NAHCON Awards Hajj seat to Nigeria's winner of International Qur'anic Competition

The Chairman/CEO, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, OON, fwc has congratulated Hajara Ibrahim Dan'azumi, the first prize winner at the 18th Edition of the Hashemite Jordan International Qur'anic Competition for Females. 

In a statement signed by the Deputy Director Public Affairs of the Commission, Fatima Sanda Usara, said the competition was held between 17th and 22nd February 2024, in Jordan. The prestigious competition is organized annually by the Ministry of Endowments, Islamic Affairs, and Holy Places of Jordan.

Hajara Dan’azumi, a 19-year-old student of Abubakar Siddiq Community Islamic School, Gombe, who is also a 200 Level student of the Gombe State University studying Botany, represented Nigeria in the 60 Hizb with Tajwid category.  She impressively scored 99.5% to emerge first place winner against contestants from 39 other countries.

In a congratulatory message to the Gombe state Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Inuwa Yahaya,  Malam Jalal Arabi expressed delight at the exceptional performance of Hajara Ibrahim Dan’azumi. 

The NAHCON helmsman, represented by his Personal Assistant, Usman Nuraini, at a special reception hosted by the state government, announced an award of 2024 Hajj Seat to Malama Hajara. The event in honor of the prize winner took place on Thursday 7th March 2024 at the Gombe Government House.

During the ceremony, Governor Inuwa Yahaya rewarded Hajara’s excellent performance with a gift of five million Naira. In addition, the governor offered her full scholarship package from degree to Ph.D and another five million Naira award was granted to Hajara's Islamic school "to improve its operations and enhance the effectiveness of students' training". 

The NAHCON Chairman’s recognition of Hajara’s performance is in line with his tradition of reward for hard work and excellence across board. It is Malam Arabi’s conviction that recognising such achievements would motivate others to replicate the feat while they bear the torch that projects the good values of the religion of Islam. 

CSO Urges Tinubu to appoint remaining NAHCON Board members

A Hajj and Umrah Civil Society Organization (CSO), the Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to appoint the remaining members of the board of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) as enshrined on its establishment act.

 

The President had on 17TH October 2023 announced the appointment of Mallam Jalal Ahmad Arabi as the Ag Chairman of the country’s apex Hajj regulatory body. 

 

The President also announced additional members of the board and forwarded same to the Senate for confirmation. They have all been confirmed and inaugurated into office.

 

IHR in a statement on Thursday in Abuja signed by its national coordinator Ibrahim Mohammed said the new board of NAHCON is still incomplete.

 

Section 3 of National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) Establishment ACT 2006 under Composition of leadership of the commission clearly states that “the commission shall consist of the - (a) a chairman, who shall be-, (i) the Chief Executive and Accounting Officer of the Commission; (ii) responsible to the Commission for the day-to-day management of the affairs of the Commission; 

 

B (b) three full-time members and six part-time members representing each geo- political zone provided that two of whom shall be women; 

(c) a representative each of the Ministry of- (i) Aviation; (ii) Foreign Affairs; (iii) Internal Affairs (Immigration); (iv) Finance; (v) Health; (d) a representative of the- (i) Central Bank of Nigeria; (ii) Jama'atul Nasril Islam; and (iii) Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.”

                                                                              

Based on the recent appointments by Mr President, it is clear that representatives of some key agencies are still missing and this may affect the smooth running of Hajj operations in the country.

 

“Board members representing the Ministries of Aviation, Health, Finance and Internal Affairs (Immigration), have all not been announced. Same goes for the representative of the Central Bank of Nigeria.

 

“These members often coordinate activities related to their establishments and some of them are very important and cannot be ignored. The structure of hajj preparations and operations requires NAHCON to function at full operational capacity as envisaged by the framers of NAHCON Establishment act.

 

“For instance, the member representing the Ministry of Health should have been at the forefront of the ongoing recruitment of medical personnel for Hajj 2024. In the same vein, the representative of Nigerian Immigration Service should be helping secure Passports for intending pilgrims just as the representatives of CBN and Aviation should have been helping with facilitating the needed foreign exchange and preparations of selected airlines,” IHR said.

 

The CSO therefore urges the President to appoint the representatives of these MDAs because of the important role they play in successful Hajj operations.

 

NAN, PRNigeria to collaborate on fact-checking for credible reportage

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), has pledged to collaborate with Image Merchants Promotion Limited (IMPR), the publishers of PRNigeria, on fact-checking, to promote credible news and counter misinformation.

