NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Metro

NAHCON announces fare for 2025 hajj

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has fixed N8.7 million as the Hajj fare for the intending pilgrims from Southern States and N8.3 million for those  from Borno and Adamawa Zone.

 

The Executive Chairman of NAHCON, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, made this known in a statement by its Assistant Director, Information and Publication, Mrs Fatima Usara, on Monday in Abuja.

 

Usman also said that intending pilgrims from the Northern Zone would pay N8.4 million as Hajj fare for the 2025 pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

 

The NAHCON boss described the hajj fare as a product of extensive collaboration with all the stakeholders.

 

He appreciated the support of the Presidency and the Forum of Executive Secretaries of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions.

 

” The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), under the leadership of its Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Usman, is pleased to announce the hajj fare for the 2025 season.

 

” The fare was announced sequel to the approval from the Office of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

 

” The 2025 Hajj fare for Borno and Adamawa zone’s intending pilgrims is N8.33 million.

 

” Similarly, the cost of the 2025 Hajj for intending pilgrims from the Southern states is N8. 78 million, while intending pilgrims from the Northern zone will pay N8. 46 million..”

 

He said the leadership of NAHCON, in collaboration with representative of the Presidency, Malam Ameen Amshi, Special Assistant to the President, Special Duties, did their best to maintain the hajj fare within the same range as previously charged.

 

” This modest effort on the fare was reached after extensive consultations to ensure inclusivity in this important decision-making process.

 

” For further details and breakdown of the fare, please visit the NAHCON website on nahcon.gov.ng or through States’ Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards. ”

 

The chairman urged prospective pilgrims to take note of the timelines and the Saudi guidelines, while emphasising the importance of early payment and timely registration to avoid last-minute inconveniences.

 

 

 

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that intending pilgrims who benefited from the Federal Government’s N90 billion Hajj intervention across the zones paid N6.8 million as fare for the 2024 Hajj.

 

However, intending pilgrims who paid their Hajj fare after the subsidy from Borno and Adamawa zone paid N8.2million.

 

Similarly, those from the North zone paid N8.2 million while intending pilgrims from the Southern zone paid N8.4 million as fare for the 2024 Hajj.(NAN) (www.nannewss.ng)

Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani

Metro

Etsu Kwali rates Wike high on schools’ rehabilitation across FCT

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By Philip Yatai

Mr Luka Nizassan, Etsu Kwali, Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has rated FCT Minister Nyesom Wike high on school rehabilitation and upgrade across the territory.

Nizassan stated this in an Interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday.

NAN reports that Wike had on March 21, 2024, inaugurated the rehabilitation, upgrade and reconstruction of public secondary schools across the FCT.

The Minister had explained that the move was part of President Bola Tinubu administration’s efforts to improve access to quality education in public schools.

The Kwali traditional ruler said that so far, renovations were ongoing in more than 75 schools across the six area councils of the FCT with some already completed.

He said that as of mid-2024, the Wike-led FCT Administration had renovated Government Technical Secondary School, Kwali, and Junior Government Secondary School, Pai.

He added that renovation of Government Secondary School, Kwali, was equally ongoing.

According to him, the rehabilitation programme is already improving access to quality and inclusive education in public schools across the FCT.

He particularly commended the FCT Minister for improving schools’ infrastructure, including provision of water and sanitation facilities.

“The resolve of the honourable Minister to improve access to quality education and ensure equity for all learners in FCT, including rural residents, is remarkable.

“Learning spaces are now safer and conducive. These potent learning opportunities are already yielding great results.

“Also, ensuring that all students in urban and rural areas have access to quality education is particularly empowering the natives and residents of FCT to live quality lives in the future.

Nizassan equally said that Wike’s schools’ intervention was already addressing inequality in the education sector by providing equal access to education and vocational training.

This, he said, was empowering the natives of FCT to lead sustainable lives and make decisions that improved their quality of life.

Describing Wike as “God’s sent”, the traditional ruler said that the Minister was realising the full vision of Tinubu’s administration for the people of FCT.

“The Minister’s achievements in just a year and few months had surpassed that of previous administrations put together.

