit drugs and kola nuts.

“They should recall that penalty for drug trafficking in Saudi Arabia is death. Besides, NAHCON is in full collaboration with NDLEA and other interrelated agencies in ensuring that such persons are apprehended before embarking on the trip.”

Daily Trust

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I’m alive, Obasanjo reacts to death rumour 

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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

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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

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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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