The Managing Director of NAN, Ali M. Ali said this when officials of IMPR paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja on Wednesday.

Ali said that the partnership would add value to the credibility of both organisations.

He said that IMPR was a reputable media organisation that has been doing commendable works in the media industry for many years.

"PRNigeria has helped in shaping public opinion because what you get from them is the authentic just like getting your news from NAN.

"So, we have a common vision, a common ground.

"NAN will partner with any reputable organisation for fact-checking and yours is reputable and it has won laurels not just at home but globally," he added.

The managing director said that NAN was being re-enegised to enhance its standing as the foremost and reliable media organisation in Africa.

"What we are trying to do in NAN currently is to rekindle its lost glory.

"NAN is literally self-sufficient, here we have seasoned journalists that are highly trained."

Ali added that the Agency plans to conduct more training and retraining for its members of staff to make them super reporters.

"What we envisage is to have super reporters just like you become a super publisher with so many publications to your name.

"In NAN, we will take a step to reopen some of our closed offices. We want to take NAN back to its lost glory as the leading news content provider in Africa, as the most authentic news source in the country.

"In NAN, we will take a English our closed offices. We want to take NAN back to its lost glory as the leading news content provider in Africa, as the most authentic news source in the country. f

"So here, we have a partnership."

Earlier, the Editor-in-chief and CEO, IMPR, Yushau Shuaib, said that the visit was to propose a strategic partnership focusing on fact-checking and misinformation counternarratives with NAN using its extensive network.

He added that by partnering with IMPR, NAN could benefit from access to high-quality fact- checking tools, and authoritative reports while promoting media literacy and fact-checking awareness among the public.

"We are confident that this partnership will not only benefit both organisations, but also contribute significantly to the fight against misinformation and the promotion of a more

(NAN)

Kano Pilgrims Board Committed To Rising Standards of Pilgrims Welfarism - Laminu Rabi'u

By Aisha Mimi

Alhaji Laminu Rabi'u Danbappa, the Director-General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, reiterated the Board's dedication to reviving standards pilgrims welfarism.

In a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the Agency, Sulaiman Abdullahi Dederi, said Laminu  made the commitment while receiving a comprehensive report from the Committee on Hajj Induction Courses.

Alhaji Laminu Rabi'u emphasizes the Board's unwavering commitment to enhancing the welfare of pilgrims. He announced the selection of Islamic scholars to review and update the syllabus of Hajj Induction Courses, aimed at better preparing pilgrims in the state for their journey to Saudi Arabia.

Highlighting a lack of updates since 2014, Alhaji Laminu Rabi'u stressed the importance of aligning the course syllabus with evolving knowledge gained during the Hajj pilgrimage. He pledged to implement necessary changes to ensure pilgrims are equipped with the latest information before embarking on their sacred journey.

The Chairman of the Board of Directors, Alhaji Yusif Lawan, commends  the Committee members for their tireless efforts in facilitating the review of the syllabus. 

On his part, Chairman of the Hajj Induction Course Teachers and a Board Member, Sheikh Tijjani Sani Maihula, the  underscores the committee's meticulous work in compiling essential knowledge on worship (Ibadat) for the benefit of pilgrims.

Sheikh Maihula encourages pilgrims to embrace the new syllabus, emphasizing its potential to enrich their pilgrimage experience. He expressed gratitude to Alhaji Laminu Rabi'u Danbappa for his steadfast commitment to revitalizing the standards of the Board.

Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board Extends Warm Welcome to New Port Health Leadership

The Director General of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Laminu Rabi'u Danbappa, receives the distinguished leadership of Port Health. Led by Mr. Bamai Deniel, Director of Port Health, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the Board.

In a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of Board, Sulaiman Abdullahi Dederi, said Tlthe visit underscores the collaborative spirit between the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board and Port Health, committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of pilgrims undertaking journeys of faith.

Discussions during the meeting centered on enhancing health protocols and services for pilgrims, emphasizing the need for seamless coordination and cooperation between the two entities to facilitate secure pilgrimage experiences.

Alhaji Laminu Rabi'u Danbappa expressed gratitude to the Port Health leadership for their proactive engagement, reaffirming the Board's dedication to prioritizing the health and welfare of all pilgrims.

In his response, Mr. Bamai Deniel expresses appreciation for the warm reception and affirms Port Health's commitment to supporting the efforts of the Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board in safeguarding pilgrims' health and safety.