“Wike’s remarkable achievements should be lauded and emulated by all duty bearers,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Metro

Gwagwalada residents laud Wike’s rural transformation projects

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By Philip Yatai

Some residents of Gwagwalada in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have commended FCT Minister Nyesom Wike’s rural transformation projects.

The residents gave the commendation in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gwagwalada on Sunday.

NAN recalls that Wike had on Feb. 1, 2024, inaugurated the construction of nine-kilometre Paikon Kore to Ibwa road in Gwagwalada.

Wike had explained that the project was one of several road projects to be constructed in rural areas across the six area councils of the FCT.

He added that the projects were designed to make rural dwellers comfortable and open rural communities for development.

Eight months later, the Minister, again, inaugurated the rehabilitation of the Aguma Palace – Radio Nigeria – New Market Road, also in Gwagwalada.

The residents described the projects as “life changing”, adding that the impact on the socio-economic life of the people was overwhelming.

One of them, Mr Ibrahim Makeri, particularly said that the completed Paikon Kore – Ibwa road would impact significantly on agricultural production in the area.

Makeri added that before the road was constructed, most residents along the road corridor were cut off from Paikon Kore during the rainy season, due to flooding water.

He said that pupils who transited primary schools in Ibwa to junior secondary schools located in Paikon Kore were majorly affected.

The resident explained that most of the children do not go to school during rainy season because the rains usually flooded the road.

“With the road successfully constructed, anybody can go wherever he or she wishes to go,” he said.

Makeri appealed to the minister to extend the road beyond Ibwa to connect 70 other communities along the road corridor.

 Senior Project Manager, Setraco Nig. Ltd, Mr Senaka Rupanetti (2nd right) and some locals, employed by the company for the execution of Paikon Kore – Ibwa road in Gwagwalada, Gwagwalada Area Council of FCT

The story was no different for Japhet Adamu, 23, Daniel Gaji, 20, and Yahaya Abdullahi, who were among the 75 locals employed by Setraco Nigeria Ltd, while executing the projects.

They told NAN that the development had transformed their lives for good.

Abdullahi, who held a Higher National Diploma in Quantity Survey, said he was recruited as one of the surveyors, adding that it was his first major job since graduation several years ago.

The Senior Project Manager of the company, Mr Senaka Rupanetti, told NAN that the project was completed in December 2024, two weeks before the delivery date.

Rupanetti explained that the nine-kilometre toad project, with about 17 culverts, was delivered before the delivery timeline because Wike ensured that they get paid on time.

Speaking on the Aguma Palace – Radio Nigeria – New Market Road project, the affected residents on the market road corridor said that the project has turned things around in the area.

One of them, Mr Charles Eyo, who sells curtains, window blinds and other accessories on the road corridor, said that the road project has revamped businesses in the area.

“I have been paying rent for the past four years without making profit because the road was abandoned, leading to closure of most businesses.

“However, businesses are springing back to life since the commencement of the road project, and we thank Wike for that,” he said.

 The ongoing construction of Market Road in Gwagwalada, Gwagwalada Area Council, FCT

Also, Mr Obi Nicodemus, who sells traveling bags, said politicians have been using the road to campaign for votes only to turn their back once they were voted into office.

“We are happy that Wike has finally wiped our tears and as you can see, businesses are coming back to life due to the ongoing road project,” he said.

Similarly, an Okada rider, Mr Monday Onoja said, “for ten years we have been suffering from this road, even those walking on legs finds it difficult to walk on the muddy road.

“We are grateful to Wike for smiling at us.”

The contractor, Mr Ebere Owhonda, Executive Director, Okmas Nig. Ltd, said that the project, expected to be completed in August had reached 40 per cent completion.

On his part, one of the community leaders, Mr Umar Abubakar, commended Wike for the resilience to improve the quality of life of rural dwellers.

Abubakar said that the Paokon Kore and that market road projects were abandoned by the previous administration.

