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FG pledges support to Hajj Institute

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FG pledges support to Hajj Institute

The Federal Government has announced its commitment to support institutions like the newly established Hajj Institute of Nigeria whose programmes were in tune with the strategic objectives of the administration.

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SFG), Mr Boss Mustapha, gave the assurance at the matriculation of the pioneer students of the institute at the Hajj House on Tuesday in Abuja.

Mustapha said that the establishment of the institute was relevant to President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration under the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), which has a vision of sustained inclusive growth and structural economic transformation.

He said that the launching of the institute established by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), and subsequent commencement of certificate programmes would provide a platform for the institute to continue to grow and improve its activities.

“Our emphasis is focused on improving both public and private sector efficiency, increased national productivity and maximum welfare for Nigerians,” Mustapha said.

He expressed optimism that the institute would inject professionalism into the Nigerian hajj and umrah sector and create skilled manpower as well as jobs for the youth.

“This is a core goal of the ERGP of job creation, youth empowerment and improved human capital.

“Today marks the launch of the first Professional Certificate programme of the HIN, a programme that is designed to enhance the capacity of Nigeria’s hajj officials.

”It will also fill the skills gap in the economy and ensure the effective management of our annual pilgrimage to the holy land.

“This is a critical step toward ensuring that our hajj operations are at par with international best practices, and our pilgrims receive the highest quality of services during their journey,” Mustapha said.

Earlier, FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Bello, who was the pioneer Chairman of NAHCON, said that hajj could never be done without knowledge, adding that hajj had developed more than what it used to be.

According to Bello, hajj is a very important economic activity, therefore, key players in the industry must be properly trained and educated to be able to discharge their responsibilities effectively.

Also, the Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Prof. Idris Bugaje, said the inauguration of the institute was a very timely and well-thought-out move which would surely improve service delivery in hajj operations in the coming years.

Bugaje said that the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, granted the Hajj Institute of Nigeria approval, effective March 9, 2022.

He said that the Institute would operate as an innovation enterprise institution offering National Innovation Diploma (NID) in Hospitality and Tourism Studies, Computer Studies and other related courses.

According to him, the institute is expected to sponsor the development of National Innovation Diploma (NID) Curriculum in hajj operations as it relates directly to the mandate of  NAHCON.

”Similarly, the institute may also register with some relevant Awarding Bodies to conduct National Skills Qualification (NSQ) in various areas of interest.

”This is a major step in professionalising hajj operations and development of relevant skills needed to deliver smooth Hajj operations.

”It will therefore not be out of place if the institute looks into training in diverse fields that would strengthen the hajj institution.

”The institute should also conduct research into the past, present and future hajj operations,” Bugaje said.

He assured the readiness of the NBTE to collaborate with the institute to develop more curricula relevant to the hajj operations as well as National Occupational Standards for skills training on hajj management.

On his part, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, said the objective of establishing the institute was to professionalise hajj activities in the country.

“Over a decade ago, there was a general concern among the Nigerian Muslim community that hajj has become an all-comers affair where anyone ventures into irrespective of his or her educational background.

“Therefore, the leadership of NAHCON initiated a process aimed at professionalising the industry; which I was part of.

“Little did I know that I would be in the driver’s seat when that project finally takes off.

“I pray that it will have a positive impact on the hajj and umrah sector in Nigeria and beyond and be one of the legacies this board will bequeath to the Nigerian public and the world, in general,” Hassan said. 

FG pledges support to Hajj Institute

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BORNO COMMUNITY PETITIONS POLICE OVER THE RELEASE OF A MURDER SUSPECT BY THE DPO

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BORNO COMMUNITY PETITIONS POLICE OVER THE RELEASE OF A MURDER SUSPECT BY THE DPO

By: Our Correspondent.

The Marama community in Hawul Local Government Area of Borno State has petitioned the Commissioner of Police in the state over the release of a murder suspect.

The petition which was written under the auspices of MARAMA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION, and obtained by our correspondent, stated that “on the 17th of December, 2024, a security man, (Henry Musa), attached to the Government Secondary School Marama was attacked and fatally wounded by one James Musa in public glare”.

‘The victim,’ according to the petition, was rushed to the General Hospital, Biu, while the culprit was arrested and detained at the Divissional Police Headquaters in Azare Hawul Local Government Area.”

Signed by Mdahyelya Buba Yirngau and Samuel Bwala, Secretary and Chairman of the association, a few days after the attack, community members noticed the culprit moving around freely in the town, while the victim was struggling for survival on the hospital bed,”

They called the command headquaters’ attention to the development according to them because the victim eventually died on the 26th of December, 2024, while the James Musa, the suspect has been re-arrested, but they have reservations about the action of the DPO in Hawul, on the matter, since he has released him before without charges, when he was first arrested.

The community made an appeal to the police authorities to investigate the circumstances surrounding the release of the suspect, and seeks that the suspect be charged appropriately since the act was undeniable.

