News Agency of Nigeria
FG enrols 500 persons with disabilities into NHIS
Metro

FG enrols 500 persons with disabilities into NHIS

By Ahmed Ubandoma

The Federal Government says it has enrolled 500 Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) into the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), to enhanc access to quality healthcare services.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development, Dr Sani Gwarzo, stated this at a symbolic presentation of the NHIS Identity Cards to the beneficiaries, on Wednesday in Abuja.

According to him, the move will ensure affordable healthcare coverage for PwDs across the country.

Gwarzo spoke when he led a delegation to the palace of the traditional ruler and Head of the PwDs at Karo Majiji in Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the enrolment exercise was facilitated by the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD).

The exercise was meant to alleviate the suffering being faced by PwDs in accessing affordable healthcare services.

He said the government began implementation of the pilot scheme in the Federal Capital Territory and expected to be extended to the 36 states of the federation.

Also, the Executive Secretary, NCPWD, Mr James Lalu assured PwDs of his determination to support their welfare and education of their children, to ensure a better future within the disability community.

The Commission, he said, secured employment opportunities for PwDs in government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

”This is in fulfilment of the five per cent employment opportunities for Persons with Disabilities in line with the NCPWD establishment Act,” he said.

He lauded former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, for accelerating the percentage of employment opportunities for PwDs in the country.

Lalu reitrated commitment to ensure the development of the allocated permanent site meant for building of residential houses of PwDs at Zuba area of the FCT.

Responding, Mr Mohammed Dantani, who spoke on behalf of the palace, urged government to support the education of their children.

Dantani, who is also the Secretary, FCT Community of PwDs, thanked the federal government for its support towards uplifting the living standard of PwDs in the FCT

He, however, called for deployment of additional teachers to the community primary school in the area,  adding it was being overstretched due to manpower gaps.

“There are only three teachers to over 200 pupils in the school.

”We are appealing to government to increase the teacher ratio to help our children have better education.

”We don’t want our children to be on the street begging the way we are doing. Please, help assure the future of our children with better education,” he said. (NAN)( www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Rabiu Sani-Ali

Wamakko lauds Sokoto Govt. for recording key achievements in a jiffy
Politics

Wamakko lauds Sokoto Govt. for recording key achievements in a jiffy

By Muhammad Nasir

Sen. Aliyu Wamakko (APC-Sokoto North), has lauded the state government for recording all-important achievements within a short time in office.

Wamakko, the All Progressive Congress (APC) leader, expressed optimism that Sokoto under the stewardship of Gov. Ahmed Aliyu would soon blossom to a developed state.

This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by Bashar Abubakar, Wamakko’s Special Assistant on Media and Publicity.

The Lawmaker, who made the assertion while addressing APC supporters, said the recent developments within Sokoto city were highly commendable.

“The development regarding the provision of water supply, environmental sanitation and payment of allowances to the physically challenged are all-important achievements.

“More so, the re-installment of monthly stipends payment to Chief Imams of Jumu’at Mosques, their deputies and Azhans in the state is highly commendable.

“These laudable people-oriented programmes, if sustained, will surely make Sokoto State among the advanced states in the country,” he said.

He appreciated the APC supporters in the state for their commitment to ensure good governance, while soliciting for prayers and citizens’ understanding for the administration to succeed.

Wamakko expressed optimism that more dividends of democracy would come to the state in a very short time. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Hajj Return Journey: Flynas operates 22 flights in 7 days
Foreign

Hajj Return Journey: Flynas operates 22 flights in 7 days

By Salisu Sani-Idris

A Saudi designated air carrier, Flynas, has operated 22 flights from Saudi Arabia to Nigeria in the last seven days.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that so far 11,966 Nigerian pilgrims had been flown home in the last seven days, with Flynas accounting for 8,063 of them, leaving the remaining 3,903 to Max Air, Aero Contractors, Azman Air and Air Peace.

Flynas is operating the flights from Hajj Terminal of King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, to Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos; and the Sultan Abubakar International Airport, Sokoto.

Official data obtained from the Command and Control Centre of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) on Tuesday, revealed that the five approved hajj air carriers have operated a total of 30 flights so far.

