The Federal Government may spend about N23 billion to refund 2,717 intending pilgrims who were denied visas by Saudi authorities due to late registrations, Saturday PUNCH has gathered. On 12 February 2025, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) announced that it had successfully secured accommodation in Mashair, the sacred sites in Makkah, for 52,000 intending pilgrims ahead of the …

The Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu has extended warm greetings to the Muslim Ummah and all Nigerians on the celebration of Eid-Ul-Adha. In his message commemorating the festival, Adelabu described Eid-Ul-Adha as an annual celebration embodying love, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to the will of Allah, marking a significant remembrance of Prophet Ibrahim’s profound obedience. ‘I extend heartfelt congratulations …

As Muslims celebrate Eid-El-Kabir, the Chief Security Adviser to the Bauchi State Governor, Assistant Inspector General Ahmad Abdurrahman (rtd.) has extended warm felicitations to Bauchi State citizens and Nigerians. In a press statement, Chief Press Secretary, Abdullahi Alhassan, quoted his boss as saying: ‘This joyous occasion is a time for reflection, gratitude, and celebration with loved ones, and prayers for …

Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu has rejoiced with Muslims across Nigeria, particularly in the state, as they celebrate Eid-el-Adha, widely regarded as the feast of sacrifice by adherents of Islam. In an Eid-el-Kabir message on Thursday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, the governor urged Lagos residents and Nigerians at large, particularly Muslim faithful, …

The Turkiye Diyanet Foundation (TDV) has concluded plans to slaughter 6,000 cows across 11 Nigerian states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, for distribution during Sallah. The Nation gathered that the meat will be shared among vulnerable and indigent Muslims in the states such as Bauchi, Oyo, Sokoto, Gombe, Kano, Nasarawa, Plateau, Kaduna, Kogi, Niger and Jigawa. The Qurbani …

The Gombe State Executive Council on Wednesday approved $481,000 for 969 intending 2025 pilgrims over inability to utilise Automated Teller Machines (ATM) Briefing journalists at the council chamber shortly after the 46th meeting presided by Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning Muhammad Magaji, said, ‘We will use part of our US dollar deposit to pay the basic …

President Bola Tinubu offers his warmest congratulations to His Holiness Leo XIV on his election as the Bishop of Rome and the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The President felicitates The Conclave for electing the American Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost as the 267th Bishop of Rome. President Tinubu rejoices with the leadership of and congregants of the Catholic …

The Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board has successfully organized a one-day capacity-building workshop for its Hajj adhoc staff, as part of its commitment to ensuring a smooth and efficient 2025 Hajj operation. The workshop, held at Afficient Event Center, brought together key stakeholders and temporary staff selected to support this year’s pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In a …

The temporary chimney atop the Sistine Chapel released a plume of white smoke on Thursday, signaling that the 133 cardinals working inside had reached a two-thirds majority to elect a new pope for the Catholic Church. American Cardinal Robert Prevost was announced as the choice to replace Pope Francis. Bells at St. Peter’s Basilica rang and crowds cheered as the …

As lovers of peace across the world mourn the glorious transition of Pope Francis, and await the emergence of his successor, the Guild of Interfaith Media Practitioners (GIMP) Nigeria has acknowledged the late Pontiff as a champion of interfaith tolerance and global peace. In a press statement by the Secretary of Trustees/Governing Board of the Guild, Mr. Samuel Egburonu, Pope …