King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah set a new record by handling over 5.3 million passengers during the five-week peak Umrah season, from March 1 to April 5 (Ramadan 1 to Shawwal 7).

According to Eng. Mazen Johar, CEO of Jeddah Airports Company, the airport successfully executed detailed operational plans that helped streamline Umrah procedures and significantly cut waiting times, accommodating the surge in pilgrim arrivals.

During this period, the airport managed 31,500 flights and processed approximately 6.4 million bags, marking a major achievement in its operational performance.

The family of the late Chief Samuel Ayodele Adebanjo, the Afenifere leader and strong nationalist voice in Nigeria’s post-independence politics, has released a detailed funeral programme to honour his life and legacy.

Adebanjo, who died on February 14 at the age of 96 in his Lekki, Lagos residence, will be laid to rest in his hometown, Isanya Ogbo, near Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, on Friday, May 3, following a series of ceremonies celebrating his storied contributions to Nigeria’s political evolution.

According to a statement issued by the Adebanjo family on Thursday, the farewell rites will commence with a Day of Tributes and Service of Songs on Tuesday, April 30, at 2:00 p.m., at Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

A wake will follow on Thursday, May 2, at 4:00 p.m., at Pa Ayo Adebanjo’s country home in Isanya Ogbo, Ogun State.

The funeral/church service will take place on Friday, May 3, at St. Phillips Anglican Church, Isanya Ogbo, while a thanksgiving service is scheduled for Saturday, May 4, at the same venue.

The funeral of Pope Francis, who died aged 88, has begun at St Peter’s Square in the Vatican, where hundreds of thousands of Catholic faithful have gathered to bid farewell to the pontiff.

Pope Francis died from complications following a stroke and heart failure.

The ceremony has drawn an extensive list of international dignitaries, including at least 50 heads of state, 10 reigning monarchs and 130 national delegations.

French President Emmanuel Macron, US President Donald Trump, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Britain’s Prince William and former US President Joe Biden are among the attendees.

From the Middle East, Joseph Aoun, the president of Lebanon, home to a sizeable Christian community, as well as King Abdullah of Jordan and his wife Queen Rania are attending the ceremony.