SAD! 19 Hajj pilgrims die in Saudi Arabia, 17 missing – Report

Published

9 months ago

June 17, 2024

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

No fewer than 19 Jordanian and Iranian pilgrims have died while on the hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia, authorities from their countries said on Sunday, as temperatures soar in the kingdom.

“Fourteen Jordanian pilgrims died and 17 others were missing” during the performance of hajj rituals, Jordan’s foreign ministry said in a statement.

AFP reports that the ministry later confirmed that the 14 died “after suffering sunstroke due to the extreme heat wave.”

Iranian Red Crescent Chief, Pirhossein Koolivand, separately said “Five Iranian pilgrims have lost their lives so far in Mecca and Medina during the hajj this year,” without saying how they died.

The hajj, one of the world’s biggest religious gatherings, is one of the five pillars of Islam and all Muslims with the means must perform it at least once.

Temperatures have pushed well past 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) during the annual pilgrimage that around 1.8 million Muslims are taking part in this year.

Many of the rituals are performed outdoors and on foot, creating challenges, especially among the elderly.

However, the kingdom has implemented heat mitigation measures, including climate-controlled areas. It distributes water and offers advice to pilgrims on protecting themselves from the sun.

Two pilgrims from Kwara State, Salman Alade and Ayishat Ologele, reportedly died while on pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

The PUNCH reports that the pilgrims were among the thousands of Nigerians who travelled to the holy land to perform the Hajj pilgrimage

Their deaths followed that of two other pilgrims – Saliu Mohammed and Hawawu Mohammed – whose cases were reported in Madinah.

The report took the death toll among the Kwara pilgrims to four.

During last year’s hajj, at least 240 people – many from Indonesia – died, according to figures announced by various countries which also did not specify causes of death.

According to AFP, more than 10,000 heat-related illnesses were recorded last year, 10 per cent of them heat stroke.

A Saudi study said regional temperatures were rising 0.4 C each decade, and worsening heat may be outpacing mitigation measures.

Akpabio’s gate: Senator Natasha resubmits petition against Akpabio

Published

10 minutes ago

March 6, 2025

Naijablitznews

Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has resubmitted her petition alleging sexual harassment against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, this time signed by her constituents.

During the plenary, Senator Natasha was asked whether the matter was already before any court of law, to which she insisted it was not.

Following protocol, she was directed to formally submit the petition, after which it was referred to the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct for investigation.

The Ethics committee chaired by Senator Neda Imasuen has been given four weeks to conduct its probe and report back to the Senate.

This marks the second time the Kogi Central lawmaker has raised the allegations in the chamber following a previous petition that was dismissed on Wednesday, owing to procedural irregularities.

Reps Set Up Special Committee to Investigate Use of Take-off Grants, Bailout Funds, Interventions

Published

40 minutes ago

March 6, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has resolved to set up a Special Committee to conduct an immediate investigation into the utilization of Take-off Grants, Bailout Funds, and interventions allocated to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Government Institutions, and GOEs from 2015 to present.

The committee is expected to assess compliance with existing regulations and guidelines regarding the management and reporting of these funds, including any instances of diversion or misappropriation.

In addition the committee is to make recommendations for the enhancement of regulatory frameworks, sanctions, monitoring systems, and accountability measures to ensure the effective and intended use of public funds in all relevant sectors.

These resolutions was sequel to the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance on the “URGENT NEED TO INVESTIGATE UTILIZATION OF TAKE-OFF GRANTS, BAILOUT FUNDS, AND INTERVENTIONS ALLOCATED TO MINISTRIES, DEPARTMENTS, AGENCIES (MDA’s) INSTITUTIONS, AND GOVERNMENT-OWNED ENTERPRISES (GOE’s) FROM 2015 TO PRESENT”, by the Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda on Thursday at plenary.