‘However, in less than two years, Wike has done remarkably well for the people of Gwagwalada,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Muhammad Lawal

Metro

Nigeria urges global financiers to invest in airports

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By Gabriel Agbeja

Mr Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, has urged global financiers to invest in the concession of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.

 

The minister was speaking at the Airline Economics Growth Frontiers Global in Dublin, Ireland, on Monday.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event is holding from Jan. 12 to Jan. 15.

 

The event, which is part of Airline Economics Week, focuses on the latest developments and trends in the global aviation industry, with a particular emphasis on the finance and leasing of aviation assets.

 

Keyamo emphasised that the Federal Government has streamlined policies to create an enabling environment for investors to concession the nation’s airports.

 

“Initiated measures to reduce operational bottlenecks, including reviewing airport concession agreements to improve efficiency, have been put in place.

 

“There is a need to expand Lagos and Abuja airports to enhance capacity and passenger experience,” he said.

 

The minister noted that the Nigerian aviation sector had experienced significant growth, aligned with the government’s commitment to modernise infrastructure, improve safety, and foster economic growth.

 

He said that Nigeria’s Cape Town Convention index, which increased from 49 to 75.5 as a result of recently implemented policies, would help improve lessor’s confidence in placing leased aircraft in Nigeria.

 

“We hope that our demonstration of supporting economic growth, with aviation being a key factor, will open arms from the industry,” Keyamo said.

 

He also explained that the government had created multiple platforms to unify aviation stakeholders and increase the participation of local financing institutions.

 

The minister added that the government had also partnered with airlines, the insurance industry, and regional banks to address key issues and implement reforms.

 

“We have developed and signed a working agreement, MoU, with Boeing to help with safety improvement, operational efficiency, talent development, infrastructure development, and capacity building concerning MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul),” he added. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo

Metro

FG approves 4 airlines for 2025 hajj operation – NAHCON

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By Salisu Sani-Idris

The Federal Government has approved four airlines as official air carriers to transport intending pilgrims for the 2025 hajj pilgrimage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Executive Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Abdullahi Usman, made this known in a statement by the commission’s Assistant Director, Information and Publication, Mrs Fatima Usara, on Sunday in Abuja.

Usman explained that the four airlines were selected out of the 11 companies that submitted applications to transport Nigerian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Muslims pilgrimage.

According to Usman, the four approved airlines are Air Peace Ltd., Fly-Nas, a Saudi Arabia designated airline, Max Air, and UMZA Aviation Services Ltd.

The NAHCON boss said that the airlines were screened and shortlisted by a team of 32 members that were inaugurated by the NAHCON on Nov. 26, 2024.

He said that the composition of the Aviation Screening Committee included representatives from State Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, three members from Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and one member each from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).

He also said that some members of the committee were drawn from the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA), Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), and Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).

Similarly, Prof. Usman said that one member each was drawn from Nigerian Customs’ Service (NCS) and Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).

Others, he listed, were NAHCON Board members representing each geo-political zone of the country, NAHCON Heads of Aviation, Procurement, Legal, Internal Audit, Special Duties as well as Board Member representing the Aviation industry.

The NAHCON boss also disclosed that three excess cargo carriers were selected for the hajj operations.

He named them to include; Aglow Aviation Support Services Ltd, Cargozeal Technology Ltd and Qualla Investment Ltd.,

The Chairman, who congratulated the successful companies, urged them to fulfill their responsibilities as promised during the screening.

Meanwhile, Prof. Usman signed the 2025 Hajj Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on behalf of the Nigerian Government.

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia was represented by the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Abdulfatah Masahat, at the signing ceremony.

The event was held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to formalise this year’s Hajj engagements. (NAN)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu

Metro

How Wike’s road project promotes socio-economic activities in FCT community 

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By Philip Yatai

Residents of Saburi I and II communities in Abuja Municipal Area Council, have described the recently constructed road in the community initiated by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, as a “game changer.”

Some of the residents told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja, that the road project had significantly improved socio-economic activities in the area.

NAN correspondent alongside other members of the Ministers’ Press Corps, visited the  community to assess the impact of road projects on FCT communities.

