News
Governor calls for probe of NAHCON over N90 billion Federal Govt Hajj subsidy
The Niger State Governor Umaru Bago., has yesterday called for a review of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).
He specifically urged an investigation into the N90 billion subsidy provided by the Federal government for Hajj operations.
Governor Bago pledged to lead a committee of governors to engage relevant authorities in pushing for reforms within the commission.
In a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, in Minna, Governor Bago made these remarks during discussions with reporters in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, where he evaluated this year’s Hajj operations. He expressed concerns that NAHCON had shifted its focus from regulatory duties to directly managing Hajj activities.
Highlighting the challenges faced by pilgrims, Governor Bago criticised the 2024 Hajj exercise as unsuccessful. He suggested that privatizing Hajj operations could lead to more effective and efficient service delivery.
The statement partly reads: “Let the private sector drive Hajj operations, NAHCON should be a regulator at the centre.
“I am leading a committee of governors to the Nigeria Governor’s Forum (NGF), from there we go to the NEC (National Economic Council).
“I will propose this motion and we will send a Bill to the National Assembly where this issue of NAHCON would be reviewed.
“NAHCON is not helping matters, our Federal Government is too big to be worried about Hajj operations, these are supposed to be local government issues and not even states.”
The governor advocated for state governments to independently manage pilgrimages and involve private agents, akin to practices in other countries. He urged an investigation into the N90 billion subsidy provided by the Federal government for Hajj operations.
Expressing dismay, he highlighted that despite the subsidy, states like Niger still incurred significant costs for pilgrimages. He alleged that pilgrims, who paid N8 million each, received only $400 to cover expenses over approximately 40 days.
According to the governor, redirecting the N90 billion subsidy through the states could have yielded greater benefits.
News
Tight security in Benin as Edo governorship election draws near
By Ojomah Austin.
A large number of officers from the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have been mobilized across the city, causing traffic congestion in several areas.
Security personnel were spotted at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Benin, securing strategic locations, with some awaiting further deployment to other parts of the state.
This follows the recent deployment of 35,000 police officers to maintain law and order during the elections, With less than 48 hours to the Edo State governorship election.
The NSCDC also deployed 6,433 officers, while the Defence Headquarters has stationed soldiers to ensure a safe environment for voters.
In addition, authorities have implemented a “show of force” with security agents patrolling key areas.
In anticipation of the election, the Edo State Government declared Friday a work-free day to allow voters to travel to their polling units.
Meanwhile, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) held a prayer session in Benin, calling for peace and the election of a credible leader who will govern with integrity.
INEC has also commenced the distribution of sensitive electoral materials to all 18 local government areas, ensuring readiness for Saturday’s vote.
News
New video of Zinoleesky gets tongues wagging
……“E remain small make breeze blow am away”
By Ojomah Austin.
Nigerian singer, Zinoleesky stirs a buzz online due to a recent video of him circulating on social media.
In the video, Zinoleesky dons a white shirt alongside black trousers as he brags about being worthy to be used as a Valentine’s gift.
Reacting to the video, netizens commented on his skinny appearance.
Famous musician, Oniyide Azeez, better known as Zinoleesky trends online due to a new clip serving the rounds on social media.
In the video, the ‘Element’ hitmaker is spotted wearing a white shirt and a stylish black trouser. While being filmed, Zinoleesky bragged mightily about his looks.
He reiterated that he could be used as a Valentine’s gift to any girl.
The video generated a buzz online with a large number of netizens commenting on his thin body shape. Some swiftly leveraged it to make fun of the artiste.
One @janicekate_x wrote: “E remain small make breeze blow am away 😂.”
soromotoochukwu wrote: “I like how music can take you to another place. For example, this restaurant is playing Zinoleesky so now I’m going to a different restaurant.”
dave.dexter27 wrote: “Make breeze sha no blow as we wan deliver the valentine gift😂😂😂.”
oluwatamilore_xx wrote: “Bro,drank all the whole slimming tea and nothing is left to slim down.”
isco_west_whil wrote: “Chaii dem don set this Guy up for dragging again😂😂.”
scheargoon wrote: “Try put stone for your pocket guy”
bouncequotes wrote: “My boy 😂😂😂😂 slim daddy for dem girls.”
just_eniola_olayemisi wrote: “No be your fault zino, u no just get choice that to continue to dey craze 🥺 I feel for u my bro.”
zaza_mula112 wrote: “Zino Dey enjoy, while seyi vibe Dey cry under record label 😂😂.”
jamesmike7837 wrote: “See person be like broom stick😂.”
sheis_shuga wrote: “Who Dey decive you werey 😢😢see as u slim like who get HIV 😢😔🙄🥺Dooh.”
News
AU Agenda 2063: Nigeria Recommends Key Implementation Strategies, Capacity Building
-
News19 hours ago
Hours to Edo guber polls, major opposition candidate crumbles structure for Ighodalo
-
News24 hours ago
FRSC expresses worry over fatal crashes
-
News19 hours ago
SAD! Woman reportedly d!3s in Osun building c0llapse
-
Politics13 hours ago
Fintiri pledges support for PDP chair Damagum amid party division
-
News19 hours ago
Yahaya Bello: CNPP Hammers EFCC Over Poor Handling of His Alleged Money Laundering Case
-
News7 hours ago
Few Hours To Edo Election, Governorship Candidate Withdraws
-
News13 hours ago
Council autonomy: Constitution for rework, says Akpabio
-
Metro13 hours ago
Police confirm alleged ritual, kidnap incident at Top View hotel Abuja