By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi

A faith‑based civil society organisation, CSO, the Independent Hajj Reporters, IHR, has commended the Kebbi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board for releasing its 2026 Hajj flight manifest ahead of schedule and urged other states to emulate it..

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammad, the group described the move as a major step toward transparency and efficiency in Hajj operations.

It praised the Executive Secretary Alhaji Farouk Enabo and his management team for complying with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON’s directive on timely disclosure of travel schedules.

According to IHR, early publication of the manifest helps intending pilgrims plan properly and reduces anxiety before the airlift.

“We commend the Kebbi State Pilgrims Board for releasing its flight manifest well ahead of the airlift.

“This aligns with NAHCON’s directive to ensure pilgrims are informed early about their departure dates to enable proper planning,” it stated.

The CSO noted that releasing the manifest about 17 days before airlift shows growing improvement in Nigeria’s Hajj management.

“This development reflects a significant improvement in the standard of Hajj operations, particularly in pre‑airlift arrangements,” it added.

The IHR urged other state pilgrims’ welfare boards to adopt the practice to boost coordination nationwide.

“We call on other states to emulate this commendable initiative, as it will greatly improve the overall standard of Hajj airlift operations,” the group said.

It also lauded NAHCON for enforcing regulatory guidelines and ensuring stakeholder compliance.

The organisation called for sustained public enlightenment so pilgrims stay fully informed once schedules are finalised.

“We urge continued awareness campaigns so that pilgrims are fully informed once their schedules are finalised,” the statement concluded.

By George Mgbeleke

Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on Friday night, joined other well meaning people of Rivers State in mourning the late Senator Barinada Barry Mpigi, who until his demise, represented the Rivers South East Senatorial District at the National Assembly.

Speaking at the Service of Songs held at the Missionary Anglican Church, Koroma, in Tai Local Government Area of Rivers State. Governor Fubara described the deceased as a man who lived a great life.
According to the Governor, the late Mpigi was a fighter who would be remembered for the great works he did while on earth. Alluding to the mystery of life, Governor Fubara said that death is the ultimate end of every human existence, and there is nothing anyone can do when the clock of life stops.
He urged the family of the departed politician to take heart as they mourn the loss of their bread winner, stressing that it is only God that can console them and fill the vacuum he left behind.
Governor Fubara recalled that he had earlier sent a condolences letter to the family of the bereaved and visited them in the wake of the sad news of Mpigi’s passage.
“I did a condolence letter and in my condolence letter, I did express myself about the man we are honouring this night the way I understand him, and the way I see him..
“But this evening, I will say that there are things we have control over. Death is the ultimate end of everything. We have nothing to do about it; we can neither add nor subtract to our life span. When it (death) comes, it has come.
“He lived a great life. He was a fighter that his time has come and gone. We would remember him for the great works he did.
“To the family, I’ll just urge you to take heart. Our gathering here is not enough to console you. It is only God that can console you and fill that vacuum.
May his soul rest in peace,” he said.
Governor Fubara expressed appreciation to the members of the National Assembly and the entire people of Koroma who were at the Service of Songs to give honour to the late politician. He prayed God to bless everyone and grant them journey mercies back to their various destinations.

Onwuka Nzeshi,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Rivers State.
April 11, 2026.

By George Mgbeleke

President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has enjoined
Nigerians to embrace peaceful coexistence, tolerance and mutual respect, regardless of faith or ethnicity.

Akpabio gave the advice in a congratulatory message, through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, urging all Christians to reflect on the values of love and peaceful coexistence as they celebrate the sacred feast of Easter.

“On behalf of my family, my constituents, the Senate, and the National Assembly, I extend my warmest Easter greetings to all Christians in Nigeria and around the world.

“As we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, let us reflect on the values of love, peace, and unity that His message embodies.

“Let us work together to build a nation where everyone can live together in peace, harmony and prosperity.”

The Senate President, who acknowledged that Nigeria is currently facing some challenges, particularly insecurity, appealed for understanding and commitment to National and Security Consciousness.

“I want to assure Nigerians that we will overcome these difficulties through collective efforts, understanding and prayers. The president is not resting on his oars and the Armed Forces and all security agencies have been working relentlessly to tame the tide.

“I sympathise with families affected by the mindless attacks by terrorists and bandits across the country, especially the recent killings in Jos. I pray that the Almighty God will have mercy on those who lost their lives; and console the bereaved families.

“May God bless Nigeria, acquaint us with the compass of His course, help us to defeat the enemies that have declared war on our people and guide us towards a brighter future”

Similarly,Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen has congratulated Nigerian Christians as they celebrate Easter, which marks the end of Lent and the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Speaker Abbas, in his Easter message issued by his Special Advisor on Media and Publicity, Musa Abdullahi Krishi, on Saturday urged Christians to observe and emulate the teachings of Jesus Christ, whom he described as a “perfect role model for all.”

He also enjoined Christians to continue to pray for Nigeria and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu even after the Lent period.

The Speaker noted that prayers have indeed attracted divine intervention to socio-economic, political, and religious issues that have torn other nations apart.

Speaker Abbas noted that Easter signifies sacrifice, selflessness, obedience, and love.