NAN recalled that Wike had on Jan. 21, 2024, inaugurated the construction of a 5-kilometre access road, connecting Saburi 1 and 11 and Dei Dei International Market.

The minister had said that the road, from Murtala Mohammed Expressway to Dei DeI International Market, was designed to ease the suffering of the people, particularly during the wet season.

The residents told NAN that the road had improved their businesses and triggered enormous socio-economic activities and other developmental strides in the area.

One of the residents, Mr Emmanuel Ogboh, a shop owner, said that businesses in the community had improved owing to the increased vehicular movement since the construction of the road.

The visibly excited Ogboh thanked Wike for extending his developmental agenda to Saburi community.

Also, Mrs Justina Ocheche, who sells beans cake, popularly known as Akara, said that her business had improved since the completion of the road.

Ocheche said that when the road was not completed her akara business suffered due to heavy dust particularly during the dry season and mud during the raining season.

“However, since Wike happened, there is no more dust or mud; people are now moving freely and we are experiencing significant patronage.

“God will bless Wike and his generation yet unborn because of what he did for us in Saburi and Dei Dei,” She said.

The akara seller, however, called on the FTC administration to tackle the epileptic electricity and portable water supply in the community.

“Sometimes this community stays two weeks without water supply due to epileptic power supply,”she decried.

Village Head of Saburi, Alhaji Muhammad Yamawo

A furniture maker, Mr Nicholas Emmanuel, said that the dust that before now emanated from the road had affected furniture business in the community.

He explained that furniture  made of fabrics accumulates dust, making it unattractive to prospective buyers.

He added that residents were always putting on nose masks to protect them from the dust and prevent catarrh.

“Now the dust is over and so is our catarrh.

“We thank God that the minister remembered us in Saburi and we pray that God will keep him to continue the good work he has started,”he prayed.

For Mr Akin Akinwande, a car wash owner in the community, said that the road network was a game changer for his business.

“Before now, you barely see 20 cars pass through this community in a day, but now more than 100 ply this road daily.

“This is good for our businesses and we thank Wike and President Bola Tinubu for this gesture,” he said.

Mr Emeka Oduma, a truck driver, said “I am very impressed with what Wike did for us in this village; I am happy and everybody is happy that our minister is doing a good job.

“I have been in Saburi 1 for close to 10 years and the road was in terrible state, but thank God for Wike who is setting a good example for others to follow,”he said.

Describing Wike as a “good man” , Oduma urged the minister to continue with the good works by opening more roads in rural communities of the FCT.

The Village Head of Saburi, Alhaji Muhammad Yamawo, who could not hide his joy, described the road project as its “new bride.”

“This road is like someone who has never gotten married and when he finally does, he feels like the whole world belongs to him.

“We have suffered a lot due to the absence of a good road in Saburi, but we are happy that Wike has finally wiped our tears,” he said.

The village head also commended the minister for the ongoing construction of a Police Station and a hospital in the community.

NAN reports that the 5-kilometre Saburi to Dei Dei road is among several road projects awarded by the Wike-led FCT Administration in rural communities across the six area councils of the territory. (NAN)

Edited by Polycarp Auta

Metro

Boeing ready to assist airlines in Nigeria in accessing aircraft insurance cover

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By Gabriel Agbeja

Boeing International Corporation says it is ready to assist airlines in Nigeria in accessing adequate aircraft insurance coverage through partnership with buoyant lessors and global financiers.

Mr Moore Ibekwe, Boeing Sales Director, Africa Region Commercial Airlines, disclosed this in Dublin, Ireland during the startoff meeting of  the “Boeing Lessor Forum“  scheduled to hold from Jan. 12 to Jan.15.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the forum presents a unique opportunity for Nigeria to showcase its reforms in the aviation sector toward forging strategic alliances.

According to Ibekwe, such effort will contribute significantly to enabling Nigerian airline operators to mitigate risks and guard against losses.

“One key aspect of aviation insurance in Nigeria is the requirement for aircraft operators to maintain adequate insurance cover.

“Boosting the capacity of aviation insurance in Nigeria is essential to ensuring stability and safety through financial soundness of insurance operators in the sector.

