The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially announced that the airlifting of Nigerian pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj will begin on May 9, 2025. This disclosure was made by Prince Anofi Elegushi, the Commissioner for Operations, Inspectorate, and Licensing, during a press briefing held after a strategic board meeting with Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Elegushi confirmed that comprehensive arrangements have been concluded in Makkah, Madinah, and other key cities in Saudi Arabia to ensure a seamless and stress-free pilgrimage for all participants.

According to him, the outbound airlift to Saudi Arabia is scheduled to wrap up by May 24, while the return flights are set to commence on June 13 and conclude by July 2.

He stated, “All logistics concerning accommodation and feeding have been finalized. Facilities in Makkah and Madinah are fully secured, and the first batch of pilgrims will be airlifted via Madinah starting May 9. We have made adequate provisions for over 40,000 pilgrims—including state contingents and an additional 13,000 from licensed tour operators.”

Elegushi assured prospective pilgrims of a well-organized Hajj exercise, emphasizing that NAHCON is fully prepared and all stakeholders involved are working collaboratively to ensure the success of the spiritual journey.

The Nigerian Senate has firmly rejected recent remarks made by Pastor Tunde Bakare concerning the National Assembly’s endorsement of the state of emergency in Rivers State and the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan from Kogi Central.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Bakare, in a recent sermon, denounced the Senate’s actions, suggesting Nigeria was sliding into a “mafia state” due to what he called “institutional immorality” orchestrated by both the executive and legislative arms of government.

Responding through a statement signed by its spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, the Senate described Bakare’s comments as misleading and unnecessarily hostile. Adaramodu emphasized that while public critique is a democratic right, Bakare’s assertions went beyond healthy discourse and ventured into territory that could erode public confidence in democratic institutions.

The statement pointed out that the cleric’s sweeping generalisations lacked evidence and were laced with personal contempt. It also questioned the political intent behind Bakare’s outburst, labeling it a “biased political homily.”

Adaramodu acknowledged Bakare’s influence in national discourse but argued that his recent comments strayed from constructive criticism and entered the realm of divisive rhetoric. He reminded the public of Bakare’s background as both a legal practitioner and political figure, asserting that the pastor should be aware of the legal limitations around commenting on issues pending before the courts.

He further addressed Bakare’s call for the National Assembly to challenge the executive more aggressively, calling such confrontations “performative” and not reflective of effective legislative oversight. According to Adaramodu, true governance requires cooperation and principled engagement—not unnecessary conflict.

The Senate also dismissed Bakare’s allusion to a potential “third-term agenda,” stressing that no such unconstitutional proposal had been presented before the 10th National Assembly. Adaramodu maintained that all actions taken by the Senate were within the boundaries of its constitutional responsibilities.

He concluded with a call for more thoughtful evaluations of the Senate’s performance, asserting that time would reveal the Assembly’s dedication to national interest. He expressed hope that Pastor Bakare, upon deeper reflection, would come to appreciate the Senate’s role during this critical period in Nigeria’s democratic journey.