Flynas has transported 5,523 pilgrims in 14 flights to Sokoto, and 3,075 pilgrims to Lagos Station in eight flights, according to the official data.

The Managing Director of First Planet Travels – the General Sales Agent (GSA) of Flynas in Nigeria, Alhaji Umar Kaila, in an interview with journalists in Jeddah, said the airline would conclude its inbound transportation of pilgrims ahead of schedule.

“Flynas is fully prepared to conclude its inbound transportation of pilgrims ahead of schedule. We are not leaving any stone unturned to ensure that all our assigned pilgrims are transported back to Nigeria in maximum comfort and safety,” he said.

Kaila said as witnessed during the outbound movement, the priority of the airline was the safe and comfortable transportation of its esteemed passengers on schedule.

“Like we did during the phase one operation, we have operated 24 flights so far on schedule without any delay or cancellation.”

The statistics have shown that Air Peace and Aero Contractors have operated one flight each, while Max Air has operated four flights and Azman Air two flights since the beginning of the return journey on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.

Flynas has so far transported pilgrims from Sokoto, Lagos, Zamfara, Osun, Ogun, Kebbi, Borno states using the two operational centres in Lagos and Sokoto states.

NAHCON allocated 29,296 pilgrims to Flynas, 16,326 to Max Air, 11,348 to Air Peace, 8,660 to Azman Air, and 7,833 to Aero Contractors.

With over 80 Nigerian adhoc staff on its payroll, Flynas has been in Nigeria since 2014 as part of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vincent Obi

Artificial Intelligence will curb fraud in auditing processes – Firm
General News

Artificial Intelligence will curb fraud in auditing processes – Firm

By Tosin Kolade

A development training institute, Coinmac International, has suggested the adoption of Artificial Intelligence to curb fraud and misappropriation so as to improve auditing processes in the public sector.

Its Managing Director, Mr Ayo Salam, gave the suggestion in Abuja on Monday at the opening of a training workshop on Developing, Improving and Monitoring the Internal Audit Function.

The training was organised for Internal Audit staff of the National Hydroelectric Power Producing Areas Development Commission (N-HYPPADEC).

He said the new administration should do more to reduce corruption in the public sector by training and retraining auditors in the country.

According to him, when auditors are properly trained, there will be adequate knowledge to block corruption loopholes.

“Adopting new technologies on auditing processes will help many organisations.

“As the business world changes at an accelerating rate, auditors need to continually add to their skills and knowledge to stay relevant; they need to remain educated on changes in business in general, and in audit processes.

“There has to be transparency and accountability; information and communication technology currently rules the world.

“We can, as much as possible, discourage corruption with institutional development. We can do this by ensuring we have schools for auditing that can build capacity for auditors. That is the purpose for this meeting.

“Internal auditors are key agents in preventing corruption and ensuring compliance to relevant laws and policies. Auditing the public sector will prevent mistakes and shortcomings in public administration.”

Salam said that raising the internal audit quality in N-HYPPADEC would ensure that the establishment continued to be free of corruption, while financial transparency and accountability would receive a boost.

He added that establishing and strengthening internal audit departments in government establishments would mitigate the misuse and abuse of public offices and complement efforts of anti-graft agencies.

The Managing Director, N-HYPPADEC, Alhaji Abubakar Yelwa, in a remark, said that the workshop would upgrade the Commission’s Audit Unit into a robust one.

“We shall build an honest and responsible workforce in line with the aspirations of the Presidency,” he declared.

Yelwa urged participants to embrace new ideas and solutions to auditing challenges so as to promote innovation and creativity.

He expressed optimism that his officers would gain more knowledge on the significance of professional ethics such as confidentiality and independent viewpoint in auditing.

“We expect that they understand the risks and ethical responsibilities of compromising auditing process to suit personal interests or the interests of senior officers.

“The participants should also know that workshops such as this one, are not enough to make them exceptionally competent in their field.

“I, therefore, implore each of you to put in personal efforts towards enhancing your professional capacity,” he stated. (NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Ephraims Sheyin

Commission moves to sanction unlicensed water users
Water Resources

Commission moves to sanction unlicensed water users

By Tosin Kolade

The Nigeria Integrated Water Resources Management Commission (NIWRMC), has commenced the review of its laws that would enable it sanction all unlicensed water users in the country.