“This meeting is part of efforts Nigerian government is making to address issues related to aircraft insurance in the aviation sector,” he said.

He praised Nigeria for securing the first position in the Cape Town Convention compliance index rating in Africa.

The director added that tracking funds by lessors is no longer an issue in the Nigerian aviation sector.

Speaking, Ms Rose Lereece, the Organiser of the “Nigerian Aviation Forum“ startoff meeting urged the delegation from Nigeria to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the event to attract businesses that would advance the Nigerian aviation sector. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

(Edited by Emmanuel Yashim)

Metro

NAN MD reels out achievements, pledges improvement in 2025

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By Ahmed Musa/Collins Yakubu-Hammer

Malam Ali M. Ali, Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN),  has reeled out his achievements in office during his 12-month-old leadership and promising to do more in 2025.

Ali reeled out the achievements during an end of year interactive session with members of staff of the Agency across the country on Monday in Abuja.

He explained that 2024 was challenging, adding that it is good to be thankful to the Almighty for all that the agency was able to achieve.

“We had an International lecture that boosted our image, brand and capacity. This has attracted other organisations willing to sign Memorandum of Understanding to partner with us.

“We also had management retreat followed by that of the editorial. These retreats reshape the operations as participants came back better enriched with the belief that we can move mountains.

“This year, we have improved on our infrastructure and facilities. Lagos has been without power for the past two years. We have connected them to the national grid and added solar energy.

“In Abuja, most offices have solar power supply and before next week, all the offices will enjoy solar in Abuja,” Ali said.

He further explained that there would be training for members of staff in 2025 to further boast productivity, adding that an untrained staff can wreck a good system.

“On the social calendar, we were able to engage ourselves in health walk and regular weekly exercise to keep fit. We may introduce interdepartmental sports competition to ease the tension of the work.

“We are going to fix our states and zonal offices to portray our image as the number one News Agency in Africa. We have traveled to some states and saw the state of our offices. We will fix them.

“All Zonal Offices deserves multimedia unit. It is just a matter of time and we will get there, this is because the future of news is multimedia and we will not be left behind.

“I encourage all of you both in Lagos, Abuja and other states to collaborate,”

He appreciated the management and members of staff for their support so far, adding that more would be achieved with such environment of understanding.

Ali admonished senior officers in the agency to mentor the younger ones that would take over in years to come.

He stressed that the Ombudsman is a very important component in the agency.

Members of staff commended the Managing Director for the new lease of life in staff welfare as well as the December welfare package. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ismail Abdulaziz

Metro

Yuletide: More than 340,000 passengers to enjoy free train rides – NRC

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By Gabriel Agbeja

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) said on Friday that free train rides were open to no fewer than 340,000 passengers across the country from Dec. 20, 2024 to Jan. 5, 2025.

NRC acting Managing Director, Mr Ben Iloanuse, made this known while addressing newsmen after a train started the operation, carrying passengers from the Kubwa Railway Station to Kaduna.

He said that no fewer than 20,000 passengers would be conveyed daily from their stations to various destinations.

“So, we have an average of 20,000 passengers every day that will ride the train free of charge. Approximately, we are going to carry about 340,000 passengers over the period.

“As we commence today, we are expecting this to last until early January. So, today, on average, we have done 20,000 across some routes where the free train is happening.

“The routes are Abuja-Kaduna route, Lagos-Ibadan route, Port Harcourt- Abia route, Lagos Mass Transit route and Wari-Itakpe route.

“This morning, everything went seamlessly,” he said.

Iloanuse said that passengers with tickets boarded the trains and those without tickets were profiled.

He urged passengers to use the initiative of the Federal Government by making their plans early.

“Book online, the tickets are available. It makes it easy for us to allow you to board if you have a ticket. Also, importantly, please ensure you have a valid identification like NIN, international passport, valid driver’s licence.

“To ease the burden of the masses, the palliative is one of the ways the Federal Government is trying to do this, and this palliative will last till early January 2025.

“In terms of security, we have beefed up our security. Some of you at Kubwa Railway station, you will admit that you notice the presence of extra security on ground, “ he said.

