Category: Religion

NAHCON vows unwavering commitment to Pilgrims’ Welfare at Pre-Arafah Meeting in Makkah

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has reiterated its unwavering commitment to ensuring the welfare, safety, and comfort of Nigerian pilgrims throughout the 2025 Hajj exercise.   Speaking on Monday, June 2, 2025, during the Pre-Arafah Stakeholders Meeting held in Makkah, the Chairman of the Commission, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman Pakistan, said NAHCON owed Nigerians in general, and pilgrims in particular, a duty to diligently execute all responsibilities it shoulders.   He emphasized that the Board, Management, and Staff of the Commission were in service for the benefit of…

Nigerian Embassy urges Pilgrims to be good Ambassadors, seeks clarification on Gumi’s entry denial

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Embassy in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has urged Nigerian pilgrims performing the 2025 Hajj to be exemplary ambassadors of Islam and Nigeria while in the Holy Land.   Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires in Riyadh, Dr. Ibrahim Modibbo Umar, made the call during a pre-Arafah stakeholders’ meeting organized by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in Makkah.   Dr. Modibbo emphasized the importance of abiding by the laws and cultural expectations of the host country to enable pilgrims perform their religious obligations peacefully and without difficulty. He commended…

MURIC decries Ram-fighting trend in South West, describes act as cruel, un-Islamic

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has strongly condemned the emerging practice of engaging Salah rams in fights for entertainment in some South Western parts of Nigeria, describing the act as “wicked, sinful, and disgusting.” This was disclosed in a statement issued on Monday, June 2, 2025, by the Executive Director of the organization, Professor Ishaq Akintola. According to MURIC, the group’s attention was drawn to disturbing video evidence showing young Muslims staging fights between rams bought for the Eid al-Adha (Salah) sacrifice. The group alleged that such incidents often occur…

NAHCON cautions Tour Operators against unauthorized Hajj engagements as Visa deadline elapses

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has issued a strong warning to Hajj stakeholders, particularly licensed Tour Operators, against engaging in unauthorized arrangements for Tent A+ services, stressed that such actions fall outside the Commission’s official framework.   This caution followed the closure of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah visa portal, despite NAHCON’s intensive efforts to secure a last-minute extension even for an hour which ultimately proved unsuccessful.   In a statement issued by Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director of Information and Publication, on behalf of the…

Pastor Kayode Aliyu named Rector of New Bible College as C&S Church unveils leadership changes

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Dakibiyu District, Kubwa Branch widely known as The Peculiar People has appointed Pastor Samson Kayode Aliyu as the pioneer Rector of its newly established Christian Heritage International Bible College.   The announcement was made on Sunday, June 1, 2025, during the church’s General Assembly by the Senior Pastor, Special Apostle Alex Ogundipe.   Pastor Aliyu, who also serves as the Shepherd-in-Charge of the Gwarimpa branch of the church, expressed gratitude for the appointment, describing it as a divine assignment. “This is not just an…

Celebrating Family Month: A God-Centered Approach in Foursquare Gospel Church, Abuja

Emporium Reporters

By Afolabi Olajuwon   On Sunday, June 1, 2025, the Wuse District Headquarters of Foursquare Gospel Church in Abuja, Nigeria, hosted a vibrant celebration marking the grand finale of Family Month. This event aimed to underscore the critical role of fathers, mothers, and children within the family unit, reflecting a broader national initiative that emphasized family unity and spiritual growth across Foursquare Gospel Churches in Nigeria. Worship and Praise Session: The festivities began with an uplifting praise and worship session led by the Church adult choir. Their harmonious melodies created…

MURIC Abuja raises alarm over evangelism in schools, launches “1 Youth, 1 Skill” Project

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Abuja Chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has expressed deep concern over alleged Christian evangelism activities being disguised as empowerment programmes in public schools along the Nyanya-Karu axis of the Federal Capital Territory. In a joint statement signed by Ustaz Yunus Salahudeen, Chairman of MURIC Abuja Chapter, and Lukman Laleye Babalola, the Chapter’s Public Relations Officer, the Islamic rights group called on the Muslim community to adopt proactive measures to address what it described as subtle proselytization efforts targeting vulnerable Muslim students. The statement, released on Sunday, emphasized…

Nigerian Pilgrims Manifest Integrity: Numerous Return Lost Cash. By: Muhammad Ahmad Musa

Emporium Reporters

Ummuljudd, Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Friday, 30th May 2025. A wave of integrity is sweeping through the Nigerian Pilgrims’ community from Nigeria to Makkah, as reports of lost, recovered and returned monies continue to emerge, setting a positive trend during this year’s Hajj period. In a notable incident, the Deputy Coordinator of Makkah Operations, Mr. Alidu Shutti, presented three Nigerian pilgrims to the Commissioner of Operations, Prince Anofi’u O. Elegushi, for commendation after they voluntarily returned two lost purses belonging to fellow pilgrims, a Nigerian and an Egyptian national. One of…

Friday Sermon: The Day Of Arafah And Sacrifice Of Animals (Udhiyyah) By Imam Murtadha Gusau

Emporium Reporters

In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful All perfect praise be to Allah the Lord of the Worlds. May His peace and blessings be upon our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) and upon all his family and companions. To proceed: Dear brothers and sisters! Know that, the Day of Arafah has historical and religious significance within Islam as it commemorates several important events and milestones. Here are some key historical aspects associated with the blessed Day of Arafah: 1. Repentance of Adam and Hawwa Adam and…

Nigerian Pilgrim returns $5,000 Lost in Mecca, earns praise for honesty

Emporium Reporters

A Nigerian pilgrim from Plateau State, Hajiya Zainab, has been widely commended after returning $5,000 (approximately ₦7.93 million) she found at the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca to its rightful owner, a Russian pilgrim. The incident occurred during the ongoing 2025 Hajj pilgrimage when Hajiya Zainab discovered a lost wallet near the Kaaba. Without hesitation, she reported the discovery to the relevant authorities, who successfully identified and contacted the Russian pilgrim. In a now-viral video, the Russian was seen emotionally counting the returned cash while expressing heartfelt appreciation to the Nigerian…