NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Saudi authorities ban political, sectarian expressions at Hajj sites
Foreign

Saudi authorities ban political, sectarian expressions at Hajj sites

224 total views today

By Deji Abdulwahab

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior has announced a strict ban on taking photographs, videos or raising political and sectarian expressions at main Hajj sites.
In a statement, the ministry emphasised that pilgrims are prohibited from taking photographs or recording videos within Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah.
Other location where such is banned include Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.

Officials have stressed that such actions could undermine the spiritual atmosphere of Hajj and risk sowing division among pilgrims who come from across the globe.

The ministry reaffirmed that the pilgrimage is a sacred time dedicated to worship, humility, and unity, and any conduct that contradicts these values would not be tolerated.

”Pilgrims are strongly encouraged to adhere to the regulations and cooperate fully with authorities to ensure that Hajj 2025 is conducted in a peaceful, orderly, and spiritually enriching environment.

“Security personnel will be deployed throughout the pilgrimage period to monitor and enforce these regulations.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Hajj without permit attracts 100,000 riyals fine, 10-year ban- Envoy
Foreign

Hajj without permit attracts 100,000 riyals fine, 10-year ban- Envoy

209 total views today

By Deji Abdulwahab

Dr Modibbo Umar, Charge De Affaires, Nigerian Embassy, Riyadh, says pilgrims performing the 2025 Hajj without permit are liable to 100,000 riyals fine, 10 years ban and deportation.

Umar said this at the Hajj 2025 Pre-Arafat Stakeholders’ meeting, organised by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in Makkah on Monday.

The envoy recalled that during the 2024 Hajj, the fine for illegally performing Hajj without a permit was 50,000 riyals.

He therefore urged Nigerian pilgrims to be law-abiding and follow the rules and regulations of their host.

“We have very strong advice for our pilgrims. We need to be law-abiding and follow the rules and regulations of our hosts for the duration of our pilgrimage here.

“We should also let our people around here know that the Saudi authorities this year have sent very strong signals that Hajj without permit will not be condoned.

“They have raised the stake. Last year the fine for illegally performing Hajj without a permit was 50,000 riyals.

”This time around, their message is 100,000 riyals, including deportation and being banned from the Kingdom for 10 years. So, please I urge you to tell our people all this,” he said.

The Charge De Affaires also urged Nigerian pilgrims to pray for Nigeria in order to leave a better country for future generation.

“We will like to use this opportunity to call on all our pilgrims who are in this holy sessions of the Hajj, to pray for our country and Muslims all over the world.

“May we have a world that is far better than what it is now for our children and our grandchildren,” he said.

In his remarks, the Chairman, NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh, said the common goal of the Pre-Arafat Stakeholders’ meeting was to ensure that Nigerian pilgrims get the benefits and services they deserve.

According to Saleh, as stakeholders, our job is like that of a servants to the Nigerian pilgrims and they are the reason why we are here today.

“We have to serve them to the best of our ability because they have paid for that.

“Whether you are from the states, service provider, medical teams, security, media or even from the NAHCON staff, your engagement in Hajj operation is like a contract to serve the pilgrims.”

The NAHCON chairman sued for teamwork, which he said was one of the keys to success as no one person could do it alone.

“We must listen to each other, support one another and put the needs of our pilgrims first.

“I urge every one of us to work towards the success of this important five days period in the lives of pilgrims.

”Pilgrims are our guests and more importantly they are the guests of our creator, Allah,” he added.

Similarly, Prince Anofi Elegushi, the Commissioner of Operations, NAHCON, said the purpose of Pre-Arafat meeting was to inform the stakeholders on arrangements and measures put in place for 2025 Hajj rites.

Elegushi said that it had been a tradition that a few days before Arafat and moving to Mina, there would be a pre-Arafat stakeholders’ meeting.

“This is a way of informing our stakeholders on the journey so far and what we are still going to face in the Hajj process.

“So, this is a session where information will be disseminated on how to go about the rest of the process.

“It is also an avenue where people will raise questions and find solutions to issues affecting them,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Remi Koleoso/Deborah Coker

FG begins minimum wage arrears payment to ex-corps members
General News

FG begins minimum wage arrears payment to ex-corps members

717 total views today

By Daniel Obaje

The Federal Government has commenced the payment of N44,000 minimum wage arrears to former members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The commencement of the payment fulfills an earlier promise tied to the recent upward review of corps members’ monthly allowance from N33,000 to N77,000.

