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2021 Hajj: NAHCON, PTF set strategic COVID-19 guidelines for Nigerian pilgrims
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and two other agencies are mapping out strategic guidelines on COVID-19 preventive measures to safeguard Nigerian pilgrims during the 2021 hajj operation.
Reports state that the two other agencies are the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 and the Federal Ministry of Health.
The Head, Public Affairs of NAHCON, Mrs Fatima Usara, announced this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.
Usara enjoined all intending pilgrims and officials of State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Boards to continue to observe COVID-19 protocols.
This, she said, is in order to curtail the spread of the pandemic, which has entered the second wave.
She, however, said that NAHCON “is awaiting further directives from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in reverence to its (the Kingdom) divine role as the custodians of the two holy mosques and its domain.
The officer said that the commission would continue to commend and trust the Kingdom for its courage in taking difficult decisions in the interest of Muslims all over the world, even where the unfavourable effect of such decisions was borne by the Kingdom itself.
She assured Nigerian Muslims that as soon as the Saudi Arabia authority communicated new guidelines on the 2021 Hajj and Umrah, it would take appropriate actions in the interest of intending pilgrims.
“NAHCON joins millions of Muslims from all over the world in sharing the optimism that lies beneath the news of Saudi Arabia, lifting its suspension on international travels.
“As a people of faith, saddled with the responsibility of managing Hajj and Umrah travels from Nigeria, the news holds glad tidings for those hoping to embark on hajj and umrah from Nigeria.
“As we look forward with high hopes on the possibility of the larger Muslim community performing hajj and umrah in 2021, NAHCON will continue to await further directives from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,’’ Usara stated.
She, therefore, urged intending pilgrims, states and other hajj and umrah licensed tour operators to continue with normal preparations and registration while exercising patience until clear directives are released by Saudi Arabia.
Usara reminded all intending pilgrims that registration for 2021 Hajj would continue on the normal platform on e-Hajj portals under state pilgrims’ boards, agencies and commissions.
“Those wishing to pay against 2022 and beyond are also advised to utilise the Hajj Savings Scheme platform, to start savings now,’’ statement added.
As President Bola Tinubu’s tenure as the Chairman of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of the ECOWAS elapses on July 9, 2024, presidents and representatives of 12 member states are currently meeting at the State House Conference Centre in Abuja, for the 63rd Ordinary Summit.
The meeting, which began at 1pm, would likely see the West African leaders announce a new chair to steer the affairs of the bloc for the next one year.]
However, there are indications that leaders may extend Tinubu’s tenure to give him time to possibly win back Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso into the bloc.
Details later…
Gov. Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State has directed local government Chairmen and Local Government Education Authority officials who tampered with the N30,000 sallah gifts to return the money.
This is contained in a statement issued by Malam Abubakar Bawa, the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Aliyu on Sunday.
‘The money was given to the workers in the state and some unsculous staff diverted the funds and they have been directed to return it immediately or face serious consequences.
“I wonder how somebody would deny our workers the stipends we gave them in order to make them financially stable during the Sallah festive season.
“Those who diverted those funds must return them immediately or else we will take serious punitive measures against them.
” We will ensure that the culprits reap what they sowed to serve as a deterrent to others, ” he warned.
Meanwhile, the state government has declared Monday as a public holiday in recognition of the Islamic New Year of Hijrah calendar.
Bawa announced that Monday would be observed as a public holiday throughout the state to enable people of the state to celebrate the new Islamic year 1446AH.
He further stressed the need for the Muslim Ummah to use the new Islamic calendar for a sober reflection and to carry out a self assessment to see where they have gone wrong with a view to making corrections in this new year.
The Federal Government has assured Nigerians that it is addressing incidents of rail derailment in the country, through proactive measures.
The Minister of Transportation, Sen. Said Alkali gave the assurance in a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen on Sunday in Abuja.
`The recent incidents involving our trains are currently being addressed through proactive measures.
“ a significant number of such incidents were the direct result of incidents of vandalism and criminality along the rail tracks by deviants who do not wish our country well.
“ I wish to also direct that all stakeholders in safe and secure operations in the railway industry should immediately put their best foot forward for continuous service to our people and our dear motherland, “ Alkali said.
Speaking on the July 4 rail derailment between Itakpe in Kogi and Warri in Delta, the Minister said he has directed investigations into the incident, as well as safety and welfare of all passengers on board.
“My attention has been drawn to the reports of derailment of some coaches of a scheduled train service operated by the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) between Itakpe, Kogi State and Warri in Delta State, which happened on July 4.
“Upon receipt news of this unfortunate incident and enquiries made, my observation is that the unfortunate incident did not result in any fatalities.
“The incident occurred at Ujewhu near Abraka in Delta State at about 7.15pm on Thursday night.
“ I have directed the NRC, as the operator, to immediately ensure the safety and welfare of all passengers on board the train, “ he said.
Alkali assured that NRC would evacuate the distressed coaches from the tracks in order to guarantee resumption of services as soon as possible and produce a comprehensive report of the incident for his consideration.
According to him, NRC had commenced steps in the above direction and all indications point to the fact that normalcy was gradually being restored on the service.
The minister sympathised with all persons who were on board the train at the time of the incident and further assured the general public, particularly those patronising the train services of their safety and welfare
JUST IN: ECOWAS heads meeting begins in Abuja
Gov. Aliyu directs LG Chairmen, Education Officers to refund diverted funds