According to him, the NRC has put an effective system in place to ensure that people cannot buy multiple tickets.

Passengers that spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) commended the Federal Government for the initiative.

Mrs Aina Omoworare, a civil servant, who appreciated President Bola Tinubu’s initiative in the transport sector, said she enjoyed the same palliative last year.

She said that she was also going to Kaduna free of charge by train this year, to return next year.

Mr Muhammed Idris, a trader, said he thought the initiative was not true, but was glad that the government was fulfilling the announcement. (NAN)

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Metro

MD, others eulogise Sheyin for giving 35 years to NAN

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By Philip Yatai

Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), and members of staff of the agency have eulogised Mr Ephraims Sheyin for giving 35 years of his life to the agency.

Sheyin joined the service of the agency in 1989 as a reporter and rose through the ranks to the peak of his career as Editor-in-Chief (EIC) before he retired on Dec. 11.

At an event organised in his honour, Ali described Sheyin as a “professional journalist” who dedicated 35 years of his life to the service of the agency and mentoring young reporters.

He commended Sheyin for setting a minimum standard in the newsroom, adding that he was too valuable to be far away from the agency.

“For us in Africa and in Nigeria, we only celebrate people when they die, but you are lucky that you are being celebrated by people who look up to you.

“Having worked for 35 years in NAN, I have never seen greater loyalty, greater faithfulness in working in an agency for three and a half decades.

“This man deserves our praise,” said.

He added that with the testimonies from lots of his mentees, he would work out of the agency with his shoulders high.

According to him, the mark of a leader is the ability to develop other leaders and see their subordinates expressing abilities to carry on in their absence.

“That we have seen in Sheyin, and we thank him for that.”

Also, Mr Mufutau Ojo, who succeeded Sheyin as the EIC, said, “Love Sheyin or hate him, no one can deny his capacity.

“I agree with Chijioke when he said that the retired EIC could be ruthless sometimes because you need some element of ruthlessness to be able to succeed in the newsroom.”

Ojo expressed confidence that although Sheyin had retired, he would be busy in the media space and beyond because he had so much to offer.

Earlier, Mr Chijioke Okoronkwo, a Senior editor, described Sheyin as a “thoroughbred journalist” with impressive capacity.

“He is nice and friendly but could also be harsh and ruthless when need be,” he said.

Similarly, Mrs Abiemwence Moru, Assistant Editor-in-Chief and Head of the Health and Gender Desk, said she had come thus far in the agency because of Sheyin’s mentorship.

“He groomed me to what I am today in the newsroom, and I will forever remain grateful,” she said.

For Hajiya Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu, a Deputy Editor-in-Chief (DEIC) and Head of Newsroom, Sheyin was a dedicated journalist and a teacher.

“We all learnt from him,” she said.

Sharing a similar view, Mrs Ekemini Ladejobi, a Deputy Editor On Chief (DEIC) and Head of the Entertainment Desk, said that Sheyin was a mentor with a charming smile, adding that he corrects errors with love and respect.

Also, Mrs Ifeyinwa Omowole, a DEIC and Head of Editorial Operations, Lagos Office, commended Sheyin’s magnanimity and humane leadership as the Head of Lagos Operations.

According to her, his leadership style has strengthened love and unity among member staff, “and for the first time, we held a valedictory session in his honour in absentia.”

Reporters also took turns to share their experiences of how Sheyin brought out the best in them and encouraged them to be good at what they do for their own good and for the good of the agency.

Responding, Sheyin thanked all the members of staff for the accolades, saying, “I feel honoured for the show of love.

“Since I agreed to do the job when I was recruited in 1989, I decided to put the whole of myself inside it.

“The only thing I didn’t give NAN is what I didn’t have.”

He thanked Ali for all the support and expressed confidence that NAN would continue to flourish under his leadership.

He advised the senior editors in the agency to make decisions together and defend such decisions together.

This, according to him, will set a good example for younger reporters and editors to emulate, particularly on decisions relating to editorial operations. (NAN)

Edited by Peter Amine

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