Religion
NAHCON reaffirms commitment to due process, accountability
By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi
National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has reaffirmed its commitment to due process and accountability in the discharge of its mandate to serve the Nigerian pilgrims and the nation in general.
Reacting to some media publications making various comments regarding its operations and unverified allegations about its finances, the commission maintained that as a public institution established by law, it remains dedicated to its functions with the highest sense of responsibility, honesty, accountability, and a zeal to deliver efficient services.
NAHCON, in a statement signed by its Assistant Director of Information and Publications, Hajiya Fatima Sanda Usara on behalf of the chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, however, assured that it would not shield any staff or process found wanting.
The statement said as a responsible organisation, NAHCON maintains an open and ongoing relationship with all relevant government agencies, including anti-corruption and regulatory bodies.
“This cooperation is a standing principle of the Commission’s operations and its belief in due process and the rule of law. The Commission would not shield any staff or process found wanting,” it stated.
NAHCON, however, urged the public, especially the media “to exercise restraint on speculations and allow the appropriate authorities to conclude their work in accordance with established procedures without subjecting perhaps innocent persons to indignity through media trials.”
“We are confident that whatever the truth is, it will emerge through the appropriate channels.
“The commission remains focused on post-Hajj evaluations, addressing operational challenges, and strengthening measures to ensure even better service delivery in future Hajj operations,” it stressed.
Some media organisations had on Tuesday reported that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC detained the NAHCON’s Commissioner of Policy, Personnel, and Finance, PPMF, Alhaji Aliu Abdulrazak and the Director of Finance and Accounts, DFA, Aminu Y. Muhammed over alleged fraud.
Both officials reportedly honoured an invitation to the EFCC headquarters around 11 a.m. on Monday and were still in its custody as of late Monday night.
The development comes on the heels of mounting allegations of mismanagement in the conduct of the 2025 Hajj, which the Forum of Chief Executives of State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards/Agencies/Commissions recently described as “a total failure” under NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Usman
In a review meeting with the commission in Abuja last week, the Forum raised 16 issues, with seven directly linked to corruption and financial infractions, now being probed by the EFCC.
Religion
Eid-el-Fitr: Deputy Senate President Urges Prayers for Global Peace, Laments Price Shocks from US/Israel-Iran War , * Disburses N157m cash to constituents as sallah gifts
By George Mgbeleke
The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has rejoiced with Muslims in the country on the successful completion of the Ramadan Fast, urging all to sustain prayers for global peace.
Recall that the Sultanate Council has declared Friday, March 20, 2026, as the first day of Shawwal 1447AH, marking the end of the Ramadan Fast.
Senator Barau, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, prayed to Allah SWT to accept the supplications, prayers, and good deeds of the Ummah during the blessed Month.
He urged the Muslim Ummah to sustain the lessons of the Holy Month and to always reflect them in their daily activities, as enjoined by Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his relentless efforts to stabilise Nigeria’s economy through ongoing reforms and policy interventions.
He also noted that President Tinubu has been up and doing in the fight against insurgency and banditry in the country, stressing that ” we must all continue to accord him all the support needed to achieve this.”
He expressed optimism that President Tinubu’s directive for security chiefs to relocate to Maiduguri, following Monday’s terrorist attacks, would help flush out the criminal elements.
The presiding officer stated that the 2026 budget, currently under scrutiny at the National Assembly, will, upon passage and implementation, go a long way in addressing the country’s infrastructure gaps and other challenges.
While wishing Muslims a joyous and peaceful celebration, Senator Barau appealed to them to spread love and help the needy during and after the festive period.
” Glory be to Allah SWT for the successful completion of this year’s Ramadan, 1447AH. I wish to rejoice with fellow Muslims across the country. This is a period of joy and happiness, as well as a time to show appreciation to Almighty Allah. Let’s spread love and help people in need during and after the festive period,” he said.
Meanwhile, Senator Barau has disbursed N157m to his constituents as part of his Sallah gesture across the 13 LGAs of the Kano North Senatorial District.
The distribution, which commenced on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, was aimed at supporting constituents, particularly the less privileged, in celebrating the upcoming Eid-el-Fitr with ease and dignity.
Over 60,000 bags have been distributed in Kano North and other parts of Kano State by the Deputy President of the Senate for Ramadan and Sallah.
Religion
Gov.Fubara Felicitates Women on Mothering Sunday
By George Mgbeleke
Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara (KSC), has felicitated with all mothers in Rivers State on the occasion of Mothering Sunday.
In a goodwill message to commemorate the day, Governor Fubara in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Onwuka Nzeshi paid glowing tributes to the womenfolk, acknowledging the strength, resilience, and unwavering commitment of mothers to nurturing children, the future leaders of the nation.
“On behalf of the government and people of Rivers State, I warmly greet all mothers on the occasion of Mothering Sunday.
“We celebrate the selfless love, care, and sacrifices of mothers across our great state. Your tireless efforts in shaping families and communities are truly the backbone of our society,” he said.
In Nigeria, Mothering Sunday is a widely celebrated religious and social event, observed on the fourth Sunday of Lent in many churches, especially the Anglican Communion and the Catholic Church.
The day is set aside to honour mothers and maternal figures, blending traditional church services with family gatherings, gift-giving, and special recognition for the contributions of mothers to the family and society.
Religion
Release Nnamdi Kanu and douse uprising in South East- Bishops beg Tinubu
By Our Correspondent
Worried by the continous detention of the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in prison, the Pentecostal Bishops Association, Anambra State (PBAAS), has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release him to bring to end the lingering uprising in the zone
The appeal was contained in a Communique released by the Association’s Executive President, Bishop Prince Nwodika at the end of its 2026 Annual Convocation held at Church in Power International, Awka.
Nwodika stressed that the continued stay of Kanu in prison is escalating agitations in the South East region.
The Communique read in part, “We are passionately pleading with President Tinubu to use his good office to release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu unconditionally.
“Correct the imbalances in the polity, which has aggravated agitations from the region, in the spirit of equity, fairness and socio-economic balance in the system.
“These measures will significantly improve the much needed peace and security in the South East region.
The Bishops however congratulated Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his second term in office election victory and prayed God to bestow Nigeria political leaders with wisdom to lead and develop passion for the populace.
They also encouraged Churches to remain a shining light and be strong in faith in Christ to enable them overcome the challenges currently facing Christianity in the World.
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