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Service provider: CSO cautions NAHCON, SMPWBs against truncating smooth Hajj operations

By Our Reporter
A faith-based registered Civil Society Organization, (CSO), on the aegis of Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), has called on the leadership of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON and State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards, SMPWBs to refrain from any action that could truncate the smooth operation of the forthcoming Hajj 2025.
Responding to a reported squabbles between the NAHCON and SMPWBs over the choice of a service provider for Nigeria’s intending pilgrims, IHR said the issues, if not handled properly can thwart the 2025 Hajj operations and deny Nigerian intending pilgrims who had registered an opportunity to perform this year’s Hajj.
The group had earlier reported that the chairman of NAHCON, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman was planning to replace the service provider earlier engaged and whose contract were signed by the NAHCON board last January, but which was opposed by the leadership of state boards.
“We are aware of the concerns raised by some Executive Secretaries of States Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards over the decision of NAHCON Chairman Prof Abdullahi Saleh to begin the process of cancelling the contract of Saudi Arabian Hajj Service Provider,” the CSO said in a statement signed and issued on Sunday by its national coordinator, Ibrahim Mohammed.
The group stressed the need for both NAHCON and states need to work together as one body and make any critical decisions together in the interests of Nigerian pilgrims
“We are particularly concerned about the situation because we believe that NAHCON must have conducted its due diligence profile checks on the service provider before putting pen to paper.
“Attempting to change the selected service provider after signing the contractual agreement, and at a time other countries are almost done with payments for hajj service contracts connotes a self-indictment of failure or incompetence,” it stated.
The CSO added that with the attitude being displayed by Nigerian Hajj officials “no service provider in Saudi Arabia will have confidence in serving Nigerian pilgrims in the future.”
It said there is already no adequate time to prepare for the services by the selected service provider due to non-payment from Nigeria.
“We had earlier acknowledged and commended the efforts made by NAHCON to change service providers based on petitions and complaints from various hajj stakeholders including the Association of Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON) about the 2024 service provider.
“We also applauded the state pilgrims board collaborative efforts with NAHCON.
“However, we are disturbed that recent developments pose a high risk to Nigerian Hajj 2025 intending pilgrims whose money is the primary source of funds for the exercise.
“We, therefore, call on all concerned to be cautious and avoid any friction that may cause the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to outrightly cancel Nigeria’s Hajj service contracts and deny our innocent intending pilgrims an opportunity to fulfil their religious obligations,” the statement said.
It added that cancellation of Hajj service contracts might dovetail into legal battles that may drag Nigeria into unnecessary litigations in Saudi Arabia unless it is sanctioned by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
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2nd Phase Leaders Complete Training on Leadership and Mediation – Gen. Elaye Lauds Otuaro’s Visionary Drive

By David Owei,Bayelsa
The 2nd Phase Camp Leaders’ training on “Leadership, Alternative Dispute Resolution and Mediation”, sponsored by the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), has successfully come to a close Friday on a commendable note.
The intensive leadership-building initiative, held under the distinguished leadership of the Administrator of the PAP, High Chief Dr. Dennis Brutu Otuaro, aimed to equip leaders with practical skills in peacebuilding, mediation, and conflict resolution—critical tools for sustaining peace in the Niger Delta region.
Reacting to the successful completion of the programme, General Elaye ThankGod Dollar Slaboh, National Chairman of the Third Phase Presidential Amnesty Programme, alongside his national leadership, congratulated the participants for their commitment and active engagement throughout the training.
General Elaye commended Dr. Otuaro for his visionary leadership and strategic direction, which is rapidly changing the dynamics of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, shifting it towards human capital development and long-term peace.
He emphasized that such initiatives are essential for reinforcing grassroots leadership and consolidating the peace already being enjoyed in the region.
> “This training is not just a success for the 2nd Phase; it is a win for the entire Niger Delta. The wisdom of High Chief Otuaro in investing in leadership and conflict resolution will continue to bear fruit,” General Elaye stated.
The Presidential Amnesty Programme continues to champion developmental engagements that bridge gaps, empower beneficiaries, and promote sustainable peace in the Niger Delta.
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Regional Development Minister,Engr Momoh bags Awards

Regional Development Minister,Engr Momoh bags Awards
By Our Correspondent
Minister of Regional Development, Engineer Abubakar Momoh has been conferred with two Awards by the Institute of Professional Economists and Management Policy (IPEPM) tagged ‘ Excellent Leadership Award and Professional Doctorate Fellowship Award”.
Receiving the Awards today in his office, Engr. Momoh, expressed profound gratitude for the recognition and reiterated that true governance is about leaving a lasting legacies.
He further said “My track record speaks for itself and is a testament to the awards I have received “.
He used the opportunity to commend the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his visionary leadership and resilience in ensuring the holistic development of the country.
According to him, the establishment of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development is a bold step to integrate all Regional Development Commissions under one coordinated umbrella.
The Ministér said that the recognition bestowed upon him further reinforces his commitment to service and to impact mankind.
Earlier, the leader of the delegation who is the Executive Secretary/ National Coordinator of the Institute, Dr. Musa Aliu Yakub Okhumeode, said the courtesy visit was to present the prestigious Awards in recognition of his exceptional leadership and contribution to regional and national Development, as well as to seek partnership in strategic training programmes.
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Minna Lack of Sensitisation responsible for transporting small arms and light weapons to criminal gangs-Enanch and offi officials

By Uthman-Baba Naseer,Minna
The Zonal Director, North Central, National Centre for Small Arms and Light Weapons Mr Abdul Adamu Enenche made the submission during a visit to the Niger State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ in Minna.
Of recent, many Nigerians have been apprehended with cache of arms and ammunitions meant for delivery to bandits, kidnappers and other criminals.
This has raised questions as to why some individuals will willingly allow themselves to be used as couriers of illegal weapons to criminals.
The Zonal Director, National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons, Mr Abdul Adamu Enenche said lack sensitisation on dangers of such acts and intelligence from people are contributing to the spread of arms.
He observed that porous or poorly managed borders and activities of local fabricators who manufacture guns are other sources of weapons proliferation that the Centre is trying to address.
Mr Adamu Enenche who solicited the support of members of the NUJ to enable the Centre to achieve its objectives, promised to synergize with other sister agencies.
The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ, Niger State Council, Comrade Abu Nmodu expressed optimism that there would be great reduction of criminal activities once the issue of small arms are resolved.
Comrade Nmodu urged the Centre to be open for collaboration with the Union especially in the area of training members on it’s activities.
Across section of members of the Union who spoke on the occasion stressed the need for the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons to deploy officers of the Centre to the grassroots for easy intelligence gathering.
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