Hadiza's Blog

  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...

  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...

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...

  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...

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...

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...

Agency Report  The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Board has commended the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, for providing tremendous support for the successful 2025 Hajj operation. The Director of the Board, Malam Kadiri Edah, gave the commendation in an interview with newsmen in Makkah on Monday. Kadiri said Wike being a non Muslim, as well as the FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Bunkure, granted the board necessary approvals for smooth Hajj operations. “He (Wike) did well because FCT pilgrims never lacked anything. And he also gave us the free hands without serious personal intervention in our activities. “I want to use the opportunity to thank him, and by extension the FCT Minister of State for providing unwavering support to the board and FCT pilgrims in general. He attributed the feats recorded by the board during the 2025 Hajj operation to the support given by the FCT administration. According to him, the achievements starting with the sales of forms. “A...

The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, has described a recent visit by the Commission’s delegation to the Hira Cultural District in          Makkah as a profoundly emotional and spiritually uplifting experience. According to Principal Information Officer, Shafii Muhammed, “The visit, which was facilitated by Mashaariq Al-Dhabia Company, offered the NAHCON delegation a rare opportunity to connect intimately with Islamic history at the site near the Cave of Hira, where the first verses of the Holy Qur’an were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).” Professor Saleh Usman reflected on the deep spiritual significance of retracing the steps of Prophets — from Adam, Noah, and Ibrahim to the Seal of the Prophets, Muhammad (S.A.W), describing the moment as “historic and deeply enjoyable.” “He [the Prophet] used to climb this steep path alone, spending nights in worship and reflection before retu...

Photo: Shafii Mohammed By Hadiza Abdulrahman  As part of activities marking the successful completion of the 2025 Hajj exercise, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, led a high-level delegation to the Hira Cave Museum and Exhibition Centre in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The visit included active participation from NAHCON’s Commissioners in charge of Operations, PRSILS, and PPMF, as well as the Secretary to the Commission, the Deputy Makkah Coordinator, and executives from various State Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, Agencies, and Commissions. Photo: Shafii Mohammed  The delegation toured various sections of the Hira Cave Cultural Centre, which chronicles the lives and messages of major Islamic prophets including Adam (AS), Nuh (AS), Ibrahim (AS) – Khalilullah, Musa (AS) – Kalimullah, Isa (AS) – Ruhullah, and the final Messenger, Prophet Muhammad (SAW). Also present were NAHCON's Deputy and ...

  By Hadiza Abdulrahman  The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has lauded the Saudi Arabian authorities and Daleel Al Maalim Transportation Company for their unwavering support and hospitality towards Nigerian pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj operations. The commendation was conveyed by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, in a statement issued by the Commission’s Principal Information Officer, Malam Shafii Mohammed, in Makkah. Prof. Usman made the remarks during a dinner hosted in NAHCON’s honour by Daleel Al Maalim to mark the successful conclusion of this year’s Hajj rites. “We express profound appreciation to the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and Daleel Al Maalim Transportation Company for their unwavering support and hospitality,” he said. He emphasized the significance of the Hajj as a global spiritual gathering that fosters unity, brotherhood, and mutual respect among Muslims worldwide. “Hajj remains a globa...

  By Hadiza Abdulrahman  The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has commenced the inbound transportation of Nigerian pilgrims, with a total of 1,310 individuals already airlifted back home from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. According to Malam Shafii Mohammed, Principal Information Officer at NAHCON, four Nigerian Hajj air carriers have begun return operations, each conducting a flight that successfully transported pilgrims to various destinations across the country. The flights conveyed 551 pilgrims and seven officials to Bauchi; 413 pilgrims and six officials to Kebbi; 41 pilgrims and 122 officials to Abuja; and 305 pilgrims and seven officials to Owerri. The successful coordination of these return flights marks the beginning of the inbound phase of the 2025 Hajj exercise. MaxAir flight VM269 departed Jeddah at 08:07 hours and arrived in Bauchi with 551 pilgrims and seven officials.  Flynas flight XY9006 followed, departing at 09:45 hours with 413 pilgrims and six offi...

  Photo: FotoNugget By Hadiza Abdulrahman  Every year, millions of pilgrims from across the globe converge on the holy Cities of Makkah and Madina, united in faith, prayer, and the search for spiritual renewal and salvation. However, it goes beyond strictly Hajj Affairs, as many pilgrims use some of those leisure times to attain to some personal needs. One of them was the passion for the golden or silver tooth, which was a heart catching piece of ornament for many pilgrims and could be accessed in the holy cities, despite its attendant cost. To them, it is beyond an ornament, but a sparkling and gleaming signs of status, identity and a lifetime accomplished. Photo:  FotoNugget To some, it’s often regarded as symbols of beauty, adding an attractive element to each smile and boosting confidence of the individual. But this growing trend is sparking conversations. While many celebrate it as a sign of cultural pride, others question whether such adornment aligns with the spiri...