News
Edo Pilgrim Board To Airlift 412, 250 Persons Make Deposit
The Chairman, Edo State Pilgrim Welfare Board, Sheik Ibrahim Oyarekhua, has disclosed the 250 intending pilgrims have so far made deposits out of the 412 slots approved for the state by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
Sheik Oyarekhua disclosed this in Benin on Saturday during a meeting with intending pilgrims and other Hajj stakeholders in the state on the 2024 Hajj operation.
According to him, “NAHCON allocates 412 slots to Edo state and about 250 intending pilgrims had made a deposit for the initial N4.5 million.
“But, as at Wednesday when we reconcile our books after the fare announcement, out of the 250 intending pilgrims, 123 have made full payment.”
Sheik Oyarekhua explained that the meeting with intending pilgrims and resource persons was to formally announce to them the final Haj fare for Edo pilgrims which is N4,899,000 million as announced by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON.”
He added that the meeting was also to let intending pilgrims know that the Hajj exercise regarding fare payment closed by February 12 while all remittance to the Saudi Arabia Ministry of Hajj operation must be done on or before February 26.
He noted it was as a result of the development that NAHCON fix the payment deadline for February 12 to enable them remit the money to Saudi authority.
“So anybody who is desirous of performing Hajj this year must pay his or her remaining balance on or before February 12,” he said.
READ ALSO: Estimated Bills: NERC Fines BEDC, Others, Deducts N10.5bn From Discos Revenue
He explained that going by the rate people are coming forward for to make payment, he is optimistic that the state will exhaust the 412 slots, adding that given to it by NAHCON as those who have been waiting for the fare announcement are coming to make payment
He however expressed appreciation to governor Obaseki for the ongoing renovation of the Hajj camp and called on the contractor to expedite action on work and complete by middle of April before intending pilgrims to come to the camp
While calling on stakeholders to take the message down to the people, he charged the intending pilgrims to work with the board for a seamless exercise by paying the full amount and furnishing them with necessary documents for the Hajj.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Suspected gunmen abducted a landlord and his daughter in the Ijede area of Ikorodu in Lagos.
In a statement on Sunday, Benjamin Hundeyin, the Lagos police spokesperson, said the kidnappers abducted the victims on Wednesday.
Hundeyin added that on Saturday, the command rescued the kidnapped victims unhurt and handed them over to their family members.
According to the police spokesperson, the command has launched a manhunt for the perpetrators.
“The police received information that some kidnappers invaded Ijede community and kidnapped two persons,” the statement reads.
“Upon receipt of the report, police operatives were mobilised to the scene where it was observed that the kidnappers forcefully gained entrance into the house of a 40-year-old man, killed the security dog and kidnapped him.
“The kidnappers equally forced their way into the nearby house and kidnapped the landlord’s 25-year-old daughter.
“With the collaborative efforts of both the police joint task force and other stakeholders, the kidnapped victims were rescued unhurt and handed over to their family members.
“The area is relatively calm and being closely monitored, and efforts are ongoing to apprehend the wanted suspects.”
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
President Bola Tinubu has approved the extension of the tenure of the Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service, Kemi Nandap, until December 31, 2026.
Nandap, who joined the NIS on October 9, 1989, was appointed as Comptroller-General on March 1, 2024, with an initial tenure set to end on August 31, 2025.
A statement by the president’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, on Monday, said Tinubu commended Nandap for her leadership, noting improvements in border management, immigration modernisation, and national security under her watch.
“Under her leadership, the Nigeria Immigration Service has witnessed significant advancements in its core mandate, with notable improvements in border management, modernisation of immigration processes and national security measures.
“President Tinubu commended the Comptroller-General for her exemplary leadership and urged her to continue dedicating herself to the Service’s strategic priorities, which align with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” the statement read.
He also reaffirmed his commitment to supporting the NIS in safeguarding Nigeria’s borders and ensuring safe and legal migration.
Tragedy strikes the entertainment world as American actor and singer, Richard Chamberlain, passes away, leaving an Irreparable void.
According to reports, the renowned actor passed away prior to his 91st birthday, following complications from a stroke.
His passing has sparked an outpouring of condolences from fans and industry colleagues alike, as they mourn the loss of a beloved talent and celebrate his enduring legacy.
Moreover, tributes have flooded social media, with many remembering Chamberlain’s iconic roles in ‘Dr. Kildare,’ ‘Shōgun,’ and ‘The Thorn Birds.
His contributions to the entertainment industry and his lasting impact on audiences worldwide are being widely acknowledged.
-
News8 hours agoWike’s Aide reacts as photo appears online, points accusation finger at paid failed actress
-
News14 hours agoUpdated: WATCH moment Gov Diri’s Tech Adviser Kerry admits blowing up pipelines (Video)
-
News4 hours agoFormer HoR member, TeeJay Yusuf calls on IGP, Kogi govt, other agencies to curb rising insecurity in Okun-Yoruba
-
News23 hours agoWATCH Gov Diri’s Tech Adviser, Kerry admits blowing up pipelines
-
News6 hours agoEdo Killings: Kano Govt Sends Fact-Finding Delegation, Demands Justice
-
News6 hours agoJust in: Popular Osun Monarch Joins Ancestors
-
News10 hours agoN24bn monthly salaries drive Oyo’s economic stability – Makinde assures
-
News3 hours agoMali, Niger, Burkina Faso Impose 0.5% Levy On Goods From ECOWAS Nations