By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Saudi Arabia has announced fresh changes to the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, including a new restriction barring children from participating.

The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah stated that the move aimed to protect children from potential dangers posed by heavy crowds during the pilgrimage.

The decision is part of broader efforts to ensure a safer and more seamless Hajj experience.

According to the ministry, the large crowds during Hajj pose serious risks to children, making this precautionary measure necessary.

Additionally, priority for the 2025 Hajj will be given to first-time pilgrims to allow more Muslims the opportunity to undertake this religious obligation at least once in their lives.

● Changes in visa regulations

Starting February 1, 2025, Saudi Arabia will issue only single-entry visas for pilgrims from 14 countries, including India, to prevent unauthorized Hajj participation.

Authorities noted that unauthorized pilgrimages had contributed to overcrowding at key sites, making crowd management and safety more challenging.

The updated visa policy aims to improve the overall Hajj experience by controlling the number of attendees.

Saudi authorities continue to refine Hajj regulations to make the pilgrimage safer and more organized.

Pilgrims are encouraged to register through official channels and follow the new guidelines to avoid complications.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia had also introduced significant changes to its visa policy, effective February 1, 2025, limiting travellers from 14 countries to single-entry visas.

This move aims to address concerns over unauthorized Hajj pilgrims entering the country on long-term visit visas.

● Affected Countries

The new regulations target travellers from the following nations: Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen. As part of the policy shift, the Saudi government has indefinitely suspended the one-year multiple-entry visas for tourism, business, and family visits from these countries.

●¡Hajj registration and new payment options

Saudi citizens and residents can register for the 2025 Hajj season via the Nusuk app or the official website. Applicants are required to verify their personal details and register their travel companions.

A new instalment-based payment plan has also been introduced for domestic pilgrims. Payments can be made in three stages: a 20% deposit within 72 hours of booking, followed by two 40% instalments due by Ramadan 20 and Shawwal 20. The ministry clarified that reservations will only be confirmed once the final payment is received.

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Police in Plateau State confirmed that a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Safwan Fade, has died after being attacked by a group of people.

According to report the ugly incident occurred in Pankshin Local Government Area when a group of men stormed a local stadium.

Fadec was serving with the Federal University of Education in Pankshin.

Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Adesina, said at the Command’s headquarters in Jos on Tuesday that two male suspects –Samuel Dang Kat and Zatshinen Wubwerwe – have been arrested in connection with the attack.

The commissioner said, “On 23/01/25 at about 07:00am, we received a report from one Umbule Boreng Reuben of Pankshin LGA, who reported that on 22/01/25 at about 06:00pm, one Safwan Adamu Fade, an NYSC corps member serving at FCE Pankshin was reportedly beaten and severely injured by unknown hoodlums at the Pankshin township stadium.

“Upon receipt of the report, I immediately directed the DPO of Pankshin division to lead a team of policemen to the scene where the victim was quickly rushed to the hospital for medical attention.

“The victim was treated and declared stable by the Medical Doctor on duty. The victim was later transferred to Jos University Teaching Hospital (JUTH) as a result of some complications. The victim eventually died in the process.

“In the course of our investigation, two suspects, one Samuel Dang Kat and Zatshinen Wubwerwe, both male, have been identified and arrested in connection with the case. Efforts are being intensified with a view to apprehend the fleeing suspects and charge them to Court.”

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Popular musician, Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, is back in the news after hinting at a romantic relationship with Edo State lawmaker Natasha Osawaru.

This is coming barely weeks after separation from his wife Annie Idibia, with 2Baba stating his intention to take things further with Osawaru.

A surprise appearance at the Edo State House of Assembly during plenary on Monday intensified speculation, especially after a video of them at a Lagos nightclub also surfaced.

Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, in a video post captioned “To Whom It May kwansighn. #I don yarn my truth. Feel free to continue alleging. We shall all be alright,” 2Baba addressed the swirling rumours, denying that Osawaru played any role in his split with Annie.

He said, “Allegedly, I have been seeing so many things, so many people coming up with their own false narratives and malicious nonsense after I posted that stuff that I posted. Yes, I posted what I posted.

“Hon. Natasha has been dragged, she has been called all sorts of names, she has been labelled as a home breaker.

“She is a young brilliant amazing woman and she had nothing to do with what is happening between me and Annie in our marriage.”

He continued, “Yes I love her, she is amazing, she is cool, I want to marry her.”

Natasha’s name quickly became the top-trending topic on X by Wednesday morning as social media exploded with reactions.

Things to Know About Natasha Osawaru

Natasha Irobosa Osawaru, often called “Honourable Natasha,” is a politician and a member of the Edo State House of Assembly representing the Egor Constituency under the Peoples Democratic Party.

She was elected in April 2023 and is from the Egor Local Government Area of Edo State.

She was born on November 14, 1994.

According to her LinkedIn page, she holds a law degree from Igbinedion University and a Master’s degree in Fashion/Apparel Design from the Parsons School of Design, New York.

Currently serving as the Deputy Majority Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly, Natasha has been an advocate for youth and women’s development.

In 2024, Osawaru made headlines after being asked to leave the Assembly floor over improper dressing and wearing dark sunglasses, as reported by The Nigerian Lawyer.

While Annie Idibia has not publicly confirmed the separation, many social media users and celebrities have criticised 2Baba’s declaration about Osawaru.