The visit concluded on a positive note, with both parties expressing optimism about future collaborations and the mutual benefits they will yield in ensuring a seamless pilgrimage experience for all.

Kano-ACReSAL introduces the ESMP and RAP Consultants to Rarin and Bulbula-Gayawa Communities

The State Project Coordinator Dr. Dahir Muhammad Hashim led a team comprising the project staff and the representative of the consultancy firms engaged  for Environment and Social Management Plan (ESMP) and Resettlement Action plan (RAP)studies, to the proposed erosion control sites at Bulbula-Gayawa in Nassarawa and Rarin in Dawakin-Tofa Local Government Areas respectively.

In a Press Release posted on the Facebook page of the outfit, the aim of the visit is to formally introduce them to the communities, to familiarize and to enlighten the communities on the purpose of the engagement and the support expected from them to facilitate successful implementation of the exercise.  

In the quest for royal  blessing for the exercise, the PC appealed to the Sarkin Dawaki Maitutan Bichi   the District Head of Dawakin Tofa, Alhaji Ismail Umar Ganduje, for his continual support towards encouraging communities to adopt the good practices that the ACReSAL project is preaching. 

The Project Coordinator further stated that Kano State Government under the able leadership of his Excellency Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf is determined to addressing environmental challenges in the state 

In his response, the District Head of Dawakin Tofa, has acknowledges all the efforts and commitment the project has been putting in place to ensure the success of the intervention in the community.

He therefore, called on the community to be good ambassadors, particularly those that are going to be directly  affected by the exercise to ensure that  successful and a hitch free exercise is attained.

Earlier, the Environmental Safeguard Officer Alhaji Mukhtar Bello in his address, spelled out what the consultancies entail as an important instruments in the erosion control work.

The Environment and Social Management Plan (ESMP) and Resettlement Action Plan (RAP) in addition to other instruments are part of the instruments that pave way for mobilization of machinery to project site for construction,  by ensuring that the natural environment is safeguarded, and to also ensure property are judiciously compensated to their rightful owners, he added. 

The team visited the erosion control sites at Bulbula-Gayawa in Nassarawa and Rarin in Dawakin-Tofa LGA.

Participants included SPMU staff under the leadership of the PC, representative of the consultancy firms, traditional councils, Site Committee, Community Association members of the community among others

Gwamnatin Kebbi Za Ta Raba Man Fetur Kyauta Ga Manoma

Gwamnatin Kebbi ta bullo da shiri na musamman domin raba man fetur kyauta ga manoman rani da nufin saukaka musu yin wahalar noma a jihar.

Kwamishinan Noma na jihar, Shehu Mu’azu ya ce gwamnatin ta samar da haujin noma, inda aka farrfado da aikin noma domin jihar ta cigaba da rike kambunta a bangaren noman shinkafa a Nijeriya.

Saboda haka ne ta gina karamin wurin noma na zamani a kananan hukumomin Argungu da Fakai a garin Mahuta.

Wannnan a cewarsa, kari ne a kan tallafin noman rani da manoman shinkafa 30,000 da masu noma masara 7,500 da kuma masu noman rogo 2,000 suka samu daga gwamnatin.

(AMINIYA)

Matukin Adaidaita Sahu Dan Kano Da Ya Tsinci Kudi Ya Mayar, Ya Samu Tallafin Miliyan 250 Don Yin Karatu

A wani abin da ya yi kama da gasa, matashin nan mai tuka Adaidaita Sahu mai shekaru 23 a Kano, Auwalu Salisu, wanda ya tsinci kudin wani dan kasuwa dan kasar Chadi har naira Miliyan 15  da ya manta su a kekensa tun a 2023, an ba shi tallafin karatu na naira Miliyan 250 har zuwa matakin karatun digiri na uku 

KANO FOCUS ta ruwaito cewa, LEADERSHIP Media Group ta yi bikin karamar  Auwalu a ranar Talata a wajen taron shekara-shekara da kuma bikin karramawa a matsayin wanda ya lashe lambar yabo ta ‘Fitaccen matashin matashin shekarar 2023’, saboda nuna gaskiya da ya yi.

Dan takarar shugaban kasa a jam’iyyar Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi, wanda aka karrama shi a matsayin Gwarzon dan siyasar LEADERSHIP na shekarar 2023, shi ne ya fara ba Awwalu guraben karatu a Jami’ar Baze da ke Abuja har zuwa matakin digirin digirgir.