The payment applies to those who completed their service before the new allowance took effect earlier this year.

Former corps members have taken to X (formerly Twitter) to confirm receipt of the payment, expressing their gratitude and relief.

One user, @Kingpin_black1, posted: ”Thank you NYSC. Thank you President Tinubu. Nigeria will be great again.”

Another user @pharmacist_shezzy shared: ”44k don land. NYSC no carry last. God bless Nigeria 🇳🇬.”

Similarly, @ifeoluwa_X wrote: ”Just got my alert. I almost deleted my NYSC account. Thank you FG.”

The payment, widely seen as a fulfillment of the government’s earlier pledge, has sparked excitement online, with many praising the move as a sign of renewed trust and accountability.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

Woof Studios host Africa’s Creators at 2025 Cannes
Entertainment

Woof Studios host Africa’s Creators at 2025 Cannes

238 total views today

By Nana Musa

The Woof Studios Africa, a leading Creator Service Provider (CSP), says it will host a featured session at the prestigious LIONS Creators Forum during the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity 2025.

 

Adetutu Laditan, marketing expert and creative director at Woof Studios, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

 

She said that with the titled “Cracking the Code with Africa’s Creators,” the session would hold on June 17 at the Creators Rooftop on the Palais des Festivals et des Congrès in Cannes.

 

This marks the first time an African-led creator delegation will speak at the Lions Creators Forum.

 

She added that this historic moment signals a new chapter in the inclusion of diverse, global perspectives in the creator economy.

 

‘’With its booming digital infrastructure, rich storytelling traditions, and a growing population of tech-savvy youth, Africa represents one of the most exciting and underleveraged frontiers in the creator economy.

 

‘’This panel will explore how African creators are not only shaping narratives on the continent but also influencing global trends in marketing, content creation, and brand engagement.

 

Laditan said that the panellists would dive into key themes, including how global brands can collaborate with African creators in culturally intelligent, purpose-driven ways, and African creators in advancing social impact and sustainability.

 

She said they would also explore how to harness Africa’s creative energy to build globally resonant, locally authentic campaigns on platforms like TikTok and YouTube.

 

The African delegation will include Ifeyinwa Mogekwu- Nigerian food entrepreneur and Cent Twinz- South African twin influencers with a pan-African footprint.

 

Others are Israel Apeti- Ghanaian visual artist and digital creator and Mpoomy Ledwaba- South African entrepreneur and motivational storyteller.

 

“This panel is not just a win for Africa; it is a wake-up call for the global industry. We’re not asking for a seat at the table, we’re bringing our table, with stories, insights, and cultural depth that the world needs.

 

‘’If brands want to future-proof their strategies, they must understand and collaborate with creators from the world’s youngest and most dynamic continent,” Laditan said.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Consider national interest in reporting security challenges- IMPI chair
Politics

Consider national interest in reporting security challenges- IMPI chair

360 total views today

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Chairman of the Independent Media and Policy Initiative, IMPI, Dr Omoniyi Akinsiju, has urged the media in Nigeria to be more circumspect in reporting the security situation in the country.

 

According to him, this is because more attention is paid to challenges in the war against banditry and terrorism than the gallant efforts being made by the security agencies and government to stem the tide.

 

He disclosed this in a paper titled “Importance of the media in information gathering and disclosure in the face of security challenges” at the 6th Timeline Awareness Initiative Lecture/Awards in Lagos.

 

Akinsiju said that national interest should be the uppermost considered when the media is reporting security issues about the country.

 

He cited studies on the role of the media in peacebuilding to support his position.

 

“Researchers of conflict situations in Nigeria have noted that for different reasons and in different ways, media coverage of Boko Haram and the bandits have been similarly destabilising of the Nigerian state.

 

“In short, the perception is that the media approach to reporting news on conflict and organised crime in Nigeria has tended to make things worse by generally helping to weaken the state’s response to those issues.

 

“Perhaps, this was the spectacle agitating the mind of Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mr Mohammed Idris, when he publicly appealed to journalists to not give “undue attention” to bandits and other criminals terrorising the country by reminding journalists that “bandits, terrorists, kidnappers and pirates are waging not only a physical battle but also a psychological war to undermine the morale of the Nigerian military.”

