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STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
HAJJ 2023: VP SHETTIMA COMMENDS HAJJ COMMISSION, URGES IMPROVEMENT IN PILGRIMS’ WELFARE, EDUCATION
By: Our Reporter
The Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima has commended the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for a successful 2023 hajj operations in spite of many challenges faced by the Commission.
Sen. Shettima gave the commendation today when he received briefing from the management of NAHCON led by the chairman, Alhaji Zikrullah Kunle Hassan at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to the Vice President, “we have to offer praises to Allah for the successful conduct of 2023 hajj, in spite of harsh conditions faced by people in the Saudi Arabia occasioned by the climate change and other factors. The temperature rose to unimaginable level, though Nigeria was not the only country affected by the effect of the climate change.”
While commiserating with the families of the 29 pilgrims who died during the 2023 hajj, Vice President Shettima urged the Commission “to learn lessons from the last Hajj operations and gird our loins and make efforts to address all the short comings in the upcoming hajj operations.”
Speaking on the welfare of 95,000 pilgrims which performed hajj last year, Vice President Shettima remarked that the welfare of the pilgrims is at the core of the pilgrimage and as such the Commission must give it the priority it deserves.
He advised the management to make adequate preparations to take care of the pilgrims, noting that though it is a spiritual exercise, the Commission must not neglect the wellbeing of pilgrims throughout their stay in the holy land.
Emphasizing the need to develop a robust mechanism to curtail the challenges faced by the people, he stated that “it is absolutely essential that we review this mechanism and make it practical and effective to give us maximum success in managing the hajj operations from year to year.”
On the problem of the volatility of the exchange rate on the Commission’s finances which was caused by the unification of the different forex windows, the VP advised the management to be proactive as it prepares for the future, stating “you have to rigorously review your exchange rate and come up with a much more acceptable figure.”
He further advised them on the need to educate pilgrims on their rights in the holy land by making use of the social media platforms and other traditional media to enhance your visibility.
The Vice President also commended the Commission on the various initiatives to further enhance its activities especially the launching of Hajj Savings’ Scheme, the Hajj Institute of Nigeria and Public Private Partnership Arrangements for Kano, Lagos, Maiduguri and Ilorin Projects.
Earlier during his briefing, Alhaji Hassan disclosed that last years’s hajj was successful largely due to the prompt airlift of pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the provisions of accommodation to pilgrims, feeding and efficient medical services at all phases of the hajj activities.
It would be recalled that recently President Bola Tinubu put the supervision of NAHCON under the Office of the Vice President.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
KARAN Appeals for Support for the ministry of Livestock Development
By: Michael Mike
The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to urgently support the Ministry of Livestock Development in getting its office ready.
The association decried that nearly eight months after the establishment of this crucial ministry, the renovation of the permanent office allocated to it for its operations is yet to be started, noting that this delay has impeded the
implementation of essential policies and programmes aimed at promoting the livestock sector and its value chains across Nigeria.
KACRAN, in a statement on Saturday, signed by its National President, Hon. Khalil Bello said: “When the Ministry was established on July 9, 2024, we, Nigeria’s pastoralists, viewed it as a long-awaited answer to our prayers and a significant step towards addressing over 50 years of
neglect in the livestock sector.
“However, the lack of progress since then has been disheartening, preventing the Ministry from fulfilling its critical role in ensuring food security and contributing to
the national economy.
“Currently, the Ministry functions more as a Directorate of Animal Husbandry Services, lacking the resources and infrastructure necessary for it to operate independently and effectively.
“Despite the critical nature of its mission, the allocated office space/building remains unrenovated and a timeline for starting the renovation or completion has not been provided. This situation severely hampers the ability of the Honorable Minister, Permanent Secretary, Directors and staff to coordinate effectively and execute
their responsibilities.
“Moreover, the financial resources allocated to the Ministry for the 2025 fiscal year are
insufficient for the Ministry to achieve its objectives.
“KACRAN is deeply concerned that without immediate attention to these challenges, the foundational goals of the Ministry will remain unattainable. As the political landscape evolves, it is vital that the focus remains on policy timely implementation rather than allowing the future of this very important Ministry to be muddling through uncertainties.
“We urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize the renovation and operation of the Ministry’s office so that the Honourable Minister and staff can effectively promote and develop the livestock sector.
Additionally, we implore the President to invest significantly in the livestock
sector, for enabling the Ministry to actively engage in ensuring food security, enhancing the nation’s GDP, and reducing heavy reliance on imported milk and food products, which costs Nigeria billions of
dollars annually.
“Finally, KACRAN expresses gratitude to President Tinubu for appointing Professor Muhammadu Attahiru Jega as an Advisor on Presidential Livestock Reform Programmes. We hope that under his
guidance, the Ministry can achieve its goals and bring tangible benefits to Nigeria’s pastoralists and the wider population.”
KARAN Appeals for Support for the ministry of Livestock Development
Armed Robbers Kill Watchman, Injure Another in Katsina School Attack
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed robbers attacked Government Secondary School Yashe in Kusada Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing one night watchman and injuring another before escaping with a solar inverter.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred at about 5:00 a.m. when the hoodlums stormed the school and assaulted the security guards with machetes.
One of the watchmen, Abdullahi Sanusi, 50, died on the spot, while his colleague, Aliyu Ahmed, 65, sustained serious injuries and was rushed to Kankia General Hospital for treatment.
Armed Robbers Kill Watchman, Injure Another in Katsina School Attack
Police, Security Operatives Foil Kidnap Attempt in Kaduna EX LGA Chairmans home
By: Zagazola Makama
Security operatives in Kaduna have rescued a former Executive Chairman of Kaura Local Government Area, Seimon Matthias, from a kidnap attempt at his Kagoro residence.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that the attack occurred on February 14 at about 11:00 p.m. when an unspecified number of kidnappers stormed Matthias’ residence, shooting sporadically in an attempt to abduct him.
However, the sound of gunfire attracted the attention of police officers and other security operatives stationed nearby, leading to a fierce exchange of fire.
The assailants, overwhelmed by superior firepower, abandoned their victim and fled to the mountains.
Police said the victim was rescued unhurt, and a joint operation involving the Army and Kaduna Vigilante Service (KadVS) was ongoing to flush out the criminals from the surrounding bush areas.
Police, Security Operatives Foil Kidnap Attempt in Kaduna EX LGA Chairmans home
KARAN Appeals for Support for the ministry of Livestock Development
Armed Robbers Kill Watchman, Injure Another in Katsina School Attack
Police, Security Operatives Foil Kidnap Attempt in Kaduna EX LGA Chairmans home
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