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Youth and Women’s Coalition Commends President Tinubu’s Appointment of Dr. Maryam Shatty as Minister”
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NAHCON Chairman Seeks Removal of 2% Charge on Pilgrims’ Funds by CBN
By Nura Ahmed Dakata
The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has appealed to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to waive the 2% charge imposed on pilgrims’ funds, emphasizing that its removal would significantly reduce Hajj fares for Nigerian pilgrims.
Speaking in an interview with Hajj Chronicles in Abuja, Professor Saleh reiterated his commitment to ensuring that the Commission fulfills its mandate of enhancing the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims. He stated that one of his major priorities since assuming office was to reduce the cost of Hajj, making it more affordable for Muslims across the country.
“I am confident that lowering Hajj fares will bring relief to our pilgrims, leaders, and the entire Muslim Ummah,” he said.
To achieve this goal, Professor Saleh explained that he had engaged key Hajj service providers, including airliners, Masha’ir service providers, accommodation providers, and transportation companies, in collaboration with the Forum of State Pilgrims Welfare Agencies.
He highlighted that these negotiations had already yielded significant reductions in various service costs:
Masha’ir Services: Last year, pilgrims were charged 4,770 Saudi Riyals, but following discussions, NAHCON secured a reduction of over 700 Saudi Riyals per pilgrim.
Accommodation in Madinah: The cost per bed space was 5,000 Riyals last year, but a reduction of 200 Riyals per pilgrim has been achieved.
Transportation: Last year’s transportation cost stood at 1,300 Riyals per pilgrim, but this year, NAHCON successfully negotiated a 130 Riyal reduction per pilgrim.
Airfare: Given Nigeria’s geographical diversity, airfare costs vary across regions. However, under Professor Saleh’s leadership, NAHCON was able to secure a $399 reduction per pilgrim.
“These reductions have significantly impacted the overall Hajj fare, and we are still expecting further adjustments,” he added.
While noting that NAHCON is not requesting government subsidies, Professor Saleh appealed to authorities to consider selling dollars to the Commission at the official government exchange rate. He stated that this measure, if approved, would further lower Hajj fares.
“We have estimated the dollar exchange rate at ₦1,550, ₦1,600, and ₦1,650, but given the fluctuations, we settled on a moderate rate. If we secure a reduction in forex rates, we will refund any savings to the pilgrims,” he assured.
Professor Saleh also called on State Governors to support their respective State Pilgrims Welfare Agencies by providing loans that would enable them to settle payments with NAHCON before the final payment deadline set by Saudi authoritie
On the deadline for Hajj fare payments, the NAHCON Chairman clarified that the Commission has no control over the deadline but can only appeal to the Saudi Ministry of Hajj for an extension if necessary. He urged intending pilgrims to complete their payments promptly to avoid any last-minute issues.
Professor Saleh also called on State Pilgrims Welfare Agencies and stakeholders to intensify public enlightenment campaigns, ensuring that intending pilgrims understand the importance of timely payment and proper preparation for a successful Hajj pilgrimage.
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Ohanaeze Ndigbo Slams Amaechi’s Call for Power Snatch: “A Threat to Democracy
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo has condemned the call for the use of force to snatch power from President Bola Tinubu by the former minister of transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.
A statement by the president General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Okechukwu Isiguzoro said the Igbo socio-political group is solidly behind the administration of Tinubu and its policies.
Isiguzoro describe Amaechi’s comment asking Nigerians fo snatch power from the president as a threat to democracy.
He said Amarchi’s remark is capable of disrupting the peace and civility enjoyed across Nigeria.
“Amaechi’s equally disconcerting assertion that politicians must be willing to ‘steal, maim, and kill’ to retain power not only diminishes the dignity of our political discourse but also poses a dire threat to the very fabric of our society.
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the reckless and incendiary comments made by Chibuike Amaechi against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
“It is essential to declare firmly that the Ndigbo will never endorse any political conspiracy aimed at undermining the legitimacy of an elected President,” Isiguzoro said.
Further stating the President Tinubu has the total backing of Ndigbo, Isiguzoro called on Amaechi to immediately retract his “divisive comments” against Nigeria’s number one man.
“Our resolve is steadfast, as we remain committed to fostering peace, stability, and fruitful governance in Nigeria.
“Let it be said that the aspirations of the Igbo people align with a future predicated upon legitimate leadership, respect for democratic processes, and a shared vision for a prosperous Nigeria,” Isiguzoro concluded.
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Ex-Rep Kawu distributes N100m worth cars, plots, N10m cash grants, 33 motorbikes
In an effort to cushion the effect of the plaguing economic hardship facing the nation, former member of the House of Representatives, from Tarauni, Kano, Hafizu Kawu, has distributed varieties of cars to party leaders and followers.
He also gave out cash grants to twenty people as the sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,000) was given to each. While 33 people went home with brand new motorbikes.
Kawu said he decided to do this at this critical period of global economic transition, when every country in the world is being faced with peculiar economic challenges. Since the exit of COVID-19 pandemic era.
“In our own situation we need to compliment the effort of our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is evolving ways and manners to cushion the effect of post COVID-19 era,” he said.
Leaders and elders of All Progressives Congress (APC), from Tarauni local government benefited from the gesture delivered by Kawu, as many of them were seen exchanging pleasantries assuring that they would do their best to see that Kawu get elected come 2027.
While describing the gestures as dividends of democracy, Kawu assured that he would continue doing that, to assist improve entrepreneurship development in his constituency.
Party leaders were sighted lamenting that, it was just fate that worked against Kawu in 2023 election. When he lost to the then opposition party. As well as in court rulings.
Strong APC members in Tarauni federal constituency, assured that they would support the candidature of Kawu come 2027 general election.
Believing that when he was a member in the last Assembly he delivered goodies to his constituency. That alone, according to them, is a clear testimony that he could perform again when he gets the chance.
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