Mr Magashi Bashir, the Executive Director of the commission, made this known on Monday, at the opening of the Review of Water Use Licence Terms and Conditions Meeting, in Abuja.

According to Bashir, there is need to standardise all documents targeted at repositioning and regulating the water resources sector.

He said the non-passage of the Water Resources Bill however, had caused many irregularities in the sector, saying partnerships between all actors would reduce poor water governance.

“It is important to state that Water Use Licence Terms and Conditions is a critical component in the administration and issuance of Water Use Licence to applicants, as it determines the regime for proper licence usage by various applicants.

“The relevance of Water Use Licence Terms and Conditions can therefore, not be overestimated in anyway.

“Continuous stakeholders’ engagement in the administration of Water Resources in the Country is necessary for effective and result oriented regulations, with particular reference to Water Use Licence Terms and Conditions.”

Magashi noted that the Commission under his watch would leave no stone unturned in ensuring a continuous proper licensing regime.

He said it was his honest expectation that the forum would consolidate on the ongoing engagement between all tiers of government, for the purpose of appropriately managing Nigeria’s water resources, through effective enforcement mechanisms.

The executive director said implementing a comprehensive regulatory regime would benefit the collective interest of the country, saying participants at the workshop could make it happen by contributing meaningfully.

Earlier, the Legal Adviser for NIWRMC, Mr Rotimi Ojegbile, said before now, the legal department had made several efforts to regularise most of the commission’s documents, with little or no progress made.

Ojegbile said with the commitment of the present leadership however, the commission had made that possible, saying it was necessary for all frameworks to stand the test of time.

The legal adviser, represented by Ms. Ikemhe Ekwere-Bello, urged all participants to brainstorm and contribute meaningfully, so that water use was regulated and done properly.

Dr Emmanuel Udoh, delivering a paper on ‘Optimising Water Allocation Through Revised License Terms and Conditions’, said there was need for Nigeria to strengthen its weak and fragile institutions.

Udoh said climate change challenges called for appropriate measures to mitigate them, noting that though section 11 of the Water Resources Act gave individuals access to water use, it must however, be used sustainably.

He said key considerations on Revised License Terms and Conditions must include sustainability and long-term water management, through equity and fairness in water distribution.

“We must adapt to changing climatic conditions and water scarcity by integrating regulatory frameworks, such as the environmental protection and incorporating stakeholder perspectives and public participation into all aspects”.

Mr Chinesonu Okpoko, a legal expert, said currently, there was no effective water resources data management system for the country.

Okpoko said the unavailability of adequate and reliable data, upon which analysis, planning, management and decision-making could be based on, had crippled the water licensing system.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the Water Resources Act 2004, empowers the Minister with responsibility for matters relating to water resources, as the lead in charge of water resources development, licensing, planning, and use.

Sections 11-19 of the Act deals with issuance of water use licences, licensing fees, power to fix rates in connection with the abstraction of water, penalties and the issuing of regulations.

Water licensing plays a pivotal role in the sustainable management and allocation of water resources in Nigeria. It ensures equitable access to water, promotes efficient use, and safeguards the environment.

While challenges persist in its implementation, continued efforts to improve water licensing systems are essential for addressing water scarcity, promoting sustainable development, and protecting Nigeria’s water resources. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dore

Hajj: Aero contractors assures speedy transportation of Nigerian pilgrims
Foreign

Hajj: Aero contractors assures speedy transportation of Nigerian pilgrims

By Salisu Sani-Idris

Aero Contractors in collaboration with Umza Aviation Services has assured speedy transportation of all Nigerian pilgrims assigned to it back home within a shortest possible time.

Alhaji Abubakar Maifata, the Chairman of Umza Aviation Services, who is coordinating the 2023 Hajj operation for the two companies, gave the assurance in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Makkah.

NAN reports that Aero contractors is one of the Nigerian air carriers approved by the Federal Government to transport about 7,318 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia and back to Nigeria.

Maifata stated that the airline had since begun the outbound movement of the Nigerian pilgrims despite constraint arising from lack of adequate slots at the King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah.

According to him, the airline has so far done one flight with about 475 pilgrims of Nasarawa State.

