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FG Clarifies Saudi Visa Ban: 2025 Hajj Pilgrims from Nigeria Not Affected

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Confusion and concern spread across Nigeria on Monday over reports of new Saudi Arabian visa restrictions, raising fears that Nigerian Muslims might be barred from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This anxiety stemmed from a statement by Saudi authorities, disseminated via Gulf-based media, which announced a temporary halt in issuing certain short-term visas—such as business, tourist, and family visit visas—to nationals of 14 countries, including Nigeria. The suspension takes effect from April 13, 2025, and is expected to last until the end of the Hajj season in June.

The Federal Government quickly moved to dispel rumours that Nigeria was included in a list of countries banned from entering Saudi Arabia. In an official clarification, Alkasim Abdulkadir, Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, dismissed the widely circulated memo as false.

According to Saudi authorities, holders of already issued visas from affected countries may enter the Kingdom before April 13 but must exit by April 29, 2025, or risk facing penalties, including a potential five-year entry ban. This move, officials say, aims to manage crowd control and curb the misuse of non-Hajj visas following the tragic deaths of over 1,300 pilgrims during the 2024 Hajj—many of whom lacked official permits and suffered fatal heat exposure.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) reassured intending pilgrims that those who are officially registered through NAHCON or licensed tour operators remain eligible to perform the pilgrimage. The restriction only targets tourist and short-term visa holders—not those with valid Hajj visas.

NAHCON further urged Nigerians to verify travel-related updates through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Saudi embassies, warning against reliance on social media reports. The Saudi Tourism Centre also clarified that the only restriction in place affects tourist visa holders, who are barred from entering or staying in Makkah between April 29 and June 11, 2025.

The current directive aligns with earlier February 2025 restrictions, which limited travellers from the same 14 countries to single-entry visas valid for just 30 days, while suspending one-year multi-entry visas.

In summary, while Saudi Arabia has introduced tighter travel controls in the lead-up to the 2025 Hajj, Nigerian pilgrims who follow official channels remain unaffected by the short-term visa suspension.

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Tears For A Titan: Family Unveils Emotional Three-Day Funeral Plan For Iconic Actor Kola Oyewo!.

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The funeral arrangements for the celebrated Nigerian actor, theatre scholar, and traditional ruler, Chief Dr. Adekola Gabriel Oyewo (Kola Oyewo), have been finalized by his family, with interment scheduled for Friday, August 7, 2026, in Osun State. The veteran actor passed away at age 80, leaving behind a legacy as a prominent figure in stage, television, and academia.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The three-day farewell, organized by the Balogun Oyekola Oyewo Memorial Committee, follows this schedule:

  • Wednesday, August 5, 2026: A wake-keep and service of songs will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Igboya, Ile-Ife.

  • Thursday, August 6, 2026: A commendation mass is scheduled at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, followed by an artistes’ night at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Oduduwa Hall. An exhibition celebrating his works and photographs will also open at the Pit Theatre, African Studies Building, OAU, running through Friday.

  • Friday, August 7, 2026: After a morning departure from his residence, a requiem mass will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Oba-Ile. He will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at 12:45 p.m. at Labaluyegbe Villa, followed by a reception at Aderonmu Grammar School Field.

The Bangbola Oyewo family of the Ese-Ola Royal House remembered him as a beloved family man, traditional leader, and an inspiration to generations of theatre practitioners. His passing is regarded as the end of an era for the Nigerian theatre community, where he served as an Associate Professor of Drama and a long-standing mentor.

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Nation In Shock! Herders’ King Brutally Murdered: Cops Race Against Time To Catch Killers!.

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Authorities have initiated a comprehensive investigation into the murder of Risku Mohammed, the Benue State Chairman of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN), and his associate, Yakubu Isa. The two men were reportedly ambushed by unidentified attackers near Ahimeni in the Okodu area while traveling back from a peace summit in Otukpo.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Benue State Commissioner of Police, Cletus Nwadiogbu, condemned the act as a “senseless and criminal” effort to destabilize local peace and security. Through PPRO DSP Udeme Edet, the Commissioner announced that tactical and intelligence teams have been mobilized to hunt down the perpetrators. CP Nwadiogbu has urged the public to avoid spreading rumors or pursuing vigilante justice, instead appealing for any useful information to be shared with the police to assist in the swift arrest and prosecution of those responsible.

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Police in Benue State are hunting for the gunmen who killed MACBAN State Chairman Risku Mohammed and Yakubu Isa. The victims were attacked near Ahimeni in the Okodu area while returning from a peace meeting in Otukpo.

State Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu denounced the killings and vowed that the command would “leave no stone unturned” in bringing the culprits to justice. Tactical units have been deployed to the area to track down the assailants. The Commissioner extended his condolences to the bereaved families and called on residents to remain calm, law-abiding, and to report any leads to the nearest police station. He reiterated the command’s firm commitment to ensuring the safety of all citizens and holding the criminals accountable.

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Following the tragic assassination of Benue MACBAN Chairman Risku Mohammed and Yakubu Isa, the State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation. The victims were killed by unknown assailants near Ahimeni, Okodu, following a peace engagement in Otukpo.

Commissioner of Police Cletus Nwadiogbu has directed tactical and intelligence units to track down and arrest the attackers immediately. In a public statement, the command emphasized that such criminal acts will not be tolerated and that every effort is being made to secure justice for the victims. The public is encouraged to assist the investigation by reporting any relevant information through official channels and is cautioned against fueling tensions by sharing unverified reports.

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Currency Watch: Dollar Holds Firm Against Naira At ₦1,378 Amid Economic Uncertainty!.

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On June 26, 2026, the dollar-to-naira exchange rate at the Lagos parallel market, commonly referred to as the black market, saw sellers offering the dollar at ₦1402, while buyers were purchasing it at ₦1391, according to Bureau De Change (BDC) sources. It is important to note that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) does not officially recognize this market and advises individuals to conduct foreign exchange transactions through their respective banks.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Additionally, the CBN’s official rates for the same period ranged from a high of ₦1385 to a low of ₦1376. Please be aware that actual transaction prices may vary and might differ from the figures provided in this report.

Exchange Rate Summary (June 26, 2026)

  • Parallel Market (Selling): ₦1402

  • Parallel Market (Buying): ₦1391

  • CBN Official Rates: ₦1376 – ₦1385

What specific aspect of the current foreign exchange market or its impact on consumer trends would you like to discuss further?

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