News

Reps Query NAHCON Over Discrepancy In Pilgrims Subsidy

Published

1 day ago

November 13, 2024

Gloria Ikibah

…as chairman NAHCON admit to irregularities within the agency

By Gloria Ikibah

The House of Representatives has expressed concerns about inconsistencies in subsidies for pilgrims by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.

This was the discovery by the Ad-hoc Committee investigating the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Board over the 2024 Hajj exercise on Tuesday, in Abuja.

The Committee Chairman, Rep. Sada Soli accused NAHCON of using these discrepancies to benefit certain interests.

The Commission’s Chairman, Abdullahi Saleh Usman, was absent and was represented by NAHCON’s Commissioner for Operations, to Prince Olarewaju Elegushi. However, Soli insisted that the Chairman appear in person, even directing Elegushi to call him during the hearing.

Soli questioned the unequal subsidy distribution, asking, “How come you are giving full subsidy, half subsidy, and some none, yet they are all Nigerians?” Elegushi explained that those excluded registered after the subsidy allocation had closed. Soli rejected the explanation, stating, “As long as they are Nigerians and pilgrims, they are to enjoy the same privilege.”

The Committee criticized NAHCON’s handling of funds and privileges, saying, “You are giving subsidies at will because you have the authority. Did the Federal Government direct you on how to use it? You are selective because it benefits you.”

Rep. Soli emphasized the need for discipline and fairness, particularly for average Nigerians who save for years to afford the pilgrimage.

The Committee also addressed issues such as discrepancies in travel allowances, exchange rates, and the preference for foreign airlines over local carriers. Soli assured that the investigation would be thorough and unbiased.

Committee member, Rep. Mohammed Umar Bio described the 2024 Hajj exercise as a failure despite substantial funding, including N90 billion from the Federal Government. “With all this funding, NAHCON’s performance was abysmal,” he stated.

When NAHCON Chairman Usman eventually joined the hearing, he admitted to irregularities within the agency. Soli bluntly told him, “Mr. Chairman, NAHCON is very dirty,” to which Usman responded, “Yes, I agree.”

In his opening remarks, Soli highlighted the Committee’s commitment to improving future Hajj operations.

He stated, “Our goal is to ensure every pilgrim’s journey is safe, organized, and spiritually fulfilling. Unfortunately, this year’s Hajj faced numerous challenges, from logistical issues to inadequate services. This investigation aims to identify the root causes and develop strategies to prevent a recurrence.”

He acknowledged the contributions of stakeholders, including NAHCON officials, travel agencies, airlines, and pilgrims, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in finding solutions. Soli assured transparency and fairness in the investigation, pledging to submit a detailed report to the House.

News

Just in: Wike sends FCDA Executive Director on indefinite suspension

Published

6 minutes ago

November 14, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike has suspended the Executive Secretary, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad indefinitely.

According to a statement on Thursday, by Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the suspension of Engr Hadi Ahmad is with immediate effect.

The suspended Executive Secretary has consequently been directed to hand over to the Director of Engineering Services, in the FCDA.

Meanwhile, Nyesom Wike has revealed that President Bola Tinubu ordered the construction of houses for judges in Abuja.

The former Rivers State governor said the project is part of the government’s plan to provide secure housing for judges and strengthen the judiciary’s independence.

Speaking during a media chat on Wednesday, the former Rivers Governor clarified that the housing project is not his personal initiative.

Wike explained that the housing scheme was included in the 2024 budget, approved by the National Assembly, and is not his personal decision.

He added that judges currently live in rented homes, which could make them vulnerable.

He compared this to similar projects he carried out as Rivers State governor and expressed surprise at the criticism, especially from legal professionals.

Wike insisted the project is lawful and should be welcomed as a step in the right direction.

News

Ondo Election: FRSC Deploys 1,500 Officers

Published

8 minutes ago

November 14, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

The Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, says it has deployed One Thousand five hundred officers and men as part of efforts to ensure smooth conduct of this Saturday’s governorship election in Ondo state

FRSC Corps Marshal, Mallam Shehu Mohammed, while speaking in Abuja, ordered the personnel to collaborate with other security agencies to enforce compliance on restrictions of vehicular movement.

Mallam Shehu stressed the need for the operatives to clear obstructions, carry out rescue operations in case of emergencies, and maintain orderliness in polling units.

According to the FRSC Boss, 25 patrol vehicles, 7 tow trucks, and 6 ambulances have been deployed to Ondo state to strengthen enforcement of restrictions during the entire process of the election

Mallam Shehu Mohammed, however, warned the personnel to be proactive, avoid any act that could lead to abuse of the rights of the electorates, and exhibit the highest sense of professionalism.

News

SAD! Popular gospel film producer Baba Gbenro passes on

Published

13 minutes ago

November 14, 2024

Kayode Sanni-Arewa

By Kayode Sanni-Arewa

Gospel film producer and actor, Moses Korede Are, popularly known as Baba Gbenro of Abattoir, is reportedly dead.

A report by Tribune Online said that Baba Gbenro’s demise was announced by a co-gospel actor and producer, Oluwaseun Adejumobi, on his verified Instagram page on Thursday.

Here are seven key things to know about Evangelist Dr. Korede Moses Are Calvary.

1. Birth
Korede Moses Are Calvary, popularly known as Baba Gbenro, was born on June 11th, 1959.

2. Early Life and Education
Evangelist Dr Korede Moses grew up in a village in Kano State, Nigeria, where he had parts of his early education. He also studied in Plateau State before moving to Southwestern Nigeria for his Higher School Certificate (HSC) and university education.

After his studies, he completed his NYSC program in Jigawa State, gaining more exposure to different cultures within Nigeria.

3. Drama Ministry

He was the founder and International President of Calvary Movies Drama Ministry, based in Ogbomoso, Nigeria.

Calvary Movies Drama Ministry International was founded on September 2, 1995, with a vision to use drama evangelism as a medium to preach the gospel and bring its messages to life for audiences.

3. Drama Ministry

He was the founder and International President of Calvary Movies Drama Ministry, based in Ogbomoso, Nigeria.

Calvary Movies Drama Ministry International was founded on September 2, 1995, with a vision to use drama evangelism as a medium to preach the gospel and bring its messages to life for audiences.

He also served as the CEO of Calvary Movies Television, an online streaming service focused on Christian drama and evangelism.

4. Drama and Film Evangelism

Evangelist Dr. Korede Are has collaborated with notable Christian movie actors, including Toluwalope Israel Adegbo and Evangelist Damilola Mike Bamiloye, and has featured in or produced several Christian films.

One of the movies that made him popular is the Mount Zion drama series, “Abattoir” where he got the stage name “Baba Gbenro”.

5. Multilingual Abilities

With his diverse background, he speaks English, Yoruba, and Hausa fluently, making him an effective communicator across various regions of Nigeria.

6. Family Life

He was married to Mrs Bamike Rebecca Are, and they were together in promoting Christian faith through their ministry work until his demise.