News Agency of Nigeria
NAHCON Ulama team holds prayer for Tinubu, Nigeria in Madina
Religious

NAHCON Ulama team holds prayer for Tinubu, Nigeria in Madina

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By Deji Abdulwahab

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Ulama Team has organised a special prayer for President Bola Tinubu and Nigerian leaders for Allah to assist them to curb insecurity and transform the country.

Sheikh Afini Yusuf AbduIbari, Chairman, Council of Imams and AIfas, Etiosa, Lagos State, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen in Madina.

AbduIbari said that the purpose of the prayer was to pray for the nation and its leaders, particularly the President, for the good work that he has been doing.

“The President has hit the ground since he assumed the office, and he has not shown any sign of tiredness today. So, we need to continue to pray for him, and that is the purpose we are here.

“We also pray for Almighty Allah to help us against insecurity in the nation. We pray for all his team and all the political officers,” he said.

According to him, these are ulamas chosen for pilgrims’ enlightenment from the South-West by NAHCON.

“We are chosen as ulamas from various parts of the South-West. We are here from Lagos, Osun and Oyo States. All of us are here. So, we gather to pray as ulamas,” he said.

AbduIbari, a member of the Council of Imams in Lagos State, also commended the NAHCON’s airlift operation, especially the feat recorded by its Madina office in areas of pilgrims’ reception, hotel accommodations and feeding.

He said that the airlift operation had moved a step forward with better coordination.

“By now, we know all the pilgrims that have come to Medina and those who have gone back to Mecca.

“They are almost 40,000 already. That tells you that the operation is smooth,” he said.

Speaking on the responsibilities of the ulamas, AbduIbari said that the ulama have been enlightening pilgrims on the rudiments and purpose of the pilgrimage.

“That has been carried out deeply in Medina here, and when we get to Makkah, we will continue to enlighten the pilgrims.

“Specifically, the pilgrims have been made to know that they have been called upon to come and perform pilgrimage by Almighty Allah.

“It means that they are fortunate. If you are not being called, you will not be here. So, we have sensitised them, we have let them know what they are supposed to do.

“Today, I am able to tell you that the visitations that we are supposed to do here to the Prophet Mosque, we are in the Prophet Mosque now where we are holding the prayer.

“All the important holy places have been visited. So, we have carried out our duty,” he said.

Also speaking, Sheikh Ridwan Mustapha Sunusi, said that the ulama organised the special prayer to complement the government’s efforts toward transforming the country.

Sunusi said, “We see that the government is trying all its efforts. So, what remains for us is just the prayer so that Nigeria will be good.”

He urged pilgrims to abide by the law and regulations of the Saudi Arabia authorities.

According to him, they must abide by the law and regulation of Islam, and they must abide by the law and regulations of the Nigerian government. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Kano pilgrims praise Govt. over accommodation arrangement in Madina
Religious

