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2024 Hajj: First Nigerian pilgrims arrive in Madina
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
The first flight from Nigeria conveyed prospective pilgrims from Jega and Arewa Local Government Areas of Kebbi State and officials of the State Pilgrims Welfare Board.
A cross-section of the intending pilgrims interviewed expressed appreciation to the state governor, Dr Nasir Idris, as well as the Executive Chairman, Kebbi State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Faruku Aliyu-Enabo, for their efforts to ensure the successful take-off of the inaugural flight.
A board member of the state pilgrims board, Alhaji Hussaini Argungu, explained that the cabin crew of the Saudi Arabian plane had hosted the entire passengers well by supplying them with food alongside other necessary things to make them feel comfortable while on air.
While commending the Saudi Airliners for its commitment towards a hitch-free journey, Argungu also appreciated the authorities of Saudi Arabia for organising a befitting welcome for the first set of intending pilgrims from Nigeria.
The board member said the authorities arranged for VIP vehicles to convey them to various five-star hotels.
He encouraged Nigerian pilgrims to endeavour to observe five daily prayers at the Holy Prophet (SAW) mosque to earn more rewards from Allah (SWT), especially since their accommodation was very close to the Mosque.
“If you pray in the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) Mosque, you will earn a reward of 1,000 prayers in other Mosques around the world except Harami and Baitul Muqaddas mosques,” he noted.
On his part, a member of the 2024 Hajj Committee in Kebbi, Alhaji Isa Assalafi, attributed the successes recorded so far to the tireless efforts of the governor for giving approvals to all matters related to Hajj operations.
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Again, Senator Manu shares 10,000 bags of rice, 15,000 cartons of spaghetti, transport fares to constituents (Photos/Video)
Just like 2023 Yuletide, Senator Manu Haruna has this year , 2024 distributed 10,000 bags of rice, 15,000 cartons of spaghetti and transport fares to constituents going home to celebrate this festive season.
Manu who represents Taraba Central Senatorial District also just completed a two-day ICT program for students across three local governments in Taraba Central and distributed starter packs and laptops to over 500 students.
The tireless Senator has left no one in doubt in his constituency that he has good intentions and this is clearly demonstrated in the over 47 projects he has embarked upon within 18 months as a lawmaker.
Speaking after Senator Manu’s constituents were provided with transport fares, Media Director of his campaign organisation, Jovita Safe said:
“Senator Haruna is a man of honour who keeps to his promises and a politician with a difference.
“He has done this gesture to help cushion the effects of the economic crunch in the country.
“He is reliable and his constituents should not hesitate to give him the necessary support come 2027 to return to the National Assembly.
Beneficiaries who also spoke praised Senator Manu for rescuing them this difficult time of the festive season.
See video/Photos below:
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Tinubu confesses, says corruption can’t be eradicated in Nigeria
President Bola Tinubu has reaffirmed his stance on removing the fuel subsidy, describing it as a necessary step to secure Nigeria’s financial future. Speaking during his first live presidential media chat broadcast nationwide on Monday, Tinubu acknowledged the challenges of combating corruption but emphasized that systemic flaws must be addressed to reduce it.
Corruption: A Persistent Challenge
The president admitted that while corruption cannot be entirely eliminated, it can be minimized through strategic measures.
“Block all the loopholes, where anybody can just gain in the system. Part of the anti-corruption is the removal of subsidy too. It is very, very difficult to say you will eliminate it, but you can reduce it to the barest minimum,” Tinubu said.
He further stressed the need to meet citizens’ needs, support education, and improve living standards as part of his administration’s efforts to combat corruption.
Fuel Subsidy Removal: No Regrets
President Tinubu stood by his decision to remove the fuel subsidy, arguing that the policy was unsustainable and a drain on Nigeria’s resources.
“We are spending our future. We are spending our generation’s fortunes. We are not investing. We are just deceiving ourselves,” he said.
The president warned that maintaining the subsidy would lead to financial disaster, not just for the current generation but for future ones.
“I don’t have any regret in removing the fuel subsidy. We have no choice. Otherwise, we are headed for the slippery slope,” Tinubu concluded.
Stampede Tragedies: Organisers at Fault
During the chat, Tinubu also addressed the recent fatal stampedes in Ibadan, Anambra, and Abuja, which claimed over 60 lives during palliative distributions. He described the incidents as a “grave error” on the part of the organisers.
“I’ve been giving to the less privileged at Bourdillon for the past 25 years, and we’ve never experienced a stampede,” the president said.
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command confirmed that 10 individuals, including four children, died in a stampede during a food distribution event at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Maitama, Abuja, on Saturday. Similarly, in Ibadan, 32 children lost their lives in a similar incident, as reported by PUNCH Online.
Tinubu extended condolences to the families of the victims and advised against publicizing events when resources are insufficient to meet demand.
Conclusion
President Tinubu’s media chat highlighted the tough decisions his administration is making to address systemic challenges, including corruption and economic sustainability. While acknowledging the difficulties, he reaffirmed his commitment to reforms aimed at securing Nigeria’s future.
As the nation continues to adjust to these changes, Tinubu’s policies are likely to shape Nigeria’s path toward long-term stability.
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Retired AIG Bola Longe is dead
Retired Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG), Emmanuel Adebola Longe is dead. He died on Sunday.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ibadan branch, Ibrahim Lawal confirmed the news of his death in a telephone confirmation with Tribune Online on Monday.
He has earlier issued a statement to announce his death.
The statement read, “The death has been announced of Pastor Bola Longe AIG (Rtd), a partner at Afe Babalola & co which sad event happened yesterday.
“The Bar commiserate with the family and Emmanuel Chambers. May Almighty God repose his soul.”
Longe, who burst one of the largest syndicates of railway line vandals in North Central Nigeria in 2021, retired from the service of the Nigeria Police Force. after 33 years and eight months of meritorious service to his country.
Bola Longe retired from the rank of Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG in-charge of Federal Operations, (Fed.Ops) Force Headquarters, Abuja.
He was an alumnus of the University of Ibadan, UI), and the University of Lagos.
He was a renowned student activist, a master of political science, peace and conflict expert, a refined solicitor, investigator, mentor and pastor.
Longe was one of the finest personnel in the Nigeria Police Force who served and left unblemished.
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