🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Nigerian pilgrims begin movement from Madinah to Makkah for Hajj 2026
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
Nigerian pilgrims in Madinah have started their journey to Makkah for Hajj 2026, following a four-day stay in Madinah. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria NAHCON reported that 9,756 pilgrims have been transported to Saudi Arabia by the four official airlines: Max Air, Umza Airline, Air Peace, and Flynas. NAHCON advises pilgrims wishing to visit the Rawdah Prophet Mohammed’s burial chamber to coordinate with their State Pilgrims Boards. Access to the Rawdah is subject to availability and approved bookings due to congestion. Pilgrims are reminded that while visiting the Rawdah is a blessed opportunity, it is not a requirement for the validity of Hajj rites.
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Must ReadNigerian Afrobeats star Davido will be honored at the 2026 Black Music and Entertainment Walk of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia, organizers announced. Described as a "global force in Afrobeats," Davido is recognized for his role in bringing African music to the international stage. The organizers highlighted his infectious hits, dynamic performances, and cross-cultural collaborations, noting his sound transcends borders while remaining rooted in his heritage. Beyond music, his impact extends to philanthropy and entrepreneurship, inspiring a new generation of artists globally. The induction ceremony is scheduled for June 1, 2026, in Atlanta. American rapper Ludacris is also expected to be honored at the event. Davido, whose real name is David Adeleke, is known for his commercial success, international collaborations, and chart-topping projects, including hits like "Dami Duro," "Fall," "If," "Unavailable," and "Feel." He has collaborated with artists such as Chris Brown, Nicki Minaj, Lil Baby, and Summer Walker, and has received multiple Grammy nominations and performed on major global stages.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted Yakubu Adamu, the Bauchi State Commissioner for Finance, permission to travel to Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage and to undergo surgery. Justice Emeka Nwite ordered the temporary release of Adamu's international passport for his trip, scheduled from May 9 to May 28, 2026. Adamu is currently being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC for alleged N4.6bn money laundering, alongside Ayab Agro Products and Freight Company Limited. The court ruled that ill-health constitutes a special circumstance justifying the release of travel documents, emphasizing that access to proper healthcare is a constitutional and humanitarian right, irrespective of criminal allegations. This decision follows a previous rejection of a similar application, which the EFCC had opposed due to an unsigned affidavit and insufficient evidence that the surgery could not be performed in Nigeria. In the renewed application, Adamu provided additional documents, including a certified medical document and an appointment slip from Saint Xavier General Hospital in Saudi Arabia, which addressed the court's previous concerns. The EFCC alleges that funds related to a motorcycle supply contract for the Bauchi State Government were diverted, and the motorcycles were never supplied. Adamu has pleaded not guilty to the charges and was previously granted bail with conditions, including depositing his international passport with the court.
Must ReadThe Kogi State Government has sealed the Daarul Kitab Islamic Training Centre in Zariagi, Adavi Local Government Area, following an alleged illegal operation without government approval. This action comes after an April 26 attack on the school by gunmen who abducted 23 pupils and the proprietor's wife. All victims were subsequently rescued through a joint operation by the Nigerian Army, the Kogi State Police Command, and other security agencies. The state Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones, led the closure on Friday, directing the proprietor to report to the Ministry of Education. The center will remain closed until it meets all legal operating conditions. Jones emphasized that the state government prioritizes ensuring schools are conducive and safe for teaching and learning, and will not compromise on operational standards. He noted that while the proprietor had initiated the registration process, the school commenced operations without official approval. The government plans to continue monitoring schools statewide to ensure compliance with safety and operational standards.
A coalition of civil society organizations in Ekiti State is urging political parties to ensure fair and transparent opportunities for women to contest and emerge as candidates in the 2027 state and national assembly elections. The CSOs, working to advance women’s political participation, highlighted the low level of female representation in leadership despite Nigeria's commitment to inclusive governance and a 35% affirmative action target for women. They specifically called on political parties, through the Inter-Party Advisory Council and the ruling All Progressive Congress, to institutionalize clear and inclusive guidelines for candidate selection and publicly commit to the 35% affirmative action targets for women across all legislative candidacies. The coalition emphasized that achieving increased representation, from the current 23% in the Ekiti State Assembly to 35%, is a democratic necessity. They also charged women in Ekiti State to step forward, organize, and contest, stating that the credibility of the 2027 elections will be measured by how inclusive the process is from the beginning. The CSOs stressed that women are critical stakeholders in nation-building and democratic governance, and their intentional inclusion and meaningful representation in politics are crucial, moving beyond symbolic gestures. The coalition includes organizations such as the Coalition of CSOs on Women’s Political Participation in Ekiti State, New Generation Girls and Women Development Initia