Kano pilgrims praise Govt. over accommodation arrangement in Madina

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By Aminu Garko
Some Kano State pilgrims in Madina on Saturday praised Gov. Abba Yusuf for arranging decent accommodation for them near the Prophet’s Mosque in Madina.
Alhaji Mohammad Shamsuddeen, a pilgrim from Gwale Local Government Area (LGA), told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Madina that the governor’s efforts made a significant difference.
He said this was particularly evident in healthcare, with stationary and mobile clinics providing medical care for the pilgrims.
He said that the pilgrims would observe all the Hajj rituals without any form of stress.
“We’re pleased with the state government’s arrangement for decent accommodation very close to the Prophet’s Mosque,” he said.
Alhaji Ado Isa from Gwale LGA lauded the state government for providing decent meals for the pilgrims, saying: “I’m pleased the state government is identifying with us, enabling us to observe the Hajj rituals without stress.”
He said that the state government had provided decent accommodation with excellent facilities and well-trained scholars to guide the pilgrims.
Alhaji Bashir Disu praised Yusuf, saying he had made significant difference by ensuring a stress-free and peaceful Hajj experience.
He prayed for the governor’s success and the continued prosperity for his administration.
The Kano pilgrims’ satisfaction with the accommodation arrangements highlights the importance of logistics support for pilgrims during the Hajj pilgrimage.
“The provision of proper accommodation and other facilities can significantly enhance the spiritual experience of pilgrims.
“This allows them to focus on their religious duties without undue stress or discomfort,” said Hajiya Hauwa Ibrahim.
The state’s provision of decent accommodation for the pilgrims demonstrates its commitment to supporting its citizens during this significant religious event.
NAN spotted pilgrims from Kano State praying at the Prophet’s Mosque in Madina.
The Prophet’s Mosque is considered the second holiest place in Islam after the Kaaba in Mecca with millions of Muslims visiting it every year to pray and pay their respects.
Praying in that mosque is believed to be highly rewarding, with some Islamic scholars stating that one prayer here is equivalent to 1,000 prayers elsewhere, except for the Sacred Mosque in Mecca.
NAN reports that the 540 pilgrims, who arrived in six flights, were in perfect health conditions and were also spotted visiting other historical sites in Madina. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Uche Anunne
36,359 Nigerian pilgrims transported as airlift operation ends May 30 – NAHCON
Religious

36,359 Nigerian pilgrims transported as airlift operation ends May 30 – NAHCON

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By Deji Abdulwahab

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says it has successfully transported 36,359 Nigerian pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, saying that the airlift operation will end on May 30.

The commission made the disclosure via its Assistant Director, Information and Publication, Hajiya Fatima Usara, in Madina on Thursday.

Usara said that as at the time of the report, 5,494 pilgrims from the government quota were still awaiting airlift.

“Air Peace is projected to conclude its final Hajj flight on May 24, having secured a slot for the date.

“Similarly, UMZA Aviation is expected to complete its operations from Kaduna on the same day, with only three flights remaining so far.

“Max Air will round off its airlift operations on May 25.

“The extension is due to an increase in the number of pilgrims that continued to register in some of the states assigned to the airline after formal allocation,” Usara said.

According to her, in a special arrangement, FlyNas will conclude its operations on May 30.

“The final FlyNas flight will depart with full complement of pilgrims, including the Governor of Kebbi State.

“The commission will conduct mop-up flights on May 24 in Kaduna by Umza, Abuja by Air Peace, and Max Air in Kano. Max Air’s final flight will take off from Katsina on May 25,” she said.

Regarding the Nusuk card, the NAHCON spokesperson reassured the few pilgrims yet to receive their cards to remain calm as they will receive their cards soonest.

“The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, which oversees its issuance in partnership with designated service providers, has directed immediate resolution of all outstanding issues.

“NAHCON is monitoring the process closely to ensure compliance and timely distribution,” she said.

The NAHCON spokesperson recalled that on April 23, the commission announced that its VIP service providers, the Rawaf Mina, secured 2,800 bed spaces in Tent A + facility.

According to her, as the only VIP location secured this year, distribution to interested parties have continued following the announcement.

Meanwhile, the NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh, gave gratitude to Almighty Allah for the successes achieved so far, and prayed for its continuation throughout the Hajj season.

He thanked the commission’s numerous stakeholders that contributed to achieving the feat.

The chairman also praised the intending pilgrims for their patience and civil conduct so far. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Taraba pilgrims, others laud NAHCON for making Nusuk cards in Madina
Religious

Taraba pilgrims, others laud NAHCON for making Nusuk cards in Madina

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By Deji Abdulwahab

Alhaji Abubakar Mahmud, Secretary, Amiru Hajj Team, Taraba State, has commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for making pilgrims’ Nusuk cards ready in Madina before proceeding to Makkah for Hajj rites.

Mahmud gave the commendation while expressing excitement over the hospitality by the NAHCON officers in Madina.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the first batch of pilgrims from Ogun, Kaduna, Niger and Osun who visited Madina have moved to Makkah for Hajj.

