By Deji Abdulwahab

Saudi Arabia, through its National Centre of Meteorology (NCM), has issued heatwave warnings for Hajj 2025, urging pilgrims to take precautions amid soaring daytime temperatures between 40°C and 47°C.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NCM has forecasted challenging weather, including high temperatures, potential thunderstorms, and reduced visibility.

With temperatures projected to reach up to 47°C, Saudi authorities said that they are implementing comprehensive measures to ensure the safety and well-being of all pilgrims.

According to the NCM, humidity levels are expected to fluctuate between 15 per cent and 60 per cent, potentially intensifying discomfort for pilgrims.

“Northerly to northwesterly winds, blowing at speeds of 25 to 35 km/h, may raise dust and significantly lower visibility, especially in open areas and along highways leading to the holy sites.

“Additionally, there is a possibility of thunderstorms forming over the Taif highlands between the 8th and 13th of Dhu Al Hijjah.

“This may extend to Mecca and surrounding areas, accompanied by strong downdrafts that could worsen dusty conditions.” it said.

In response to these forecasts, the NCM advised the pilgrims to take necessary precautions.

“Pilgrims are advised to stay well-hydrated, use protective gear such as umbrellas, and adhere to official weather updates.

“883 air conditioning units, 244 mist fans, and 3,139 ventilation fans have been installed throughout the holy sites to enhance comfort amid the desert heat.

“Additionally, 432 fragrance diffusers will infuse the air with calming aromas, enhancing the overall atmosphere of tranquillity and reverence,” it said.

It said that the recently inaugurated cooled pedestrian walkway in Makkah was part of the broader “Cooled Roads Initiative”.

“It is aimed at reducing surface temperatures and enhancing comfort for the millions of pilgrims during the intense summer heat.

“Mobility has also been addressed with the deployment of 400 electric carts, providing additional support for elderly and physically limited pilgrims in completing their rites,” it said.

On the health precautions, the Saudi Ministry of Health had confirmed five cases of heat exhaustion among the more than one million pilgrims who have arrived to perform Hajj rituals.

According to the ministry, all affected individuals received immediate medical attention and are currently in stable condition.

“Health teams are on high alert to respond swiftly to similar cases as part of the Kingdom’s commitment to safeguarding the health and safety of pilgrims.

“Symptoms of heat exhaustion include headache, excessive sweating, nausea, dizziness, and severe thirst.

“If not treated promptly, heat exhaustion can escalate to heat stroke, a life-threatening medical emergency within 10 to 15 minutes,” the health ministry said.

To combat heatstroke risks, the ministry announced a series of measures in coordination with the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites.

These include planting more than 10,000 trees, installing 400 additional water coolers and misting fans, and expanding shaded pedestrian pathways to protect pilgrims from extreme heat. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Kadiri Abdulrahman

By Deji Abdulwahab

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says Nigerian pilgrims performing the 2025 Hajj have demonstrated the acts of honesty and integrity through numerous return of lost cash to the rightful owners.

NAHCON disclosed this in a statement by its Head, Public Affairs, Malam Muhammad Musa, in Makkah on Saturday.

According to Musa, the pilgrims have continued to distinguish themselves through acts of integrity and honesty, with several returning lost cash to the rightful owners, Nigerians and foreigners alike.

“In one commendable instance, the Deputy Coordinator of Makkah Operations, Alhaji Alidu Shutti, presented three Nigerian pilgrims to the Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofi’u Elegushi, after they voluntarily returned two separate purses containing cash”.

He said that one of the pilgrims, Alhaji Bello Ajani from Ede Local Government Area in Osun State, found 200 Saudi Riyals (approximately 53.31 dollars).

He said that the money was handed over to NAHCON through Alhaji Abdrasheed Abdulazeez, the Special Assistant on Islamic Affairs to the Oyo State Government.

“In a separate case, two pilgrims, Alhaji Isiaka Olaosun from Kwara and Alhaji Bakare Momodu from Edo also found a lost purse.

“They contacted NAHCON’s Makkah Media Office and followed directions to deliver the purse in person to Alhaji Shutti, who then presented them to the commissioner.

“The second purse, belonging to an Egyptian pilgrim identified as Mustafa Ramadhan Mustafa Ali, contained 4,590 Egyptian Pounds, 65 Saudi Riyals and 5 Euros,” he said.

Meanwhile, Elegushi ordered the funds to be returned to the Egyptian Embassy for onward delivery to the rightful owner.

The 200 Saudi Riyals found earlier will be returned to Nigerian pilgrim, Shukurah Yusuf from the FCT Pilgrims Welfare Board.

Commending the pilgrims for their exemplary conduct, Elegushi described them as “True Ambassadors of Nigeria” and prayed for their continued success and wellbeing.

He also directed that letters of commendation be issued to all individuals involved, including the Oyo State official who facilitated the return.

“These incidents form part of a growing pattern of honesty within the Nigerian pilgrims’ community, reflecting a renewed spirit of integrity and moral uprightness that is drawing wide acclaim,” Musa said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

France is to ban smoking in public outdoor spaces, including beaches, parks, school zones, bus stops and sports facilities starting July 1 as part of a nationwide effort to protect children.

Health Minister Catherine Vautrin said where there are children, tobacco must disappear.

She added plans to lower the nicotine content in vaping products and reduce the number of flavours available.

“Anyone who violates the new smoking ban will have to pay a fine of 135 euros (153 U.S. dollars).

“The regulation is to be monitored by the municipal police.

“My goal is both simple and deeply ambitious: to ensure that children born in 2025 become the first smoke-free generation,” the minister said.

The new nationwide smoking restrictions, many of which were already in place at the local level, are designed to support that vision, she said.

However, outdoor seating at cafés and the use of e-cigarettes is exempted from the ban, but young people should no longer smoke outside schools.

The minister said that the size of the area around schools where smoking would no longer be permitted in future was still being determined.

The regulation should also prevent pupils from going outside the building to smoke.

In 2023, 15.6 per cent of 17-year-olds said they smoked, compared to twice as many 10 years earlier.

Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death in France, responsible for 75,000 deaths annually or more than 200 per day, the health minister added.

Vautrin noted that it has been proven that prevention reduces the risk.

She also noted the economic toll, with cancer costing the country 150 billion euros per year.

Vautrin emphasised that the right to smoke is not being abolished.

“People are free to smoke at home or in designated areas. But that freedom ends where a child’s right to clean air begins.” (dpa/NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ummul Idris/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu