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NAHCON Concludes 2025 Hajj Operations

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  The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has successfully concluded the return airlift of Nigerian pilgrims from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, marking the end of the 2025 Hajj exercise. According to a statement by the Commission’s Assistant Director of Information and Publication, Fatima Usara, the final return flight took off from Jeddah on Wednesday, transporting approximately 87 pilgrims back to Kaduna State. NAHCON Chairman, Professor Abdullah Saleh Usman, expressed deep gratitude to Allah for a smooth and successful Hajj operation. He credited the achievement to the unity and cooperation displayed by State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, airline operators, service providers, and the discipline of the pilgrims who adhered to established guidelines. Professor Usman encouraged the returning pilgrims to continue praying for Nigeria’s progress and to remember the country’s leaders in their prayers. He further assured that the Commission remains committed to improving its servic...

DRAC Urges Inclusive Healthcare Access for Women and Girls with Disabilities

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  By Hadiza Abdulrahman  The Disability Rights Advocacy Centre (DRAC) has reiterated the urgent need for inclusive sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services for women and girls with disabilities.  This call was made during the close-out and dissemination meeting of the WeLead project in Abuja, where key stakeholders gathered to review the achievements and lessons learned from the initiative.  The project, which focused on amplifying the voices and leadership of young women with disabilities, was implemented in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and Benue state. At the heart of the WeLead project was advocacy intensified efforts to raise awareness about SRHR among marginalized groups, particularly women and girls with disabilities. According to  Balqis Amoo , Programme Officer at DRAC, the initiative prioritized equipping these right-holders with the knowledge and tools to demand their rights.  Through school outreaches and community sensiti...

Media Team Receives High Praise from NAHCON for Hajj 2025 Reporting

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  Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman By Hadiza Abdulrahman  The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has expressed appreciation for the successful conduct of the 2025 Hajj and lauded the media for its positive portrayal of the commission’s efforts. Speaking during a farewell dinner held in Makkah for the NAHCON National Media Team, Professor Usman acknowledged the improved coverage compared to previous years and encouraged continued collaboration ahead of the 2026 Hajj operations.   Also speaking at the event, Professor Abubakar Yagawal, Commissioner for Planning, Research, Information, and Library Services, commended the media for its diligent work. He noted that the team’s reportage significantly contributed to reshaping the commission’s public image, which had suffered in previous years. Some Journalist at the Farewell Dinner  The Commissioner for Inspectorate and Licensing at the National Hajj Comm...

NAHCON Delegation Undertakes Extensive Inspection of Medical Clinics and Outposts in Makkah

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By Hadiza Abdulrahman  A high-powered delegation from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), led by the Commissioner for Policy, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services (PRSILS), Professor Abubakar Yagawal, has embarked on a comprehensive inspection tour of the Commission’s medical clinics and outposts in Makkah. According to Principal Information Officer, Shafii Muhammed , the inspection covered several key health facilities, including the Shari’ Sittin Clinic, Misfalah Clinic, Kano State Medical Outpost, and Niger State Medical Outpost. The delegation also included NAHCON Commissioner representing the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Saidu Ahmad Dumbulwa; Deputy Director of Planning, Ibrahim Mahmood; and senior officials of the National Medical Team. During the visit, the team assessed service delivery, facility conditions, and staff performance. At the Shari’ Sittin Clinic, Dr. Fakhrdeen Muhammad led the tour through various departments including treatme...

NAHCON Assures Pilgrims of Prompt Return as Airlift Plans Intensify

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  By Hadiza Abdulrahman  The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has assured Nigerian pilgrims currently awaiting their return in Saudi Arabia that plans are firmly in place to expedite the return leg of the 2025 Hajj operation. According to a statement issued by Fatima Sanda Usara , Assistant Director, Information and Publication, NAHCON, "The Commission, along with State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, and the 2025 official air carriers are doing everything within their capacity to increase the speed of the return leg. The Commission has planned to return all pilgrims by 28th June 2025 and remains determined to do so." The Commission attributed the current delay in return flights to the annual peak-season air traffic experienced in Saudi Arabia. It explained that during this period, multiple countries are simultaneously trying to return their pilgrims, creating a heavy demand for airport slots. These slots, which are regulated by the General Authority of Civil Aviati...

15 Kwara Pilgrims Defrauded in Madina – Amiru Hajj

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Agency Report  Kwara Amiru Hajj, Alhaji Ismail Bolaji Yahaya, says 15 pilgrims from the state have been defrauded of their 500 dollars Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) by some disgruntled elements in Madina, Saudi Arabia. Yahaya disclosed this while speaking with newsmen in Makkah on Tuesday. He said that the investigation carried out by the stakeholders and management of Kwara Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board revealed that the affected pilgrims were of Fulani extraction from the state. “Our investigation revealed that some of our Fulani pilgrims were defrauded in Madina, particularly those who came with the first flight,” he said. The Amiru Hajj recalled that a few days back, the attention of the the government of Kwara State was drawn to a viral video clip showing one Mohammed Bello and a number of others, numbering about four. “They alleged that right from home at General Tunde Idiagbon International Airport in Ilorin, they were given a dollar in five places as against 100 dollars in f...

AbdulRasaq Surprises Kwara Pilgrims in Makkah with N120m Gift

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Photo: Ilorin Info Agency Report  Gov. AbdulRahman AbduIRasaq of Kwara has supported the state pilgrims with 264, 280 riyals (N120 million) during an unscheduled visit to Kwara houses in Makkah. Alhaji Ismail Yahaya, Kwara State Amiru Hajj and Oba of Ajase Ipo, disclosed this in an interview with newsmen in Makkah on Tuesday. The governor donated the money to support the 2,204 pilgrims, with each pilgrim getting 120 riyals (N52,800). The Amiru Hajj attributed the hitch-free and successful 2025 Hajj operation to the governor’s unwavering support to the State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board. According to him, virtually, all the board’s requests have been approved by the governor. “Surprisingly, the Executive Governor of Kwara State paid an unscheduled visit to Kwara pilgrims. “In fact, the day he visited us, I spoke with him up till early morning that day, and he didn’t give any indication he would be coming to visit us. “He came to check on us, to know how we were faring. And I took h...