“But we are constraint with lack of adequate slots given to us by the Saudi authority to operate within King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah. And this didn’t apply only to the Aero Contractors, it is applicable to all the Nigerian carriers.

“However, we held series of meetings with the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Saudi Arabian General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) and the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on how to get out of the situation so that the Nigerian carriers can have adequate slots to transport pilgrims back to home.

“And I think it was agreed at the meeting that slots will be given to the Nigerian carriers and they have promised to do that between now to 15 of this month (July).”

He revealed that presently Aero contractors had secured additional two slots to transport pilgrims on July 12 and 13.

“As I’m talking to you, we were given two slots to operate on the July 12 and 13, and I am sure all the Nigerian carriers were given, some two, three to four slots to operate between now and July 14, and they promised also to make more slots available after July 15.

“We only did one flight on July 8 with 475 passengers from Nasarawa State and we hope to do second and third flight on July 12 and 13, respectively.”

The chairman appealed to all Nigerian pilgrims to exercise more patience and consider their continued stay in Saudi Arabia as an act of worship.

“I want to use this opportunity to, on behalf of all the Nigerian carriers, to appeal to all Nigerian pilgrims to be more patient. I want to assure them that all the problems are being resolved.

“And God willing in the next one to two days they will see lots of movement of pilgrims back home. It’s something that is not intentional on any part from the Nigerian air carriers.

“It’s a situation that we found ourselves and a lot of efforts are being made and solutions are being gotten and in the next couples of hours everything will be ok. I want to assure them that all the Nigerian air carriers are equal to the task,” said Maifats.

NAN reports that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), on Saturday said the commission was yet to get additional approval for the outbound movement of pilgrims to Nigeria through King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Alhaji Abdullahi Hardawa, made this known at a news conference in Makkah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

He, however, said that the Saudi Arabian General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) had invited airlines responsible for the transportation of Nigerian pilgrims to an operational meeting.

He said the officials of NAHCON were also part of the meeting, adding that at the end of the meeting the commission might have slots approved for the transportation of pilgrims back to Nigeria. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Registrar urges NUC to compel universities to engage professionals in curriculum devt
Education

Registrar urges NUC to compel universities to engage professionals in curriculum devt

By Femi Ogunshola

The Registrar, Chartered Institute of Treasury Management (CITM), Mr Olumide Adedoyin, has called on the National Universities Commission (NUC) to compel universities to engage professional in developing curriculum in treasury management
Adedoyin said in a statement on Monday in Abuja that the conventional curriculum, though invaluable, often neglects the nuances of treasury management.
He said of all the universities running Treasury Management Courses at masters level only Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) had been able to get it right.
He said institutions like Bayero University, Kano, Nasarawa State University, University of Maiduguri and University of Abuja had not been able to get the curriculum in standardising to meet global bench mark.
According to him, NUC should compel universities offering courses in Treasury Management to look beyond their current curriculum that only contains elements of finance and accounting.
This he said should include collaboration with the institute who would help develop such curriculum as the case with ABU, Zaria.
He said by integrating treasury management into the masters curriculum, it would empower students to shine in a competitive global economy.
According to him, treasury management possesses a unique allure that sets it apart from accounting and finance, while accounting and finance focus on tracking and analysing financial data, treasury management delved deeper.
This he said was by aiming to optimise the organisation’s financial resources, mitigate risks, and maximise profitability.
He said such omission could leave aspiring professionals ill-equipped to tackle the challenges that lied ahead, adding that recognising such disparity, the institute could provide expertise to help the nation’s institutions.
According to him, with a deep-rooted commitment to excellence, CITM offers a transformative pathway to harness the full potential of treasury management in our nation’s institutions
Adedoyin said the institute would be willing to partner with NUC to bridge the gap between theory and practice by equipping individuals with specialised skills and knowledge required in treasury management.
This according to him will help to navigate the complex world of financial management with finesse in an era where financial landscapes evolve at breakneck speed, collaboration, and continuous learning are paramount.
The registrar said it would further help to gain access to cutting-edge materials, world-best practices, and the professional touch that the institute would bring.
He said by doing such, it would pave the way for a new generation of financial professionals, armed with a comprehensive understanding of treasury management principles.(NAN)www.nannews.ng