“I want to tell you that we are highly impressed with the hospitality and the way our people were organised in an orderly manner.

“We are happy, today is the fourth day, and from the first day, we never had any problem.

“Tomorrow by Allah’s grace, we are going to leave Madina for Makkah. That is why our people are collecting their Nusuk cards now,” he said.

He said that the Nusuk cards were ready and waiting for distribution.

He commended NAHCON for its effective handling of the general Hajj operations, while urging members of the team to improve in certain areas.

“The area they should improve on is the visit (Ziyarah) to Rawdah, that is the only problem we have. It is usually hard for people to get access to Rawdah.

“Apart from this, we visited other places like the Prophet’s Mosque, Haram al-Nobawi, Masjid Quba, Masjid Uhud,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Tinubu’s participation at Pope’s inauguration shows religious tolerance – clerics
Religious

Tinubu’s participation at Pope’s inauguration shows religious tolerance – clerics

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By Uchenna Eletuo

Two clerics, Prof. Amidu Sanni, Chief Imam, Lagos State University, and Pastor Charles Ighele of the Holy Spirit Mission Church, Ikeja, have described President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s presence at Pope Leo XIV’s inauguration mass as a demonstration of religious tolerance.

The clerics spoke with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

NAN reports that Tinubu, a Muslim, on Sunday, joined other world leaders to participate in the inauguration mass at St. Peter’s Square, Rome.

Sanni, said that Nigerians should embrace President Tinubu’s religious liberalism and statesmanship to foster unity.

According to him, Tinubu’s participation in the one-hour mass was encouraging.

“As a Muslim, President Tinubu demonstrated the fundamental quality of Islamic liberalism, inclusivism and statesmanship.

“He also held a closed-door meeting with the Nigerian Conference of Catholic Cardinals at the end of the inauguration, when he assured them of his readiness to always support their cause.

“He also appealed to the cardinals to join efforts at making our diversity to enhance our unity,” Sanni said.

He noted that the President had continued to show support for pilgrimages to Jerusalem.

“I, therefore, appeal to Nigerians to see ourselves first as human beings who have the freedom to adopt any religion of choice and to respect that choice without mischief and ill-will or subtle manipulation and coercion, by emulating the President in our conducts with others.

“It shows that tolerance and broad-mindedness are necessary for good leadership which should be emulated at all levels to ensure peaceful coexistence and societal development,” he said.

Commenting, Ighele said that he was not surprised that Tinubu was present at the inauguration in Rome.

According to the bishop, Tinubu’s wife, Remi, is a known Christian.

“A man who has not prevented his wife from her church attendance should be appreciated. We should appreciate the President for this.

“His being in Rome for the Pope’s inauguration should be applauded by all. It shows his level of religious tolerance.

“As a preacher of the Word of God, I believe that we should praise someone when the person does what is good.

“I am not a Catholic, but I was happy seeing him on television among other leaders,” he said.

Ighele said that Tinubu’s action promoted religious harmony.

“There is the need for us as a people to see one another first as humans created by same God.” (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Ijeoma Popoola

Let’s harness our diversity for prosperity – Tinubu
Religious

Let’s harness our diversity for prosperity – Tinubu

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By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to use their diversity for the country’s stability and rapid development.

The President said this on Sunday in Rome, Italy, when he received members of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria.

The President also issued a stirring call to leaders at all levels to work for the betterment of the citizenry.

“If we use our diversity not for adversity but for prosperity, the country’s hope is stability and progress,” Tinubu said.

He said it was historic being the President of Nigeria when a new Pope was inaugurated in Rome.

The Catholic bishops were part of President Tinubu’s delegation to the installation mass of Pope Leo XIV’s on Sunday.

Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, Archbishop of Owerri and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, thanked President Tinubu for facilitating their visit to the Vatican to bury the late Pope Francis and witness the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV.

He said the development signalled a new era of a more robust relationship between the President and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference.

