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NAHCON Reports 30 Nigerian Deaths In 2024 Hajj—Heatwave Blamed For Most Fatalities

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NAHCON Reports 30 Nigerian Deaths In 2024 Hajj—Heatwave Blamed For Most FatalitiesThe National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has confirmed that at least 30 Nigerians died during the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. This announcement was made on Monday by NAHCON Chairman Mallam Jalal Arabi.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

During a press conference in Abuja, Arabi attributed most of the fatalities to the extreme heatwave that plagued the 2024 pilgrimage. He stated, “The 2024 Hajj was marked by one of the harshest weather conditions ever recorded. Despite our efforts to prepare pilgrims with safety kits like umbrellas and innovative fans, we still faced losses. Some of the 30 deaths were linked to the heatwave, though not all were caused by it. We pray for the souls of those who have passed.”

Arabi also addressed the substantial ₦90 billion subsidy endorsed by President Bola Tinubu for the pilgrimage. This move came in response to a significant increase in Hajj fares, which had soared to ₦8 million per pilgrim due to fluctuating foreign exchange rates and other issues with private tour operators.

He explained, “The unexpected surge in foreign exchange rates forced us to adjust the Hajj fare from the initial ₦4.9 million to an additional ₦3.6 million. This led to an urgent appeal for government intervention. We are thankful to President Tinubu for approving ₦90 billion to offset these costs.”

Arabi outlined that each pilgrim received support amounting to ₦1,637,369.87 from the subsidy, with those in the Hajj Savings Scheme benefiting more. Consequently, pilgrims needed to pay a remaining balance of ₦1,918,094.87, while new registrants were asked to pay ₦8,454,464.74, as they did not benefit from the federal intervention.

He assured that the subsidy was utilized transparently and highlighted efforts to enhance future processes to ensure fair access to facilities and services for all pilgrims.

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‘I Thought We Would Get Married’ – Ruggedman Opens Up On Painful Failed Relationship.

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Veteran Nigerian rapper Michael Ugochukwu Stephens, popularly known as Ruggedman, has opened up about why he remains unmarried at the age of 52, attributing his marital status to the demands of his music career and the collapse of a five-year relationship.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In an interview with The Cable, the rapper explained that he began his career during a period when Nigerian musicians had to work tirelessly to establish themselves and achieve success in the entertainment industry.

According to Ruggedman, the pressure and commitment required to build his career consumed much of his time, making it difficult for him to settle down.

He noted that some of his colleagues were fortunate to find partners who understood the demands of their profession and were willing to support them throughout their journeys.

The rapper cited fellow musician Innocent Idibia, popularly known as 2Baba, as an example of someone who found partners willing to share the challenges and experiences associated with his career. He, however, said he had not enjoyed the same luck in his relationships.

Ruggedman also disclosed that he was once involved in a five-year relationship that he believed would eventually lead to marriage. However, the relationship ended after an incident he did not reveal during the interview.

He said, “I am one of those who got into the industry back in the day where all we had was our hustle and we faced it and before you know it, time was gone. 2baba was lucky to have found partners who were ready to walk that road with him, I wasn’t that lucky. I had a five year relationship that I thought would lead to marriage but something happened and it crashed.

“Currently, I’m not in any relationship. The only thing I vowed is that I will never have a child out of wedlock. No, I don’t think it’s too late. It’s never too late. As long as you are alive, it’s never too late to get married. I am very straight.”

The rapper maintained that he does not consider himself too old to get married, insisting that marriage remains possible at any stage of life.

He also reiterated his decision not to have a child outside marriage, adding that he is currently not involved in any romantic relationship.

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‘A Huge Calamity Will Befall Me’ – Baba Ijesha Reveals Shocking Prophecy.

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Nollywood actor Baba Ijesha has recounted a prophecy he received before his imprisonment, revealing that he was told he would become a great man after experiencing a devastating ordeal that would leave him in tears.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The actor shared the experience during a courtesy visit to Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Igboho at his residence, according to reports.

Baba Ijesha explained that someone had received a revelation about his future, predicting that he would eventually achieve greatness but would first pass through a period of intense pain and hardship.

He said the prophecy came before he was sent to prison, adding that he now associates his imprisonment with the difficult experience foretold in the revelation.

“Before I went to prison, someone saw a revelation about me that I’ll be a great man but a huge calamity will befall me that’ll make me shed lots of tears before the prophesy will eventually come to pass. It was after then I went to prison,” the actor said.

His revelation comes after his release from prison in November 2025, following his conviction in a case involving the sexual assault and indecent treatment of a child.

Baba Ijesha was convicted by the Lagos State High Court on July 14, 2022, over offences involving the foster daughter of comedian Damilola Adekoya, popularly known as Princess.

The court sentenced him to five years’ imprisonment for sexual assault and three years for indecent treatment of a child. The sentences were ordered to run concurrently.

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‘I Don’t Want Money Or Contract’ – Former Texas Mayor Gives Tinubu Conditions To Stop Criticising His Govt.

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Former Texas mayor Mike Arnold has written an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, outlining conditions he says must be met before he will stop criticising the Nigerian government.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Arnold disclosed the conditions in a letter published on his verified X account, according to reports.

The American lawyer said he would end his criticism of Tinubu if the President acknowledged the plight of displaced Nigerians living in at least eight camps within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and took urgent steps to ease their suffering.

He urged the President to provide immediate assistance to the affected families, seek support from international humanitarian organisations and ensure that displaced persons have access to adequate food, clothing, shelter, sanitation, healthcare and education for their children.

Arnold also called on the Tinubu administration to take decisive action to remove Boko Haram and other armed terrorist groups from the ancestral lands of the displaced families, allowing them to return to their homes and live in peace.

In his letter, Arnold wrote: “Acknowledge the tens of thousands of innocent displaced Nigerians, as many as 40,000 or more, living in at least eight horrific camps inside the Federal Capital Territory. Acknowledge that they exist. Acknowledge that they are suffering. Then act.

“I believe I am shaking your table far more than Reno Omokri ever dared. And I’m only getting started. I was the number one target of attack for your $9 million US lobby contract, and it only made me more popular, influential and determined.

“Do you want me to be quiet? I do not want a shambassadorial appointment. I do not want a government position, contract, favour or money.

“Do all I asked, and I will not say another word about you or the presidential election. I will step away knowing that the widows, orphans and displaced families I have fought for are finally being seen, protected and helped.

“No appointment. No payment. No personal benefit. Just mercy. Justice. Action. The choice is yours, Mr President,” Arnold stated.

The former mayor maintained that his demands were focused on humanitarian assistance and security for displaced Nigerians rather than any personal gain from the government.

He challenged Tinubu to take concrete steps to address the conditions in the camps, insisting that meeting the needs of vulnerable families would be enough to bring his criticism of the President and the 2027 presidential election to an end.

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