News
Flynas Aircraft Arrives Nigeria for Hajj Airlift: NAHCON Chairman Ensures Smooth Operations
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By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Flynas, the Saudi Arabian airline, and one of the three carriers that were selected to conduct the 2024 Hajj airlift, was punctual at the Sir Ahmadu Bello International Airport (SABIA) in Birnin Kebbi at 10:39 PM, ready to transport pilgrims embarking on the sacred journey of Hajj to Saudi Arabia.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Chairman, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, was on ground to inspect the aircraft in the company of his three permanent Commissioners and Commissioner representing North West.
Also among the entourage are few members of the NAHCON management staff. The FlyNas team at the inspection was led by Malam Umar Kaila, FlyNas representative in Nigeria.
During his inspection of the aircraft, Chairman Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi advised the airport management to the provide additional boarding stairs for the aircraft’s back door to facilitate quicker boarding.
The Flynas aircraft, a modern vessel with436 seats, is scheduled to depart SABIA between 12 PM to 1 PM depending on when the ceremonial event marking the beginning of the airlift ends.
Vice President Sen. Kashim Shettima is expected to grace the inaugural fight ceremony as the Special Guest of Honor. Chairman Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi expressed his satisfaction with the preparations and commended the collaborative efforts of all involved parties.
Meanwhile, in a dinner party organized by the Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris in honor of the NAHCON Chairman, the Governor expressed appreciation that for the first time, Kebbi state is hosting an inaugural flight for Hajj. Both the host and Special Guest appreciated each other for the inaugural flight project. The Governor added that he will continue to support NAHCON and his pilgrims even in Saudi Arabia during the Hajj.
Earlier, the NAHCON Chairman inspected Abuja’s Bassa Jiwa Hajj Transit Camp the Hajj and the Birnin Kebbi tHajj camp to ascertain the arrangements already on ground for the airlift commencement. He was accompanied on both occasions by the respect Executive Secretaries of the State Pilgrims’ Boards; Malam Abubakar Adamu Evuti for FCT and Alhaji Faruku Aliyu Enabo. The Chairman commended them for jobs well done.
Three flights are scheduled to depart Nigeria for Saudi Arabia toady, Air Peace is scheduled to depart by 11: 30 am with 310 FCT pilgrims five officials while Max Air departs by 1: 10pm with 550 Nasarawa pilgrims and 10 officials. Both carriers will takeoff from Abuja international airport.
Fatima Sanda Usara,
Assistant Director,
Public Affairs,
NAHCON
News
Tinubu Fires Top Appointee Over Alleged N1.4 Billion Embezzlement
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President Bola Tinubu has sacked Sani Auwalu Balarabe from his position as HoD, Chief of the Intercountry Centre for Oral Health for Africa, ICOH, over an alleged embezzlement of N1.4 billion during his tenure.
As far as one could gather from the People’s Gazette, the appointment of Balarabe was terminated on the 18th of July, following a spate of petitions that related to financial misconduct and investigations. The president appointed one Taiwo Olaniyi to replace him.
In January, several petitions were sent to the House of Assembly, EFCC, Ministry of Health, and other government agencies to investigate activities of Balarabe at ICOH. The petitions leveled accusations against Balarabe, saying that he had not conducted any research despite the institute receiving huge budgetary allocations, which is its core mandate.
One of the petitions dated January 16 had this: “Despite all these budgetary allocations, the centre has not produced a single oral health research project, which is its core mandate and the reason for its establishment.
It further brought to the fore that projects initiated under Balarabe’s administration, such as the construction of a remodeled dental clinic and administration block and the procurement of project vehicles, costing over N700 million, were never completed.
The petitions also accused him of backdating the appointment letters for new staff and paying them arrears of their salary, with such money to be returned to a particular account. These funds are said to have been applied toward some expenses at ICOH.
The sacking of Balarabe clearly typified President Tinubu’s commitment to corruption fighting and making those in charge of public institutions accountable.
News
Finally, IGP approves hunger protests across Nigeria
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The Nigerian police has finally approved the planned nationwide protests and outlined conditions for participants.
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, revealed this on Friday while addressing journalists in Abuja.
He urged all groups planning to participate in the proposed nationwide protest to submit their details to the Commissioners of Police in their respective states.
The police boss said this was to ensure the protest was peaceful.
Egbetokun said, “We acknowledge the constitutional right of Nigerian citizens to peaceful assembly and protest.
“However, in the interest of public safety and order, we urge all groups planning to protest to provide necessary details to the Commissioner of Police in the state where the protest is intended to take place.
“To facilitate a successful and incident-free protest, they should please provide the following information: state the proposed protest routes and assembly points; expected duration of the protest; and names and contact details of protest leaders and organisers.”
The police boss said the information expected from the organisers also include measures to prevent hijacking by criminal elements, as well as key identifiers for possible isolation of potential troublemakers.
By providing the information, he said, the police will be able to deploy adequate personnel and resources to ensure public safety.
He said the police needed to know the specific routes and areas for the protest to avoid conflicts with other events or activities.
Mr Egbetokun said the police will “establish clear communication channels with protest leaders to address any concerns or issues that may arise; minimise the risk of violence, property damage, or other criminal activity.
“We encourage all protesters to cooperate with the police, obey the law, and adhere to global best practices for peaceful assembly to guarantee a safe and successful exercise of their rights.
News
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