“You are always there for us. Now that you have come to the Vatican, whenever we have our conference in Nigeria, we will also invite you, and we look forward to interfacing with you just as you were able to do with the Holy Father,” he said.

Archbishops Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, Alfred Martins of Lagos, and Mathew Hassan Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, attended the meeting with the President. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

Tinubu arrives Rome for inauguration of Pope Leo XIV
Religious

Tinubu arrives Rome for inauguration of Pope Leo XIV

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By Salif Atojoko

President Bola Tinubu arrived in Rome, Italy, on Saturday to join other world leaders at the solemn mass marking the beginning of the Pontificate of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV.

The installation mass of the 267th Bishop of Rome and the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church will take place on Sunday, May 18.

President Tinubu was received at the Mario De Bernardo Military Airport by Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, and officials from Vatican City and the Nigerian Embassy after the plane touched down at 6.00 p.m. local time.

Tinubu is in Rome to honour the new Pope’s invitation, conveyed by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State.

The Papal invitation underscored the need for Tinubu’s physical presence “at this moment of particular importance for the Catholic Church and the world afflicted by many tensions and conflicts.”

“Your great nation is particularly dear to me as I worked in the Apostolic Nunciature in Lagos during the 1980s,” Pope Leo XIV further said in the invitation.

President Tinubu’s entourage includes the Archbishop of Owerri and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, Archbishop Lucius Ugorji, Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Abuja, and Alfred Martins of Lagos.

Mathew Hassan Kukah, the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, is also in the president’s entourage. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

Celestial church group unveils founder’s logo 40 years after death
Religious

Celestial church group unveils founder’s logo 40 years after death

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By Abiodun Abegunde

The True Word In Season, a group in the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) National Headquarters, Makoko, has unveiled its founder’s logo 40 years after his passing.

Unveiling the logo in Lagos on Thursday, the Shepherd in Charge, Afis Kiki, said that the event was to commemorate the 40th transition anniversary of the founder, Samuel Oshoffa.

Kiki said that the anniversary with the theme “Oshoffa the Sent, the Enigmatic Man”, would herald activities like 116 days testimony of the encounter and experience of the late founder on paper.

He also said that there would be a three-day prayer and praise, juvenile Bible test of knowledge in the tenent and doctrine of CCC and juvenile choir competition.

Similarly, the Convener of the event, Samuel Ademola, said that the church was planning a documentary on the lives and times of the founder.

Ademola said that the essence of the anniversary was about revealing the legacies of the founder to upcoming generations.

According to him, this is in order to bridge the gap between the present generation and upcoming generations and bring to the consciousness of the public the identity of the founder.

“We also expect the breeze of tension presently in the church to be curtailed after the 116 days testimony of the encounter and experience of the founder is shared with the flock as well as a high level of sanity and proper revamping of our minds in the right direction.’’

He added that the church was not fetish as being believed by some persons.

Speaking on its special presentation, “Music and its Effect on the Generation 40 Years after Papa SBJ,’’ a musician, Seyi Solagbade, said that everyone needed to understand the culture of music of the church.

Solagbade stressed the need for members to embrace the musical culture heaven gave to the church, adding that there was the need for all to understand the kind of musical rhythm associated with the church.

In the same vein, Mawuyon Ogun, another musician, said that the Celestial music was glorious, adding that growing, back in the day, Celestial youths measured themselves with spiritual food before physical food. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Deborah Coker

Oyo Muslim group disburses N6.5m Zakat to less privileged
Religious

Oyo Muslim group disburses N6.5m Zakat to less privileged

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By Suleiman Shehu

Some Muslim professionals and businessmen in Oyo State, operating under the auspices of The Companion, on Sunday, disbursed M6.5 million as Zakat to the underprivileged Muslims in Ibadan.

Zakat is the fourth pillar of Islam, obligatory on wealthy Muslims to remove a certain percentage of their wealth once in a year and share to the poor in society.