Edited by Sadiya Hamza

Lawmaker donates vehicles, cash to constituents in Sokoto
Politics

Lawmaker donates vehicles, cash to constituents in Sokoto

By Angela Atabo

Alhaji Nasiru Shehu-Bodinga, a member of the House of Representatives (APC-Sokoto), representing Bodinga/Dange-Shuni /Tureta Federal Constituency, has donated vehicles, motorcycles and cash gifts to his constituents.
The items were presented to the beneficiaries in the presence of party officials and loyalists in Bodinga town, headquarters of Bodinga Local Government on Saturday .
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event had attracted thousands of party stalwarts and well wishers from across the state.
The items distributed included 43 motorcycles to the leaders and members of the party in the three local governments.


In the same vein, a vehicle was given to each of the Chairmen of APC in the three local governments, as well as a vehicle to the women leader in Sokoto South Senatorial District.
Similarly, N500,000 was doled out to each of the women leaders in the three local governments, among others.

“The event is to thank my constituents for reposing tremendous confidence by electing me.
“I promise never to fail you, my constituents, my party and its leadership in the state.
“I also promise to provide quality representation, with a view to attracting colossal development to my constituency, Sokoto State and Nigeria in general,”he said
Speaking at the event, Gov. Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State described the gesture by Shehu-Bodinga as unparalleled and worthy of emulation.
He, therefore, challenged other National and State Assembly members to follow suit, with a view to further alleviating the suffering of the people.
Aliyu reiterated his unwavering commitment to religiously implement his nine-point agenda unveiled during his campaigns.
The governor vowed that his administration would continue to reel out a myriad of plausible programmes and policies to provide the direly needed dividends of democracy to the people of the state.
According to him, his administration remains resolute in fulfilling all his campaign promises,saying: “I know all these promises and we have already swung into action to redeem them.”
Speaking at the event, the Guest of Honour and leader of the party in the State, Sen. Aliyu Wammako, lauded the bold move by the lawmaker just a few days after assuming duty.
Wamakko, a former Governor of Sokoto State, who represents Sokoto North Senatorial District on the platform of APC urged other lawmakers to also assist the less privileged members of the society.
He said: “We should all do more to assist the masses to ameliorate their suffering as this is the essence of democracy and being in leadership positions.
“We all have to do this passionately as the people are in dire need of help.”
The Chairman of the occasion and former Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Muhammadu Dingyadi, also commended the lawmaker for the gesture.
Dingyadi said that it would go along way in alleviating the travails of the beneficiaries, urging other elected and appointed officials to emulate him.
A cross section of the beneficiaries commended Shehu-Bodinga for the gesture and urged other lawmakers to emulate him.
Other speakers at the event included the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Tukur Bala-Bodinga and the State APC Chairman, Alhaji Isa Sadiq-Achida, among others.
They all lauded the lawmker for coming to the aid of his constituents. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited hy Auwalu Birnin Kudu/Bashir Rabe Mani

W.TEC trains 288 girls on electronics, renewable energy
Economy/Business

W.TEC trains 288 girls on electronics, renewable energy

By Funmilola Gboteku

The Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre (W.TEC), a non- profit organisation says it has trained 288 girls on electronics and renewable energy to thrive in the digital age.

Adeyemi Odutola, External Relations Lead, W.TEC, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Saturday said the NGO was able to achieve this through its MakeHer Space Programme.

He noted that the programme was a transformative initiative for secondary school students in Ikorodu and Surulere areas of Lagos.

According to him, a total of 210 girls were trained in four schools at Surulere while 78 girls were trained in two schools at Ikorodu respectively.

Odutola said that the one-year programme, which had now come to a close, was designed to teach selected girls to create technology and engineering-based solutions that solve problems in their communities.

He added that it was also an opportunity to provide information about career options and expose them to women working successfully in Science,Technology Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) profession.

“The programme which was conducted in Lagos, Kwara, Bauchi, Nasarawa and Abuja, was done with the support from Google.

“In an era defined by technological advancements, it is crucial to equip young minds with the skills needed to thrive in the digital and tech age.

“MakeHER Space, played a vital role in shaping the futures of 288 bright students from various secondary schools across Lagos State.

