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‘I Am Not Certain Of Safe Trip’ – Nigerian Umrah Pilgrims Express Fears Amid Ongoing Iran-US War.

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Nigerian pilgrims and tour operators are facing growing uncertainty as ongoing hostilities between Iran, the United States, and Israel disrupt flights across the Middle East, threatening participation in the 2026 Umrah in Saudi Arabia.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The lesser hajj, which draws millions during Ramadan, saw over 122 million worshippers visit Saudi Arabia in 2025. However, airspace closures in key transit hubs like Doha and Dubai have forced many intending Nigerian pilgrims to reconsider their travel plans.

Following US and Israeli attacks on Iran, several Gulf nations—including Iran, Iraq, Israel, Syria, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE—partially closed their airspace, halting civilian flights. Major carriers such as Emirates, Etihad, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, EgyptAir, and Lufthansa suspended services to affected destinations. While Saudi Arabia’s airspace remains open, disruptions at connecting airports have delayed many pilgrims. Recent missile and drone strikes in the Gulf, including on a Saudi oil refinery, have added to fears of possible restrictions.

Many pilgrims expressed doubts about travelling. Alhaji Auwal Sani from Kano said his Qatar Airways flight was cancelled, with his visa still pending. Salihu Shu’aibu admitted he was considering cancelling, while Hajiya Bilkisu postponed her trip until next year due to safety concerns. In Ilorin, Ola Abdul said the tensions had disrupted his long-awaited Umrah plans.

Pilgrims already in Saudi Arabia reported normal daily routines. Hussein Olugbon said life continues as usual in the holy cities, though some flights with Turkish Airlines and Emirates have been affected. Aminu Yusuf, who returned to Nigeria on Monday, said he was fortunate Saudi Air maintained his flight, and Jos resident Usman Umar remains hopeful his March 8 trip will proceed.

Tour operators warn the crisis is affecting business. Alhaji Abdullateef Ekundayo, President of the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria, noted that Qatar Airways has indefinitely suspended flights, affecting critical transit hubs. Sadiq Musa of Musab Travelling Agency described the situation as financially draining, while Kano-based Fatima Idris of Al-Haramayn Travels reported a sharp drop in bookings and increased requests for postponements or refunds.

Hajj expert Faruku Umar highlighted that flight cancellations and reroutings at Gulf hubs like Dubai, Doha, and Abu Dhabi have left many pilgrims in limbo, even though Mecca and Medina remain peaceful. He advised pilgrims to stay in close contact with airlines and travel agents and to delay travel if flights are unreliable or if safety concerns remain high.

As tensions continue across the Middle East, Nigerian pilgrims face a difficult choice between faith and caution, uncertain whether their 2026 spiritual journey will go ahead as planned.

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WHO Speaks On Ebola Fears, Reveals Number Of People Under Close Monitoring In Nigeria.

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The World Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, Mohamed Janabi, has announced that Nigeria currently has no Ebola cases following the evacuation of the index patient and her husband to Switzerland.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Reports indicate that the patient was airlifted out of Nigeria aboard a medical air ambulance through the private jet wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

In a statement posted on his X account on Monday, Janabi said Nigeria would continue monitoring 52 contacts, while Switzerland would take responsibility for the patient’s ongoing medical care and monitor her husband.

He disclosed that the evacuation took place earlier in the morning, adding that both the patient and her husband are Swiss citizens.

According to Janabi, the patient was clinically stable following successful treatment by Nigerian medical teams, who managed her through the acute phase of the illness and stabilised her condition before the evacuation.

The WHO regional director commended the Federal Government, healthcare workers, clinicians, emergency responders and other partners for their contributions to Nigeria’s Ebola response.

He said the successful management of the patient demonstrated Africa’s expertise, resilience and leadership in public health, particularly when countries collaborate to tackle health emergencies.

However, Janabi emphasised that the evacuation did not mean vigilance could be relaxed, stressing the importance of continued contact monitoring and other public health response measures.

He reiterated that Nigeria would maintain close surveillance of 52 contacts, while Switzerland would oversee the patient’s continued treatment and monitor the 53rd contact, her husband.

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Man United Crisis: Carrick Speaks Out After Shock Bournemouth Defeat.

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Manchester United head coach Michael Carrick has said he does not expect to be sacked within the next 24 hours following his side’s disappointing 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth in the Premier League on Saturday.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The loss at Old Trafford has intensified scrutiny of Carrick as Manchester United continue to struggle with inconsistent performances and results this season.

According to football transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, who shared the manager’s comments on X on Sunday, Carrick acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his future but maintained that he would continue carrying out his duties as usual.

“I totally understand the situation. I’m not expecting anything in particular, to be honest. I’m carrying on as normal and, you know, I love this place,” he said.

The former Manchester United midfielder also reaffirmed his commitment to the club, insisting that he would continue to act in what he considers the team’s best interests despite the mounting pressure.

Bournemouth’s victory further compounded United’s recent difficulties, marking their third defeat in four home matches and extending their winless run across all competitions to eight games.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and other senior club officials are considering possible replacements as they assess Carrick’s future at Old Trafford.

Former Bayern Munich manager Julian Nagelsmann and ex-Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe have reportedly emerged as leading candidates for the position.

However, Manchester United director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada are expected to make the final recommendation before presenting their preferred candidate to Ratcliffe.

The club has yet to announce any decision regarding Carrick’s future, leaving uncertainty over who will lead the team into their next Premier League fixture against Chelsea.

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“If You Insult Tinubu, I’ll Insult You” – Sunday Igboho Fires Warning At Makinde.

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Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, has criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his alleged mockery of President Bola Tinubu.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

According to reports, Igboho condemned Makinde’s conduct during a public event, describing it as childish and disrespectful to the President.

Makinde had challenged rival presidential candidates to demonstrate their physical stamina after jumping off a stage during a campaign meeting in Akure, Ondo State, on October 22.

The governor made the demonstration at the APM South-West Presidential Campaign Town Hall Meeting held at the Ondo State International Conference Centre, popularly known as The Dome.

While addressing supporters, Makinde said he would focus on candidates’ energy levels and ability to withstand the demands of leadership rather than making age a major issue ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Reacting to the incident, Igboho accused the Oyo governor of making fun of Tinubu and warned that he would respond to anyone who insulted the President.

In a statement on Sunday, the Yoruba Nation activist said Makinde’s actions amounted to disrespect towards the President.

“He was jumping around like a frog and a mad man, insulting Tinubu, saying Tinubu can’t jump like him as if he doesn’t have a father.

“If you insult Tinubu, I will insult you back. Anyone who wants to live long should not mock an elderly person for any reason,” Igboho said.

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