 

Akinsiju noted that a similar view was expressed during the last administration at the height of the war against insurgency in North East Nigeria

 

“Three years before Mr Idris raised the alarm over the nature of media reporting of banditry and other criminalities in the country, his immediate predecessor, Mr Lai Mohammed, had suggested that the media in Nigeria reported bandit attacks more than the success recorded by the government and security forces.

 

“Thus stressing the need for the media to provide “positive coverage of the successes” to encourage the affected states, security agencies, and the federal government.”

 

He used the developed countries as an example of jurisdictions where the adversarial style of reportage is jettisoned when national interest is involved.

 

“The received wisdom on this question is the Western-style liberalist perspective, which holds that the media should take an adversarial stance against the state to hold the government accountable and safeguard the rights of citizens.

 

“But when the issue pertains to the state itself, as distinct from the government of the day, such as an existential threat or a challenge to the dominant ideologies of democracy and capitalism, or even of rivalries between states in international affairs, the media will adopt subtle, sometimes so subtle approaches to doing news in ways that stand by the state,” the IMPI chairman added.

 

He said that this should be the benchmark of the relationship between media practitioners and the military authorities in conflict situations across the country.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Group says Malami’s opposition to Tinubu’s endorsement hypocritical
Politics

Group says Malami’s opposition to Tinubu’s endorsement hypocritical

238 total views today

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Democratic Front (TDF) has described the position of the immediate past Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, on the endorsement of President Bola Tinubu as hypocritical and deceptive.

 

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Malam Danjuma Muhammad and Secretary, Chief Wale Adedayo, said Malami failed to express the same sentiment when former President Muhammadu Buhari got a similar endorsement in 2017.

 

“We are startled by what is clearly a self-indictment by the former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami when he unabashedly condemned the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over the recent endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in 2027.

 

“It is shocking because Malami seemed to have forgotten his position in the APC administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari under similar circumstances.

 

“We need to remind him of how multiple APC stakeholders in 2017 endorsed Buhari for a second term in office. It was done one after the other, from state to state

 

“So for us, he allowed himself to be overwhelmed by sentiment and bitterness in criticising an order of political and legal precedence which he contributed actively to establish when he was the number one law officer of the nation,” it added.

 

The group also drew attention to the position of the Electoral Act on the matter.

 

“The APC summit of May 22, 2025, which endorsed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu through consensus of all party stakeholders, drew its legal strength and wisdom from the Electoral Act 2022 (as amended).

 

“Section 84 (2) of the Electoral Act provides that the procedure for nominating candidates by political parties for various elective positions shall be by direct, indirect primaries or consensus.

 

“The act further expatiates on consensus candidacy as a system whereby every other aspirant voluntarily steps down and endorses the candidature of a single aspirant. So, what did APC do differently?

 

“We recall that the electoral act was amended after a heated political debate by the National Assembly in 2022 to allow for a consensus (endorsement) system as a procedure for party primaries. It is interesting and perhaps hypocritical that Malami was the Attorney-General who formally advised his principal, former President Buhari, to give his assent to the amendment of the electoral act.

 

“Considering the role he played in the inclusion of consensus, as an optional procedure for nominating a political party candidate for an election in the act, it is unethical of Malami to now turn around and condemn a legitimate political norm which he established as Nigeria’s Minister of Justice in 2022.”

 

On Malami’s allusion to the state of the nation, the group also reminded him that the war against insurgency and economic recession did not stop his principal from pursuing a second term in office.

 

It said that Malami failed as a former senior public officer when he alluded to the abdication of responsibility on the part of the Tinubu administration for attending to matters of re-election rather than concentrating on governance.

 

TDF said that there are evidence of macroeconomic engineering in the last two years.

 

It added that the successes recorded in fiscal and monetary policy reforms since 2023 suggested that public governance in Nigeria has never received such overwhelming attention from any other government in history.

 

“It is preposterous, hypocritical, and self-serving for Malami, who was an influential member of the Buhari administration’s kitchen cabinet, to have seen nothing wrong with the staggered APC primaries that were conducted long before the release of the electoral time-table by INEC in 2018.

 

“It was at a time the nation’s economy was barely out of recession and at the peak of the war against Boko Haram insurgency compared to President Tinubu’s endorsement under a stable economic environment and a relatively calm security situation.

 

“We see it as a reflection of the possibility that he has been left out of APC’s power equation.”