Debating the motion, Rep. Chinda noted that the provisions of Section 88 (2) (b) of the Constitution of federal Republic of Nigeria that empowers the House to expose corruption, inefficiency or wastage in the management of public funds appropriated by National Assembly.

The Minority Leader emphasised that the prudent use of public funds is crucial for ensuring accountability, transparency, and public trust in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), as well as Government-Owned Enterprises (GOEs).

He acknowledged that over the years, the government has provided Take-off Grants and Intervention Funds to both new and existing agencies to support their operations, alongside Bailout Funds aimed at facilitating specific services and clearing outstanding liabilities.

However, he expressed concern over recurring allegations of fund diversion and mismanagement, warning that the failure to use these funds as intended undermines critical public services and projects.

Rep. Chinda further noted that the financial losses resulting from such mismanagement pose a serious drain on public resources—funds that could otherwise be directed toward essential services and national development, in line with Section 14(2)(b) of the Constitution.

The motion reads in part: “Also Concerned that the misuse of Take-off Grants, Bailout Funds, and other interventions has severely compromised national development goals, hindering progress towards critical social and economic objectives.

“Aware that the misappropriation of these funds has led to a demonstrable deterioration in the quality of public services delivery and compromise the security of the nation thereby undermining public trust in government effectiveness.

“Also, aware that the lack of stringent oversight and monitoring mechanisms may contribute to the inefficiency in the deployment of these resources, resulting in wasted funds that could otherwise be utilized to improve the good intended government policies and as well protect lives of citizens”.

Chinda therefore said there was the need for a thorough investigation by the National Assembly, as required by Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), to examine the scope, usage, and accountability of these financial allocations. This he said will ensure proper oversight, prevent misuse of public funds, and promote national development.

The House asopted the motio and resolves to set up a Special Committee to investigate the matter and report back to within four weeks for further legislative action.

News

Good news as FEC approves ₦10.3bn For HIV Drugs, Diabetes Kits, Others

Published

1 hour ago

March 6, 2025

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has endorsed about N10.3 billion for the procurement of antiretroviral drugs for HIV treatment, diabetes diagnostic kits, and other essential health commodities.

Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr Ali Pate, who briefed State House correspondents on the approvals, noted that the move is aimed at enhancing the accessibility and affordability of health commodities, and health services, by Nigerians.

“A few weeks ago, we approved the first-line antiretroviral drugs, and now we are putting forth resources, almost N997 million worth of contract, to procure the third-line antiretroviral drugs for those who are HIV-infected.

“I believe you will understand the importance of this, given the changes in global health financing and the shift towards domestic financing to ensure Nigerians continue receiving the treatment they require,” he said.

According to Pate, the second category of the approved contracts includes the procurement of locally manufactured diagnostic kits for diabetes.

“Diabetes is a major issue in our country. It’s among the fastest-growing segments. We have lots of our population suffering from diabetes, and some are not even aware they have it,” he stated.

He further stated that a private company based in Lagos has been commissioned to manufacture diagnostic test kits.

“So, government is procuring the diagnostic kits, the on-point blood glucose monitoring system that is manufactured here in Nigeria. This is bringing to life the effort to unlock the healthcare value chain by encouraging local manufacturers,” Pate said.

Monitoring devices will also be distributed across primary healthcare centres, and health workers will be trained to assist patients in tracking their blood sugar levels.

Pate noted that the president had previously emphasised the need for a medical relief program to reduce the cost of medical commodities.

In line with this directive, he said N4.5 billion would be allocated for the procurement of antibiotics, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic medications—beyond the test kits—to help lower costs.

He also highlighted that the test kits were manufactured in Nigeria as part of efforts to support local production.

Additionally, the minister disclosed that N2.1 billion had been approved for the procurement of a mobile X-ray machine and the rehabilitation and equipping of a 64-slice CT scan at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital in Bauchi.

He explained that the upgraded facility would enhance diagnostic and clinical care services, making the hospital a referral centre not only for Bauchi State but also for the broader region.