News
2024 Hajj: Dreams fulfilled as pilgrims complete rites, return to Makkah
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
In high spirits of fulfilment, over 1.8 million pilgrims on Tuesday departed the tent city of Muna back to their comfort zones in Makkah after completing hajj rites at the sacred sites.
The pilgrims had embarked on a rigorous but spiritually rewarding exercise across the various sites and were expected to round up with the symbolic pelting of the devil at Jamurah.
Over 65,000 Nigerians joined other participating pilgrims drawn from across the world for the 2024 pilgrimage that lasted five days.
Amid tense temperatures, the largest Muslim congregation in the world converged on Arafah, Musdalifah, Jamurah, and Muna, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to carry out the 5th pillar of Islam.
According to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, a total of 1,833,164 pilgrims from across the world participated in the 2024 pilgrimage at the end of the exercise.
Specifically, the data indicated 4,714; 60,251; and 1,546 pilgrims were received into the Kingdom through sea, land, and air ports respectively to perform this year’s Hajj. The data further shows 22.3 percent of this year’s pilgrims came from Arab countries, while 11.3 percent represented African countries.
Similarly, Asian countries excluding Arab countries represented 63.3 percent, while European countries, North and South America, and Australia represented 3.22 percent in this year’s pilgrimage.
No fewer than 19 pilgrims died and several others were reported missing due to the extreme temperatures experienced during the exercise at the sacred city of Muna.
Besides, the Saudi Arabian authorities had declared a 5-hour movement restriction at Muna, to reduce the impact of the devastating weather conditions that escalated above 46 degrees Celsius on Monday.
Alh. Tukur Audu, a pilgrim from Adamawa State, expressed satisfaction for successfully completing all the routines in the last five days. The elderly pilgrim said it was a self-fulfilling moment to endure the physically engaging rites at his age.
Alhaja Hauwa Abubakar was equally full of gratitude for the strength and spiritual enablement to execute the five days’ engagement. She was particularly delighted with the support received from officials and the provision of feeding and transportation services.
In the same vein, Hon. Saliu Adams, who came on hajj with five members of his family from Kogi state, could not hide his pleasant feelings for the privilege to conduct hajj rites.
Meanwhile, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) attributed the successful completion of the rites at the sacred sites to teamwork, dedication, and a renewed strategy for better results.
The Chairman, Mallam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, who earlier spoke during an inspection of some states’ tents at Muna, said despite little glitches experienced by a few states, the success recorded this year will serve as a guide in subsequent exercises.
Mal. Arabi disclosed that the commission was not unmindful of the inconveniences that arose as a result of some of their actions and policies intended for better services.
He, however, pleaded for forgiveness and promised to operate an open-door policy for criticism from external bodies and stakeholders to enable the commission to build a viable hajj ecosystem.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Less than twenty-four hours to the start of voting in Saturday’s governorship poll in Edo State, a rash of fake news has broken out.
Leading parties in the election have had their fair shares of fake news either indicating the withdrawal of their candidates or disqualification by a Magistrate Court or Supreme Court.
For instance, Olumide Akpata of LP was said to have withdrawn from the race and thrown his support for Asue Ighodalo in a statement that read smoothly and appeared convincing.
THE CONCLAVE sent the statement to Akpata via WhatsApp for confirmed.
He responded by sending the same statement with FAKE NEWS boldly stamped on it.
He said he was set for victory at the poll.
There was also a news flash about the Supreme Court disqualifying Asue Ighodalo of the Peoples Democratic Party, with a sign off: More details coming….
A Magistrate Court in Abuja was also reported to have disqualified Monday Okpebholo of the APC from the poll on account of age falsification.
The APC campaign organisation had swiftly put a lie to the report by deploying the court papers in the circumstance.
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Barely 24hours to governorship election in Edo State, no fewer than two governors elected on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday arrived Benin City.
The governors, Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa and Kefas Agbu of Taraba, arrived the state to mobilise support for the party’s candidate, Asue Ighodalo.
Fintiri made this known in a post on his social media page on Friday evening.
He said : “Just touched down in Edo State alongside my brother, Gov. Agbu Kefas, ahead of the September 21st gubernatorial election. We stand united in support of our Official PDP Nigeria candidate, Asue ighodalo, for a brighter future.”
Edo governor, Godwin Obaseki, who is the PDP leader in the state, had earlier cried out over alleged plot by the All Progressives Congress to rig the election.
As at the time of filling this report, it was unclear if other PDP governors would also hit the state for the election
……. As Speed Darlington queries Afrobeats singer, Burna Boy over his Grammy win.
By Ojomah Austin.
Controversial Nigerian rapper, Speed Darlington has sparked controversy with his claims that Burna Boy’s Grammy Award win can be attributed to the influential role of American rapper and entrepreneur, P. Diddy.
Amid allegations against US rapper, P.Diddy, resulting in his arrest, Speed Darlington suggested that Burna Boy had an intimate relationship with Diddy which paved the way for him to win the Grammy.
Speed Darlington’s bold and contentious assertion comes amidst recent allegations surrounding Diddy, who was reportedly arrested by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) on charges of human trafficking and racketeering conspiracy.
In a provocative Instagram video, Speed Darlington credited Diddy for Burna Boy’s rapid ascent to international fame and Grammy success, highlighting the American rapper’s significant impact on Burna Boy’s music career.
Speed Darlington openly challenged Burna Boy to disclose the nature of his relationship with Diddy. Suggesting an amorous relationship between the duo, he blatantly asked Burna Boy to reveal how many bottles of oil Diddy used on his buttocks before he was able to win a Grammy.
In his words:
“It wasn’t long after Burna Boy posted a photo of him and Diddy that he won a Grammy Award. Burna Boy, don’t be offended, but how many oils did Diddy use on your nyash before they gave you the Grammy Award?”.
In response to Speed Darlington’s video, One @oluchukwu_____ wrote: “Akpis confidence need to be studied 😂😂.”
vibe_with_fiona wrote: “When burna comes for him,make una no say burna too do o?”
godson_allsom wrote: “If there is Grammy for comedians 😂 akpi for done win like 10.”
official_kahlan wrote: “Presido I don tire to defend you 😂 ga zu ike 🙄.”
asikosharon50 wrote: “Very anyhow talk, Burnaboy won Grammy for his hard work and talent . If na Diddy dey share Grammy why him own Artist for him label nor dey win the Grammy? Na him be say Tems dey and wizkid sef they nick people dem work with naa, useless talk …”
jaytee_yna wrote: “I’m a big fan of Akpi but this is so irrelevant and irresponsible. Burna’s hardwork & God’s grace gave him the Grammy. Okbye!”
lorah_irez wrote: “If person never bèat akpi he no go rest, wetin be this na 😂😂😂.”
Edo guber: LP’s Akpata remains a front runner, set to capture Edo
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Speed Darlington taunt Burna Boy about his grammy award (+Video)
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