By George Mgbeleke

President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has enjoined Nigerians to hold on hope that the country will survive the current Insurgencies like it survived past political upheavals and pandemics.

Akpabio spoke on Sunday at an Inter-Denominational Church Service at the National Christian Centre as part of the activities to mark this year Nigeria’s Democracy Day.

The theme of the special service was “God of Hope, Actualise our Dreams.”

The Senate President urged Nigerians to count their blessings as they celebrated 27 years of uninterrupted democracy in Nigeria.

Akpabio told the congregation: “We have survived political upheavals, economic turbulence. We will survive Insurgencies.

“We have survived pandemics like Ebola and COVID 19 and seasons of despotism. Yet here we stand. Twenty-seven years of democratic governance. Twenty-seven years of constitutional order. Twenty-seven years of hope renewed.

“But gratitude must never blind us to reality. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed that this year’s Democracy Day be observed in a low-key manner because of the current situation in the country.

“There is no denying that insecurity continues to trouble our land. Communities have been attacked. Farmers fear returning to their fields. Travellers journey with uncertainty. Families mourn loved ones lost to violence and criminality.

“The kidnapping of innocent citizens, especially children, wounds the conscience of our nation.”

Akpabio said the pain was deeply personal for him having known the trauma of violence, insecurity and terror during Nigerian civil war.

“That is why my heart breaks for every child in captivity and every parent who lies awake through the long hours of the night, not knowing whether a son or daughter is safe, hungry, frightened or even alive.

“I know something of that anguish. Yet what l experienced as a child cannot be compared with the horror, humiliation, cruelty and unspeakable ordeal these innocent children have endured since their abduction.

“It is a tragedy that wounds the conscience of our nation. But l assure you there is a brighter tomorrow. The evil you see today, you shall soon see them no more.

“When l had the opportunity to serve as governor about 19 years ago, l started monthly prayer. I used to ask myself a question whenever there was militancy, kidnapping and killing. I would say what if we were not praying. Today l want you to ask same question, the things happening around us, what if we were not praying.

“We must continue praying so that the evil doers and their sponsors shall be exposed in Jesus Name. If they are in government, they shall be exposed in Jesus Name. If they are outside government they shall be exposed in Jesus Name. Those sponsoring it, whether it is politically motivated or not, may they never have peace until they are defeated.

“On the part of the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this administration remains steadfast in its determination to secure the freedom of those in captivity, defeat the forces of terror and criminality, and restore peace to our communities.

“We shall continue to act together, pray together, and continue to persevere until our children are safely returned and our nation is secure,” Akpabio said.

Also speaking during the service, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume said President Bola Tinubu had assured Nigerians that his administration would intensify efforts to ease the economic hardship facing citizens.

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to defeat insecurity and secure the release of all persons held captive across the country.

By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi

The Independent Hajj Reporters, IHR, Media Monitoring Team has reported significant gaps between pilgrims’ expectations and services provided during the 2026 Hajj operations in Mina and Arafat.

The team made the observation in its assessment report covering feeding, pilgrims’ welfare, official presence, orientation, and Hadaya services in the two holy sites. The report was signed by the team’s chairman, Nasiru Lawal.

On feeding services in Mina, the monitoring team observed that meal distribution was not adequately coordinated, pointing out that while some camps received meals early, others experienced considerable delays.

“Although the approved quantity of meals was largely maintained, the quality of food supplied in some instances fell below acceptable standards,” it stated.

Consequently, IHR called for refunds to be made to states where meal supplies were missed entirely or where food quality did not meet approved standards for pilgrims.

For pilgrims’ welfare and official presence, the team observed a shortage of officials in some state pilgrims’ tents. Many officials were also virtually unreachable during visits by the monitoring team.

“While some state officials wore their uniforms, others were dressed in ihram, making it difficult for pilgrims to identify and approach them for assistance.”

“However, on a positive note, staff of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, demonstrated commendable commitment throughout Mina. IHR members observed NAHCON personnel across the Nigerian pilgrims’ camps, either attending to pilgrims or assisting in meal distribution in their official uniforms,” it stated.

On the conduct of pilgrims and religious orientation, the IHR team based its observations on random tents in Mina.

It recommended that NAHCON and State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards introduce mandatory lectures on discipline, moral values, and expected religious conduct before pilgrims proceed to Mina.

Such orientation, it said, would help strengthen adherence to the spiritual objectives of Hajj and promote better behaviour among pilgrims.

The IHR team also observed with concern the lack of transparency surrounding Hadaya, animal sacrifice, for Nigerian pilgrims.

“There appears to be no clear regulatory framework governing the collection of payments and implementation of the exercise, leaving many pilgrims vulnerable to exploitation by unscrupulous officials.

“While some states successfully conducted the Hadaya exercise and established committees to supervise it, others merely collected payments from pilgrims without providing verifiable evidence that the sacrifice was carried out,“ it stressed.

IHR, therefore, urged NAHCON, in its oversight capacity, to develop and enforce a standard framework for the collection of payments and implementation of Hadaya in future Hajj operations.

This, it said, would enhance transparency, accountability, and public confidence in the process.

By Olugbenga Salami

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has restated its commitment to food safety during the 2026 Hajj, saying the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims remains its top priority.

In a statement issued Thursday, the Commission said Saudi health authorities are enforcing, strict food safety standards due to the prevailing weather conditions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

According to NAHCON, some dinner meals served on the night of 27th May, 2026 failed to meet required handling and packaging standards.

The Commission said the meals were immediately rejected in collaboration with Saudi health officials.

To address the incident, the service support company provided alternative light refreshments to the affected pilgrims.

Members of the NAHCON Board also visited the affected pilgrims and briefed state officials on the development.

The Chairman of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, has directed the Security Committee to investigate the caterers involved.

He also ordered a probe into individuals linked to the award of the affected contracts.

In a related development, Ambassador Yusuf instructed the Central Security Committee to investigate tour operators alleged to have brought in more pilgrims than officially registered.

The Commission said some operators were exploiting innocent pilgrims by exceeding approved quotas.

NAHCON warned that any operator found guilty after investigations would face sanctions, including withdrawal of operational licences.

The Commission further disclosed that arrangements are underway for immediate refunds to pilgrims affected by the meal incident.

NAHCON appreciated the understanding and patience shown by the affected pilgrims.

It reassured all Nigerian pilgrims of its continued commitment to their welfare and safety throughout the Hajj exercise.

The Commission said it would continue to work closely with Saudi authorities to ensure compliance with health and safety standards for all Nigerian pilgrims.