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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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We were sexually abused by our Chinese employers in CAR, rescued Nigerian workers alleged

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We were sexually abused by our Chinese employers in CAR, rescued Nigerian workers alleged

By: Michael Mike

Rescued 12 Nigerian trapped workers in Central African Republic (CAR) on Friday narrated their ordeal on breathing air of freedom in Nigeria, alleging that they were sexually harassed by their Chinese employers while workers at mining site.

The 12 stranded Nigerian men whose video went viral some three weeks ago finally arrived Nigeria and paid an appreciation visit to the NIDCOM office, where they were received by Chairman/ CEO Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, and other management staff.

The leader of the rescued workers, Igorigo Freeborn said it is important for the world to know that despite owing them 11 months salaries, “we were homosexually abused by our Chinese employers in CAR.

“I am not ashamed to say it. I want other people to learn from it. We were treated badly there but thank God for sparing our lives to tell the stories today.

“I am one of those people who usually abuse Nigeria and I don’t think anything good can come out of the country but we were all so happy to receive help and succour from Nigeria.

“Let me use this opportunity to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the CAR Ambassador in Bangui, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) ,NEMA, Immigration Service and other government agencies for coming to our rescue almost immediately”, he said.

Freeborn said they had suffered a lot in the past 20 months that they left Nigeria and pleaded with the government to help them redress the injustices meted out to them by their employers.

He recalled how they were left stranded in the forest after work without payment leaving them starving in a harsh and unsafe living conditions. With support from the Presidency Ministry of Foreign Affairs ,NIDCOM, and the Nigerian mission, they were relocated to Bangui, provided with medical care, and eventually brought safely back home.

Welcoming back the returnees to Nigeria, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, assured them that justice will be served as the Commission in conjunction with relevant government agencies would take up the matter on their behalf.

The NIDCOM boss condemned the acts as inhumane and assured that the matter would be pursued to ensure justice is served in line with the citizen diplomacy of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.

She counselled them to be of good behaviour and partner with the Commission in its advocacy on irregular migration and its consequences.

NIDCOM through Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa gave some cash support to all the returnees to enable them settle down while expecting their unpaid salaries.

She also called on well meaning Nigerians and corporate organisations to assist the Nigerians to settle down back in the country.

A cash donation from Perchstone and Greys, presented by Mr. Toyin Adenugba on behalf of Dr. Tolu Aderemi, Secretary to the Board of Trustees of the JAALS Foundation, were given to all the 12 returnees.

Adenugba explained that the support was a demonstration of belief in the evacuees’ potential, meant to serve as a seed for rebuilding their lives, supporting their families, and creating new opportunities at home.

Other rescued workers are Rotimi Kupoluyi, Ajosi Julius, Odeh Collins, Anifowoshe Yekini, Akubo Oluwaseun and Olayemi Peter Adewale.

Others were Stephen Abel Otkli, Samuel Ojochenemi, Alih Joel Muhammed, Unekwu Bala and Yusuf Bameyi.
End

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Police arrest MOPOL, security guards over warehouse burglary in Ogun

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Police arrest MOPOL, security guards over warehouse burglary in Ogun

By: Zagazola Makama

The Police in Ogun have arrested a mobile policeman and several security guards for alleged conspiracy, burglary and theft from a warehouse belonging to H.K Printing & Packaging Limited, Agbara.

Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred on Aug. 9 at about 11:00 p.m., when a truck drove into the company premises and proceeded to the warehouse, allegedly aided by security operatives on duty.

According to the sources, Insp. Ibrahim James, attached to PMF 16 Abeokuta, was captured on CCTV moving around and allegedly leading the operation.

Another officer, Insp. Olabamipe Olaiya, posted to the same beat, was said to be absent from duty at the time.

The company’s security guards and the implicated police personnel allegedly conspired with others still at large to break into the warehouse and cart away goods whose total value is yet to be ascertained.

Police detectives led by CSP Phillips Abayomi, Acting ACP, Agbara Division, visited the scene and arrested the mobile policeman along with the private security guards on duty during the incident.

The suspects are being interrogated, while efforts are ongoing to track down fleeing accomplices and recover the stolen items.

Police arrest MOPOL, security guards over warehouse burglary in Ogun

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Police launch manhunt for herbalist over alleged ritual killing in Nasarawa

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Police launch manhunt for herbalist over alleged ritual killing in Nasarawa

By: Zagazola Makama

The Nasarawa State Police Command says it is searching for a herbalist, simply identified as Alfa, over alleged involvement in a ritual killing and attempted murder in Mararaba.

It was gathered that the case was reported by one Jamilu Abubakar, a vigilante member.

Abubakar allegedly accompanied two young men to Alfa’s residence on Aug. 12 to seek spiritual assistance purportedly to make more money through internet fraud.

“It was gathered that Alfa prepared a concoction and meat for the victims to eat. Shortly after consuming the meal, both developed severe stomach pain and were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Mararaba.

“Sadly, one of the victims, Ani Sunday, aged 21, was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty, while the second, Tosin Akurunor, is responding to treatment,” said the sources.

He said Abubakar had been arrested for his role in taking the victims to the herbalist, while the main suspect, Alfa, was at large.

Efforts are ongoing to apprehend Alfa and conclude investigations, he added.

Police launch manhunt for herbalist over alleged ritual killing in Nasarawa

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