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NAHCON commits to hitch-free 2025 hajj operation

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says it is committed to conducting a hitch-free 2025 Hajj operation.
Its Executive Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, gave the assurance during a meeting with Chief Executives of State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions, held on Wednesday at the Hajj House in Abuja.
He also emphasised the commission’s dedication to overcome its challenges and reposition Hajj operation for greater efficiency.
The chairman had outlined several challenges upon assuming office, including unresolved claims and operational bottlenecks which hindered progress of some essential activities.
Usman, who assured the stakeholders of ongoing efforts to address challenges of Hajj operation, urged them put their heads together to solve the daunting challenges facing Hajj operation.
He also emphasised the need for all the stakeholders to work as a formidable team to support Hajj, which is one of the five pillars of Islam.
Usman highlighted some of the contentious issues so far resolved, including the refund of 150 Saudi Riyals to each pilgrim for poorly rendered electricity services during the 2023 Hajj.
He affirmed that his administration was working tirelessly to settle the two per cent service charges that was earmarked for the state pilgrim’s board in relation to the 2024 Hajj.
The chairman also pledged to clear all outstanding legitimate claims in accordance with the law, with a view to laying a solid foundation for a new chapter in NAHCON’s operations.
He called on the 36 states and the FCT Chief Executives to expedite remittances to the commission to ensure early preparations, including securing affordable and suitable accommodations for pilgrims at Medina, Makkah, and Mina.
He revealed that the commission would embark on visits to the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria to engage with Governors, clerics and traditional rulers to garner support for the 2025 Hajj
According to him, the first Pre- Hajj visit to Saudi Arabia will take place in January 2025, comprising a delegation of members from both NAHCON and Chief Executives of State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards.
He said that the delegation would attend Hajj preparation meetings, finalise agreements with service providers, and inspect arrangements in Jeddah.
” I came here with good intentions and a bag full of plans to change and reposition the commission for the better.
” Let us open a new page and make NAHCON and State Pilgrims Welfare Authorities exemplary institutions for the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims,” he said.
Also, the Commissioner-in-Charge of Operations, Mr Anofi Elegushi, provided updates on the 2025 Hajj calendar.
Headlines
Tinubu arrives Katsina to receive Buhari’s body for burial

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday arrived in Katsina to receive the remains of the former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away in London on Sunday at the age of 82.
Headlines
“He Never Turned His Back on the Needy” — Tributes Pour In Ahead of Buhari’s Burial

Just hours before the burial of former President Muhammadu Buhari, heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in from beneficiaries of his many charitable deeds, with many describing him as a man who never turned his back on the needy.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, Aminu Daura, a respected community elder, recalled how Buhari consistently provided foodstuffs during Ramadan for families, friends, widows, and orphans in his hometown.
“He never made noise about it, but many homes had food on their tables during fasting period because of him,” Daura said.
Abdullahi Sani, a physically-challenged man who received a tricycle from the Buhari Foundation in 2021, was overcome with emotion while speaking to NAN.
“I can move around and feed my family today because of Baba Buhari. I pray to Allah to reward him for giving hope to people like me,” he said, in tears.
Hajiya Fatima Yahaya, another resident, remembered Buhari’s acts of kindness during festive seasons.
“Even after he left office, his aides ensured that the usual support still reached us every year. He always remember his people,” she said, referring to his distribution of Sallah rams and food items to indigent families during Eid celebrations.
Other residents of Daura also shared memories of how the late former president quietly paid school fees and medical bills for struggling families, actions rarely publicized.
“Some of us benefited from his silent interventions. He was a true father and a great figure in the society,” said Ali Saidu.
On Monday night, Imams across various mosques in Daura held special Qur’anic recitations, praying for the forgiveness of Buhari’s sins and his eternal peace.
The Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Musa Kofar Barau, described Buhari as a humble leader whose legacy of service and compassion would remain alive in the hearts of the people.
Buhari is scheduled to be buried later on Tuesday in his hometown of Daura, Katsina State, in line with Islamic rites. The community is bracing to welcome thousands of mourners from across Nigeria and beyond.
Headlines
King Mohammed VI Mourns Buhari, Praises Legacy of Nigeria’s Former Leader

His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco has extended heartfelt condolences to President Bola Tinubu, the family of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari, and the entire Nigerian people following Buhari’s death.
In a message of sympathy, the Moroccan monarch described the passing of the former Nigerian leader as a “sad occurrence,” expressing deep sorrow over the loss.
King Mohammed VI hailed Buhari as “an illustrious leader who worked untiringly to serve his country’s best interests and lead his people toward further progress and prosperity.”
He added: “Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the bereaved. I share your grief and want you to know how much I appreciated the working sessions I had with the deceased.”
Reflecting on their bilateral engagements, the king noted that his collaboration with Buhari led to the launch of promising development projects, “ushering a new era grounded in friendship and close cooperation between our two sister nations.”
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