 

TDF urges Nigerians to dismiss Malami’s views as the ranting of a disgruntled political element pursuing his selfish interest.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

TEXEM congratulates Sanni on FrieslandCampina WAMCO appointment
General News

TEXEM congratulates Sanni on FrieslandCampina WAMCO appointment

187 total views today

By Kayode Adebiyi

TEXEM, UK, a global thought leader in executive development, has congratulated Yinka Sanni on his appointment as chairman of FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria, the nation’s foremost dairy company.

 

This is contained in a statement by Dr Alim Abubakre, Founder of TEXEM, UK, on Monday in Abuja.

 

Abubakre described the appointment as a testament to his exceptional leadership pedigree, dedication to impact and commitment to legacy building.

 

He said that with a distinguished career spanning decades in financial services, including key leadership roles at Stanbic IBTC and the Standard Bank Group, Sanni has consistently exemplified the highest standards of strategic foresight, operational excellence, resilience, and purposeful leadership.

 

“Yinka Sanni is a lodestar of purpose-driven leadership—an exemplar of how resilience, strategic learning, and an unwavering focus on impact can transform institutions, inspire communities, and shape enduring legacies,” Abubakre said.

 

He added that as WAMCO navigates a rapidly evolving economic and social landscape, Sanni’s deep commitment to learning, attention to detail, and sacrificial service positions him to steer the organisation towards greater innovation, sustainability, and national relevance.

 

The TEXEM founder commended Sanni not only for his appointment but for his unwavering dedication to fostering inclusive growth, mentoring emerging leaders, and driving long-term value for all stakeholders.

 

“We encourage him to continue making a positive difference and shaping futures—just as he always has.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Tinubu’s energy sector reforms driving economic growth- Abdullahi
General News

Tinubu’s energy sector reforms driving economic growth- Abdullahi

185 total views today

By Emmanuel Mogbede

Dr Mustapha Abdullahi, Director- General, Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), says President Bola Tinubu-led administration is driving sustainable development and economic growth through advancements in the energy sector.

 

Abdullahi said this at a dinner in Abuja organised by some Nigerians within and outside the country to celebrate the mid-term of the Tinubu-led government.

 

The event with the theme: “Two Years of Impact: Honouring Mr President and the Voices of Renewed Hope”, was attended by APC chieftains, government appointees and State Governments representatives among others.

 

The ECN DG, while speaking on the administration’s solarisation initiatives, said that the Tinubu was not relenting on his oars to make the country better for all.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that solarisation refers to the process of exposing something to sunlight or solar energy, which is in line with the energy transition of the administration.

 

He highlighted the administration’s strides in driving sustainable development and economic growth through its solarisation initiative.

 

Abdullahi explained that under the solarisation initiative, all tertiary institutions, universities and primary healthcare centres across the country would be solarised.

 

He said the commission was already in talks with one of the largest solar panel production companies in the world to set up a solar panel factory in Nigeria to start production.

 

“The solarisation project is going to be across every state of the federation, not just Abuja alone, it is going to be done in all universities and tertiary institutions.

 

“This hasn’t been in the news because we don’t like speaking too much, we like being in action,” the DG said.

 

 

He particularly applauded Tinubu’s solarisation drive, adding that Nigeria was taking the right place in the global stage.

 

He also commended the presidency and the Voices of Renewed Hope for their visionary leadership and dedication to meaningful change across the country.

 

‘’It has been a very, very wonderful two years and I am very grateful being the DG and Chief Executive of the Energy Commission of Nigeria.

 

“There had been so many transformations, particularly in the energy sector that I am,” he said.

 

The DG called on Nigerians to continue supporting the Tinubu-led administration and the 2027 re-election bid of the president, saying one good turn deserves another.

 

He maintained that the administration had the roadmap to set Nigeria on a progressive pathway.

 

He said the commission had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Energy Engineering Corporation Ltd (CEEC) and the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) to boost renewable energy infrastructure.

 

He said the agreement was a bold step aimed at addressing Nigeria’s long-standing energy challenges through strategic partnerships and innovation.

 

He explained that the MoU provided a framework for supporting state-level energy planning, expanding energy resource utilisation through solar, wind, and hydroelectric solutions, and developing green energy infrastructure.

 

Abdullahi said the partnership would also establish the Nigeria-China Renewable Energy Research Centre to foster technological innovation and human capacity development in renewable energy.

