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2026 Hajj Lifeline: Radda Approves Massive ₦3.8bn Loan For Katsina Pilgrims.

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The Katsina State Government has approved a ₦3.8 billion loan facility to secure 3,890 Hajj slots for intending pilgrims from the state for the 2026 pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Governor Dikko Radda disclosed this on Sunday in Katsina during the official farewell ceremony for the state’s pilgrims heading to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

According to the governor, the intervention became necessary after the state initially encountered financial challenges in filling its allocated Hajj slots through the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria.

He explained that the loan allowed the state to fully secure and utilise all 3,890 slots assigned to Katsina for the pilgrimage.

“I was informed that the state initially had difficulty meeting its allocated Hajj slots,” Radda said.

“In response, we approved a ₦3.8 billion loan, which enabled Katsina State to secure and fill 3,890 slots for this year’s Hajj.”

Radda urged the pilgrims to use the spiritual journey as an opportunity to pray for lasting peace, unity, and improved security in Katsina State and across Nigeria.

As part of measures to support their welfare, the governor also announced that the state government would sponsor Hadaya for all pilgrims.

He further revealed that each pilgrim would receive a $500 allowance to cater for basic needs during their stay in Saudi Arabia.

“Each pilgrim will receive a $500 allowance to cover basic needs in Saudi Arabia,” he said.

He added that 200 officials had been deployed to provide spiritual guidance, medical care, and logistical support throughout the pilgrimage.

“200 officials have been deployed to provide spiritual guidance, medical support, and logistical assistance throughout the Hajj exercise.

“All officials have been carefully selected and equipped to support pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage.”

Radda noted that his administration had strengthened the capacity of the State Pilgrims Welfare Board to improve operational efficiency and address past challenges associated with Hajj management.

“We have taken deliberate steps to improve the board’s structure and efficiency,” he said.

“I have directed the Amirul Hajj and all relevant authorities to ensure strict supervision, accountability, and discipline among officials.”

The governor assured that the government would closely monitor the conduct of officials while ensuring that pilgrims receive the support they need.

He also urged the pilgrims to conduct themselves responsibly as ambassadors of Katsina State and Nigeria.

“Many people sold personal belongings to perform Hajj. You are expected to show the highest level of discipline, patience, and mutual respect,” he stated.

Radda cautioned against spreading misinformation during the pilgrimage and advised pilgrims to communicate responsibly to avoid unnecessary confusion.

He further disclosed that his administration had improved accommodation and feeding arrangements for Katsina pilgrims in Saudi Arabia to ensure a more comfortable experience.

“Since assuming office, we have ensured better accommodation and quality feeding for our pilgrims.

“I personally inspected these facilities during previous Hajj operations and I was satisfied with the progress made.”

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising the welfare, comfort, and safety of Katsina pilgrims throughout the Hajj exercise.

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Court Intervenes In Apo Resettlement Market Dispute, Orders Strict Compliance With Stop-Work Order.

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A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in the Maitama District has called on all parties involved in the Apo Resettlement Market dispute to comply with an existing interlocutory injunction stopping further construction work on the site, warning that any breach could attract strict court sanctions.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The court had earlier, on April 15, 2025, ordered all parties in the case—Dr. Shuaibu Musari (first defendant), Manillah Integrated Partners Ltd (first claimant), and AMAC Investment Development Company (second defendant)—to suspend all development activities pending the determination of the substantive suit.

The order was later served on all parties and enforced at the site by court bailiffs, who pasted a “Stop Work” notice and marked the premises on April 28, 2025.

Despite this, reports before the court alleged that Manillah Integrated Partners Ltd and AMAC Investment Development Company continued construction activities, prompting contempt proceedings filed by Dr. Musari.

During the resumed hearing, counsel to Dr. Musari, Barr. Realwan Okpanachi, while cross-examining a witness, drew the attention of Justice Yusuf Halilu to what he described as continued disregard for the court’s injunction.

Justice Halilu expressed displeasure over the alleged violation and directed all counsel to advise their clients to comply strictly with the order, warning that disobedience would not be tolerated.

Counsel to the first claimant, Idris Abubakar, SAN, however, alleged that the second defendant resorted to self-help by allegedly enforcing the court order on site, marking buildings and engaging individuals who reportedly attacked workers with dangerous weapons.

He also argued that the second defendant should proceed with its defence instead of filing what he described as delaying applications.

It was also noted in court that although an appeal had been filed against the interlocutory injunction, no further steps had been taken to challenge it.

Responding, Justice Halilu maintained that a court order remains binding unless set aside by a competent court, stressing the importance of respecting judicial authority.

He urged all parties to uphold the sanctity of the court and comply with its directives.

Speaking to journalists after the hearing, Barr. Okpanachi reaffirmed that the court had advised all parties to obey the subsisting order, noting that disobedience undermines the justice system.

He added that the matter had been adjourned to June 1 for continuation of defence, beginning with the first defendant, and hinted at possible contempt proceedings against any party found violating the order, including investors.

According to him, “Contempt of court is a serious issue. If court orders can be ignored, it undermines the foundation of society.”

On his part, a representative of Dr. Musari, Ameh Kennedy Gabriel, said his client had complied fully with the court order, unlike the opposing side, which he accused of disobedience.

He urged stakeholders and investors to exercise caution, noting that the case remains before the court until final judgment is delivered.

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Civil War Reflection: Obasanjo Says Nigerian Troops Should Not Have Fought Biafran Soldiers.

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Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said that Nigerian troops should not have engaged Biafran soldiers during the Nigerian Civil War, noting that civil conflicts are especially painful because they pit citizens against one another.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Obasanjo made the remark in Abeokuta on Monday, May 11, 2026, while reflecting on his experiences during the 1967–1970 civil war and discussing themes of national unity and reconciliation.

The former president, who served as a military commander during the conflict, explained that civil wars differ from external wars because they involve people of the same nation, making the tragedy even more profound.

He stressed that the goal of any nation should always be peace and unity rather than internal destruction.

According to him, both Nigerian soldiers and Biafran fighters were citizens of the same country, which made the war emotionally and morally difficult for many participants.

“We shouldn’t have fought ourselves. Civil war is different from fighting external enemies because at the end of the day, you are fighting your brothers,” he said.

Obasanjo added that the lessons from the civil war should guide Nigerians toward promoting peace, dialogue, and unity to prevent a recurrence of national conflict.

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Abia Police Set Record Straight, Say Governor Otti Backed Officer Transfers.

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The Abia State Police Command has dismissed reports claiming that Governor Alex Otti opposed the transfer of police officers from the state following a recent Force reorganisation.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The report had alleged that Governor Otti instructed the Commissioner of Police in Abia not to release officers pending further directives.

However, the Police Command described the claim as false and misleading, stating that it does not represent its official position.

In a statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Maureen Chinaka, the Command clarified that the governor did not issue any directive stopping the release of transferred personnel.

“At no time did the Governor of Abia State direct the Commissioner of Police to withhold the release of personnel transferred from the Abia State Command to other formations,” the statement said.

The Command further explained that police officers are routinely transferred based on directives from the Inspector-General of Police.

It added that recently, officers from the Abia Command were released to various formations, including the Police Mobile Force (PMF), Counter Terrorism Unit (CTU), training institutions, and other commands in line with official directives.

The statement also urged members of the public to disregard fake or unverified reports and rely only on credible sources for accurate information.

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