Bayan haka, gwamnan jihar Neja, kuma wanda ya lashe kyautar Gwarzon Gwamnan na LEADERSHIP, Mohammed Umar Bago, ya mayar da martani cikin raha yana mai cewa jam’iyyar Labour ba za ta iya zarce jam’iyyar APC mai mulki ba.

A sakamakon haka Bago ya sanar da kyautar N250m ga Awwalu don jin dadin aikinsa na gaskiya da kuma karfafawa sauran matasan Najeriya kwarin gwiwa don nuna halin kirki.

Ya ce Awwalu zai samu tallafin Naira miliyan 50 kowanne daga gare shi da kansa da kuma shugaban kasa Bola Tinubu da ministocinsa da kungiyar gwamnonin APC da kuma gwamnatin jihar Neja.

Bago ya kara da cewa zai bayyana daya daga cikin ayyukan tituna da yake gudanarwa a jihar Neja da sunan matukin babur din na Kano.

Use of Micro-Nutrients a vital step for curbing maternal mortality rates - Sunday Okhoronko

Mr Sunday Okworonko,the Executive Secretary of Civil Society Organization, CS-SUNN ;that tackles malnutrition issues gave the advice during a 2 day media capacity training held  in Abuja .

Speaking while declaring the workshop open, the Executive Secretary said the training became  imperative with regard to the need to put effort together in ensuring the reduction of aneamia through the use of Multiple Micronutrients in Nigeria.

Mr Sunday  Okoronkwo stated that there is need for the quick response from the government to tackle the challenges of the prgnant women faces  saying that aneamia and hunger are the major problems that affects millions, particularly women and adolescent girls across the country. 

 He explained that media professionals have a  vital role  to play in advocasing for the government and stakeholders to fight for the Anaemia in pregnant women , adolescents and malnutrition in children as it causes the loss of million  of lives adding that dietary diversity and use of essential micro nutrients  supplements, MMS will prevent the menace.

Speaking while presenting a paper, titled' Nigeria’s Nutrition Situation with focus on Micronutrients Deficiencies and Anaemia Prevalence in Nigeria', the Head of Food and Nutrition Division , Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Mrs Chito Nelson said statistics showed  that 149 million Children under the age of five are stunted globally ,which lead to 50% dealth of Children under 5.

She maintained that when  child is malnourished his  chances of  dying are high adding that 45 million Children under the age of 5 are wested across the world,97% of these children are in Asia (31.6 million) and Africa (12.2 million).

Mrs Nelson noted  that to achieve the stated objectives, there is  the need for coordinated platform and media advocacy on policy makers with the aim of ensuring effective policy making and good political will.

CBN Ya Soke Lasisin ’Yan Canji 4,173 A Faɗin Nijeriya

Babban Bankin Najeriya (CBN) ya sanar da soke lasisin gudanar da ayyuka na wasu ’yan canji 4,173 a faɗin ƙasar nan take.

CBN ya ce daga cikin ’yan canjin da soke lasisin ya shafa akwai waɗanda suka gaza sabunta lasisinsu, da waɗanda suka gaza biyan wasu caje-caje kuɗin gudanarwa da Babban Bankin ya rataya a wuyansu.

Haka kuma, daga cikin waɗanda abin ya shafa akwai masu bijire wa dokokin Babban Bankin kan tsare-tsarensa na yaƙi da safarar kuɗaɗen haram, dakile fitar da kuɗaɗen da ke ɗaukar nauyin ayyukan ta’addanci, da kuma dakile ka’idojin samar da kuɗaɗe.

Kazalika, CBN ya ce waɗanda aka soke wa lasisin akwai masu rashin mika wa CBN ɗin bayanan yadda suke sayar da dalar duk mako.

Wannan matakin wani ɓangare ne na ƙoƙarin da CBN da Gwamnatin Tarayya ke yi na maido da ƙwarin gwiwa a kasuwar canji da musayar kuɗaɗen waje da kuma farfaɗo da tattalin arzikin ƙasar.

CBN dai ya yi alƙawarin ci gaba da bayar da dala ga masu kamfanin canjin kuɗin a kowanne mako kamar yadda aka saba a baya.

Sai dai ya kuma lashi takobin hukunta duk wanda ya saɓa ƙa’idar da aka shimfida ta gudanar da hada-hadar a Najeriya.

(AMINIYA)