 

He added that the collaboration aligned with Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which had already initiated transformative reforms in the power sector.

 

This, he added, included the constitutional amendment and the signing of the Nigerian Electricity Act 2023.

 

 

Mr Ade Omole, Chief host of the dinner and a former Director of the APC Diaspora Campaign Directorate, said that the event was about truth-telling and not mere praise singing.

 

Omole, also the  Convener of Renewed Hope Global said: “The Tinubu administration is not just counting years, but weighing its impact’’.

 

According to him, progress has not only emerged but endured under  Tinubu’s Renewed Hope administration.

 

Dr Aliyu Modibo, Special Adviser to President Tinubu on General Duties, who represented Vice President Kashim Shettima, lauded Tinubu’s unparalleled commitment to ensuring a Nigeria where all interests were protected.(NAN)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

NTI to create study centres in 774 LGAs- Director
Education

NTI to create study centres in 774 LGAs- Director

257 total views today

By Moses Kolo

The National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) plans to establish study centres in all the 774 local government areas in Nigeria, according to its Director and Chief Executive, Prof. Sadiya Sani-Daura.

Sani-Daura disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna in a special interview to mark the two years anniversary of President Bola Tinubu.

The director said that these study centres would be fully equipped and adequately staffed so that they can function effectively.

“This move is part of our modest efforts to make NTI easily accessible by all Nigerians no matter their places of domicile.

“Already, we have state-of-the-art zonal and state centres and we will leverage on this feat to make the planned LGA centres succeed.”

According to Sani-Daura, the institute is fully committed to ensuring that all teachers in the country fully upgrade their capacities.

She added: ”Everybody can update and improve his or her capacity. We are out to ensure that all Nigerian teachers achieve this in no distant time.”

This, she said, was extremely imperative so that teachers in Nigeria would not lag behind, saying “this is to make them to be in tune with extant global trends in teaching and learning.

“The world has moved on, leveraging on emerging technologies, new teaching and learning methods, hence teachers in Nigeria must urgently catch up with the world.”

Meanwhile, Sani-Daura has vowed to make NTI the truly world-class teacher training institution that it ought to be in line with its statutory mandates.

To this effect, the director disclosed that it has since commenced the award of Degrees, Post-Graduate Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Education.

According to her, this is being done in affiliation with some Universities like ABU Zaria, Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto, University of Maiduguri and the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, among others.

“Education is very critical to providing plausible solutions to practically all the seemingly formidable problems plaguing Nigeria.

“Yes, with proper attention given to the education sector at all levels, we will get solutions to all our problems including crimes and criminality.”(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

NTI committed to achieving Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda- Director
Education

NTI committed to achieving Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda- Director

251 total views today

By Moses Kolo

Prof. Sadiya Sani-Daura, Director and Chief Executive of the National Teachers’ Institute (NTI), Kaduna, says it is fully committed to facilitating the achievement of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Sani-Daura disclosed in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna as part of the celebration of Tinubu’s two years in office.

According to her, NTI will be diligently playing the critical role expected of it to fully realise the president’s all-important agenda.

She said: “We have a lot to do in achieving the Renewed Hope Agenda and we will never waiver in doing so.

“Instructively, we are now creating the direly needed conducive environment to achieve this noble agenda of Tinubu.”

Sani-Daura further extolled the Federal Government’s commitment to taking Nigeria’s education sector to the next level.

She said that the Federal Ministry of Education was critical to the myriad of successes the institute had achieved.

“Hopefully, NTI will soon bounce back and fully restore its enviable lost past glory.

“We are digitising all our activities so as to be in tune with the current global trends and this is working just as it is bolstering our operations.”

The director, therefore, commended the two Ministers of Education for their uncommon commitment and patriotism, describing them as the key motivators and benefactors of NTI.

Sani-Daura disclosed that the premier institute was partnering with various local and international agencies like the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).

She listed some of NTI’s global collaborators to include JICA and UNICEF, among numerous others.

The director also stated that the institute was robustly partnering with the various state governments in the country.

“We will never relent in the diligent discharge of our mandate, and will continue to train and retrain teachers, with a view to continuously upgrading their capacities,”  she said.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

X
Welcome to NAN
Need help? Choose an option below and let me be your assistant.
Email SubscriptionSite SearchSend Us Email