“The programme focused on electronics and renewable energy, offering students the opportunity to learn and build essential gadgets like power banks, solar power chargers, and rechargeable lamps,” Odutola said.

He explained that throughout the school calendar year, the students who participated in the series of hands-on workshops and engaging activities that fostered their innovation and creativity, were enrolled in batches each term at the schools.

According to him, the programme is also designed to ignite the students’ passion for technology and provide them with the necessary skills to excel in this rapidly evolving field.

Odutola said that from learning the basics of electronics to harnessing the power of renewable energy, the students embarked on an inspiring journey of discovery.

“Through the programme, these aspiring technologists discovered their potential, gained invaluable skills, and laid the foundation for a bright future.

“The feedback from participants indicate that the girls believe they can fix minor problems with their electronic and rechargeable devices.

“Many further mentioned that they have more understanding of the functioning of solar powered devices and possible repairs when faltering, “he said.

He also noted that during the graduation ceremony, students who were outstanding throughout the programme were presented with well-deserving gifts.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Vivian Ihechu

No additional approval yet for transportation of pilgrims through Jeddah airport – NAHCON
Foreign

No additional approval yet for transportation of pilgrims through Jeddah airport – NAHCON

By Salisu Sani-Idris

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says the commission is yet to get additional approval for the inbound movement of pilgrims to Nigeria through King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The NAHCON’s Commissioner of Operations, Alhaji Abdullahi Hardawa, made this known at a news conference on Saturday in Makkah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

He, however, said that the Saudi Arabian General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) had invited airlines responsible for the transportation of Nigerian pilgrims to an operational meeting.

He said that the officials of NAHCON were also part of the meeting, adding that at the end of the meeting the commission might have slots approved for the transportation of pilgrims back to Nigerians.

“Up to this very moment I’m telling you no additional approval have been given for the transportation of pilgrims through King Abdulaziz International Airport, Jeddah.

“The Saudi Arabian General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) has invited airlines for a meeting this evening. Our officials are also attending the meeting and we hope by the end of the meeting we will have slots approved.

“And then transportation of pilgrims to Nigeria will commence in earnest involving all the approved carriers. As of now only the Flynas, a Saudi Arabian designated airline is actively flying out.

“Then with the Air Peace, Aero Contractors and Azman airlines were getting flight slots here and there which will not be satisfactory,” he said.

Hardawa explained that because of slot constraint, the commission had an aged long policy of ensuring justice to the pilgrims by trying to maintain the sequence of arrival into the Kingdom by all the pilgrims.

“That is respecting the principle of first-in-first-out, last-in-last-out. One will wonder as of now so many pilgrims have departed to Nigeria. As I’m talking to you almost 7,000 pilgrims under the states quota have been returned to Nigeria.

“We have carried out about 17 flights yet Nasarawa State pilgrims who had the opportunity of coming first are still in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. One will wonder what went wrong ? Why are we jettisoning that principle of first-in-first-out.

“We have not. We are compelled by the circumstances. Flynas, a Saudi based carrier, was able to secure all the slots it required to fly out all the pilgrims allocated to it from Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Niger, Lagos and Osun States and it has been busy doing that.”

He said that Aero contractors, who are the carriers of Nasarawa state pilgrims would transport first flight of Nasarawa pilgrims to Nigeria today (June 8).

“Subsequent flights will depend on the outcome of the meeting currently taking place in Jeddah between GACA, air carriers and the officials of NAHCON.

“If additional slots are approved, particularly to Aero contractors, then it will be able to continue to transport Nasarawa pilgrims on back to back basis without any break.”

He therefore appealed to all Nigerian pilgrims to exercise more patience and continue to have confidence in the commission, which is not unmindful of their concern.

On his part, Sheikh Sulayman Momoh, the Commissioner Planning, Research, Statistics, Information and Library Services of the commission, expressed concern over the prevalence of pregnant women to this year’s Hajj.

He said the commission would review the incidents with a view to sanctioning those found to have violated laid down rules and guidelines governing pregnancies.

He said if NAHCON would drop its pregnant female staff, there was no reason for states not so do.

Momoh stated that NAHCON expected effective collaboration with state pilgrim boards, agencies and commissions to ensure smooth operation before, during and after the Hajj operation. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

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