Speaking during the exercise, the Amir of the group, Oyo District, Alhaji Nurain Zakariyah, said the gesture was to assist the needy Muslims.

According to Zakariyah, the association was established to promote Islam and one of its objectives is Zakat distribution.

He said that the association had branches in Abuja, Oyo, Kwara, Osun, Lagos, and Cross River.

He also said that the distribution of Zakat was being carried out simultaneously in other branches.

He said that a grand sum of N114 million would be distributed as Zakat across all the branches.

The amir said that N6.5 million Zakat would be distributed to the less privileged in the state, while the beneficiaries would receive between N100,000 and N300,000.

He said that the distribution, which was the fifth edition, had impacted positively on the lives of the beneficiaries.

He urged wealthy Muslims in the country to ensure they pay Zakat in order to reduce poverty among the Muslim population.

In a remark, the group’s Chairman of the Organising Committee, Alhaji Abdulwakeel Olaniyi, said that 77 applications were received by the committee but 48 were considered for the Zakat.

Olaniyi said that the beneficiaries comprised 29 females and 19 males.

Earlier in a lecture, the Missioner of the association, Dr Mubasir Yusuf, said that it was obligatory on wealthy Muslims to obey the commandment of God and pay Zakat.

Yusuf also said that many wealthy Muslims neglected the payment of Zakat because they were very weak in faith and ignorant of its consequences.

He said that Zakat, if rightly adhered to by wealthy Muslims, would purify their wealth and also reduce hardship in society, especially among Muslims.

Also speaking, the association’s former Amir, Dr Bashir Olanrewaju, called on the beneficiaries to make judiciously use of the fund in order for them to be givers of Zakat in future.

Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Mr Kazeem Akindele and Mrs Taiwo Badmus commended the association for their assistance and promised that they would ultilise the money well. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Ojinaka/Sam Oditah

Life Impact Church holds free medical outreach to mark 17th anniversary
Religious

Life Impact Church holds free medical outreach to mark 17th anniversary

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By Ezra Musa

As part of activities to mark its 17th anniversary celebration, the Life Impact Church held a free medical outreach.

Speaking during the event in Kaduna, Senior Pastor of the Church, Linus Midalla, said the outreach was part of its commitment to giving back to the community.

“This is the third edition of our medical outreach. We organise it twice a year and plan to expand it in the future, as God enables us,” he said.

Midalla explained that the programme was initiated after the church realised that many people in the community were facing health challenges,  but could not access proper medical care.

“As a church, we discovered that we can pray, care, and also give back to society. That is what motivated us to embark on this outreach,” he said.

He stated that the outreach provided free consultations, medications, and referrals to hospitals for cases requiring advanced medical attention.

“The doctors and nurses involved are seasoned professionals who are well-known and currently serving in the state,” he added.

The pastor emphasised the need for a balanced approach to healing by combining faith and medicine.

“I have prayed for people and seen them healed. I believe in divine healing. However, if your faith cannot carry you, seek medical help,” he advised.

Midalla said the church also distributed clothes and other items to members of the community during the outreach.

He reaffirmed the church’s commitment to continuous service to humanity, saying the initiative would be sustained and scaled up in future editions.

Ms Barbara Nangmaro, a member of the church and official in the Sanitation Department, said the outreach was a reflection of the church’s mandate to make positive impacts on lives.

She mentioned that the outreach, which included free medical services, clothings, water and other items, was made possible through contributions from church members and supporters.

She said the church leveraged its internal resources, including a team of qualified medical professionals, who were also members of the congregation.

A beneficiary, Mrs Martha Silas, said the programme was beneficial as it made her more aware of her health status.

“If not for this, I wouldn’t have known some hidden ailments inside me. So, it made me more aware of my health,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Josephine David, described the outreach as timely and impactful.

“It is a good programme. Some of us didn’t know if we were sick or not, until we came for the medical check-up and got to know our health status.

“After examining us, they knew what steps to take,” she said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chinyere Nwachukwu/Bashir Rabe Mani

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