While affirming that they community is conscious of the gravity of murder, and covering up this one by the Hawul DPO, for whatever reasons, is a great miscarriage of justice to the victim and the community.

When contacted, the DPO, Habila Lemak CSP, c9nfirmed the development, but claimed that he released the suspect after five days because he refused to eat and that the victim was not dead at that time.

He explained that he is making efforts to transfer the matter to the Criminal Investigation Department, CID, in Maiduguri.

Investigations by our correspondent reveal that the community has forwarded their complaints to the Public Complaints Commission, PCC, in the event that attempts are made by the police to sweep the matter under the carpet.

BORNO COMMUNITY PETITIONS POLICE OVER THE RELEASE OF A MURDER SUSPECT BY THE DPO

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First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu Unveils First Baby of the Year 2025

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First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu Unveils First Baby of the Year 2025

By: Our Reporter

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Wednesday welcomed Abuja’s first baby of the year 2025 at the Asokoro District Hospital.

Favour Stephen Odion – a baby girl – was born to the family of Mr. Odion Oyinbo and Mrs. Chioma Odion at exactly 12:27 am on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, weighing 3.6kg.

The mother of the nation also received other babies born in the hospital, including the first baby boy of the year 2025, Zimchikachim Ejiofor, born to the family of Mr. Ejiofor Nworie and Mrs. Delight Nworie at about 7:14am on Wednesday and weighing 3kg.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu welcomed Favour and all the other children born on New Year’s Day in the FCT with baby gifts, including post-natal care products and other nutritional supplies, as well as cash presents.

The First Lady who was represented by the wife of the Vice President, Hajiya Nana Shettima, prayed for God to protect the children, wishing them long life, good health, and prosperity.

She said, “I am here to represent the mother of the nation to welcome the first baby of the year and other children. So, I’m presenting this token and a beautiful package to our dear daughter. I want to wish her well – long life, prosperity, good health. Insha Allah, they (first baby and other babies) are the next generation to take over from us. I wish you all the best. Please take good care of her.”

While congratulating and comforting the mothers of the newborn babies, the First Lady counselled them on the need for proper care for the babies in respect of exclusive breastfeeding, immunization, and timely post-natal care, saying, “Good enough, this (Asokoro General Hospital) is closer to my house; I’m sure for the post-natal, they’re going to take good care of you.”

She further presented birth certificates to the first baby of the year and the first baby boy just as she moved around the maternity ward congratulating other new babies in the hospital.

Earlier, the acting Chief Medical Director of Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja, Dr. Rosemary Nwokorie, while welcoming the First Lady, commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its unwavering commitment to transforming the nation’s health sector, with a view to improving the healthcare services for every Nigerian.

Nwokorie also applauded the First Lady and the wife of the Vice President for creating various intervention programs especially the Renewed Hope Initiative toward assisting vulnerable Nigerians, especially women and children in the country.

First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu Unveils First Baby of the Year 2025

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Nigeria Calls for Discussion on Issues of Mutual Interest with Niger

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Nigeria Calls for Discussion on Issues of Mutual Interest with Niger

By: Michael Mike

Nigeria has expressed its respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Niger, inviting the Nigerien government to a discussion on issues of mutual interest.

The Nigerian government’s statement followed recent allegation by the Abdourahman Tchiani’s led administration that it was involved in the terrorist attack by a group Lakurawa on Niger.

A statement by the Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, on Tuesday addressing Niger’s concerns, read: “The Federal Republic of Nigeria reaffirms its unwavering commitment to peace, stability, and regional harmony in West Africa and is concerned about recent statements from President of the National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland of Niger, Abdourahman Tchiani.

“Nigeria remains steadfast in its desire for dialogue which are the cornerstones of sustainable solutions. Therefore we will not embark on any actions to undermine sovereignty and security of Niger.

“As brothers and neighbours, Nigeria and Niger share deep historical and cultural ties, underscored by trade and economic interdependence. These enduring connections are reminders of our intrinsically linked destinies. Therefore, unfounded allegations causes needless tensions that could cause disaffection and threaten the collective progress of our region.

“To this end: We reaffirm our respect for Niger’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, in alignment with ECOWAS principles.

“We welcome and encourage open, constructive dialogue between our governments and invite Niger’s leadership to join us in candid discussions to address mutual concerns.

“We are prepared to explore confidence-building measures, such as a collective support, to alleviate the humanitarian impact on our border communities.

“We call upon regional and international partners to support efforts aimed at fostering reconciliation and stability, rather than deepening divisions.”

Tuggar stated that: “Nigeria remains guided by the principles of diplomacy, mutual respect, and the pursuit of peace. We are confident that through constructive engagement, we can work together towards a more prosperous and stable future for our people.”

Nigeria Calls for Discussion on Issues of Mutual Interest with Niger

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