News
NAHCON Signs 2026 Hajj Airlift Deal

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has signed the 2026 Hajj Airlift Agreement, charging participating airlines to comply strictly with operational standards and timelines for the pilgrimage.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Chairman/CEO of NAHCON, Ambassador Ismail Yusuf Abba, described the event as “a defining milestone in the commission’s readiness for the 2026 Hajj,” stressing that the airlift operation is a critical component of the pilgrimage.
According to a statement signed by Shafi Mohammed for the Commission’s Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, and issued on Wednesday in Abuja, he noted that the exercise must be handled with “utmost professionalism, precision, and commitment.”
He added that Hajj operations are time-bound and require careful coordination to ensure pilgrims are transported to and from Saudi Arabia within stipulated timelines.
READ ALSO:
Abba warned that compliance with the agreement was non-negotiable.
“Any airline that performs excellently will continue to enjoy our confidence and partnership, but any airline that underperforms or fails to meet agreed timelines will be sanctioned in line with the provisions of the agreement. The interest of Nigerian pilgrims remains our top priority,” he said.
He disclosed that the agreement provides recovery timelines for airlines that fall behind schedule and alternative arrangements where necessary to prevent disruptions, assuring stakeholders that NAHCON would diligently carry out its oversight responsibilities.
In his remarks, the Commissioner, Operations, Inspectorate and Licensing, Anofiu Elegushi, said the agreement reflected strengthened collaboration and a shared commitment to service excellence.
READ ALSO:
He noted that lessons from the 2025 Hajj airlift would guide improvements in the 2026 operations, emphasising that punctuality, operational efficiency, adequate aircraft deployment and effective management of challenges were critical to success.
Speaking on behalf of the participating airlines, Shehu Wada (SAN), Executive Director and representative of Max Air, thanked NAHCON for the confidence reposed in them.
He described the Hajj airlift as “a national assignment” and assured the Commission of the airlines’ commitment to safety, punctuality and adherence to agreed schedules.
The ceremony ended with the formal signing of the agreement, underscoring NAHCON’s resolve, in partnership with the airlines, to deliver a smooth and efficient 2026 Hajj airlift operation, the statement added.
News
Shatta Wale Bailed Burna Boy From Ghana Prison After Arrest For Smoking Weed – Captan
Ghanian singer, Captan, has claimed that his former record label boss, Shatta Wale, once bailed Nigerian singer Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana after he was allegedly arrested for smoking weed.
Speaking in a recent podcast interview, Captan claimed that Shatta Wale sent him and others to free Burna Boy from police custody.
He also claimed that Shatta Wale and his group once accommodated Burna Boy when he was being hunted by some dangerous men.
READ ALSO: Wale Edun Opens Up After Sack
Captan said, “I once bailed Burna Boy out of prison in Ghana when he was arrested for smoking weed. Shatta Wale sent me and some guys to go and free him from police custody.
“There was a time we also accommodated him when some people were after his life. We helped him settle the case.”
He added that he and Burna Boy are no longer in good terms after the Nigerian artist’s fallout with his mentor, Shatta Wale.
He, however, said he and Shatta Wale are open to reconciling with Burna Boy if he asks for it.
Watch the video here
News
Children’s Day: Chaos At Ogbe Stadium As Dozens Faint
Chaos erupted on Wednesday during the Children’s Day celebration as dozens of students reportedly collapsed following a stampede triggered by the use of pepper spray.
The event,
organised by the Edo State Ministry of Education at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium was disrupted after some male students of Ihogbe College allegedly made uncompromising advances towards female students at the venue.
A parent who identified himself as Oboh Emmanuel said, “the behaviour of those uncultured students attracted the attention of bouncers stationed at the stadium as they rebuked the male students.”
Oboh said the affected students later regrouped and attacked the bouncers, leading to a confrontation within the crowded arena.
READ ALSO:Children’s Day: Edo Commits To Child Protection
It was gathered that in the ensuing confusion, the bouncers were reported to have deployed pepper spray in an area occupied by a large number of students.
Several students, particularly female students, reportedly fainted after inhaling the substance, while others sustained injuries after being stepped on during the ensuing melee.
The panic was said to have spread across the stadium as students, teachers and parents scampered for safety.
Many of the affected students were reportedly rushed to the Edo Specialist Hospital for medical attention.
READ ALSO: Egor LG Chair, Ogbemudia, Vice, Osawe Impeached
Reacting to the incident, Chief Press Secretary to Governor Monday Okpebholo, Dr Patrick Ebojele, said the security personnel that fired the tear gas had been detained.
He said all the students, except two, that were rushed to the hospital have been discharged.
Ebojele stated that doctors wanted to observe the students till tomorrow before allowing them to go home.
“The two students are not seriously injured. Doctors want to observe them overnight. Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education is still at the hospital. The man who used pepper spray has been detained.
“The incident did not happen the way it is being exaggerated. All modalities were put in place to ensure the children enjoyed their day.”
News
Okpebholo Salutes Edo Muslims, Seeks Continued Support, Prayers
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has urged Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country even as they celebrate the annual Eid-al-Adha
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Dennis Idahosa, stated this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls held at Government House in Benin City.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.
READ ALSO:ADC Penetrates Okpebholo’s District As Defections Strengthen Party in Edo Central
According to him, the present administration remains determined to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, noting that competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.
“As a government, we remain committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen, irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. This is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”
Okpebholo appreciated the Muslim community in Edo State for their unwavering support and continuous prayers for his administration, noting that such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development being witnessed across the state.
READ ALSO:Okpebholo Felicitates Muslims On Eid-el-Fitr Celebration
He then called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country needs collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.
“I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use this occasion to pray for our dear nation and for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we strive to overcome our challenges and build a more prosperous future for all.”
In his remarks, the Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, applauded the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.
The cleric commended the administration for ongoing infrastructural development and efforts geared towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.
-
Metro5 days ago
My Husband Abandoned Me On Our Wedding Night To Attend Political Meeting, I Want Our Marriage Dissolved
-
Headline4 days ago
Woman Passes Out After Receiving 100 Strokes Of Cane
-
Politics5 days ago
Warri Ijaw Hail INEC Delineation Report, Call For Additional Electoral Wards, Others
-
Headline4 days ago
JUST IN: White House Locked Down Briefly As Gunman Opens Fire At Security Checkpoint
-
Politics3 days ago
Two Masked Men Gun Down Politician In His Rivers State Hotel
-
News3 days ago
More Pain For Nigerians As Cooking Gas Price Increases Nationwide
-
News5 days ago
Alleged Terrorism: Court Rejects Defendant’s Bid To Travel Abroad
-
Metro4 days ago
Police Reject N500m Bribe, Recover N7.8bn Illicit Drugs In Lagos
-
Metro5 days ago
My Wife Stop Cooking My Food, Beats Me Black And Blue All the Time, Man Tells Court
-
Politics5 days ago
What I’ll Do As President Of Nigeria — Amaechi