Category: Religion Watch (ISLAM)

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has released the official fare for Nigerian pilgrims intending to embark on the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, with costs varying by region. The fare, which was approved by the Office of the Vice President of Nigeria, is set at N8,457,685.59 for pilgrims from the Northern zone, while those from Borno and Adamawa zones will pay N8,327,125.59. Pilgrims from the Southern states will pay N8,784,085.59.   Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman, the Chairman of NAHCON, explained that the fares were determined after extensive consultations to ensure…

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has criticized Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for threatening legal action against the five kingmakers of Oyo town who opposed the appointment of Hakeem Owoade as the new Alaafin. The governor issued the warning on January 14, 2025, during the presentation of the staff of office to Owoade. MURIC, through its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, described the governor’s threat as “bluff” and “hocus pocus.” The organization released a statement on January 15, 2025, highlighted their concerns over the governor’s approach to the issue.…

The Nigerian Presidency has approved four airlines to manage the airlift of pilgrims for the 2025 Hajj. This was confirmed in a statement signed by Fatima Sanda Usara, Assistant Director of Information and Publication at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).   The approved airlines are Air Peace Limited, Fly-Nas, Max Air, and UMZA Aviation Services Limited. These carriers were selected from a pool of 11 applicants by a 32-member Aviation Screening Committee, inaugurated by NAHCON Chairman, Prof. Abdullahi Saleh Usman, on November 26, 2024. The committee included representatives…

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called on the Muslim community of Oyo town to immediately appoint and turban their Chief Imam, bypassing the traditional involvement of the Alaafin of Oyo. This directive was coming in response to the controversial appointment of Prince Abimbola Akeem Owoade as the new Alaafin of Oyo, a decision currently under legal scrutiny.   In a statement released on Saturday, January 11, 2025, Professor Ishaq Akintola, the Executive Director of MURIC, emphasized the need for the Muslim community to act independently in appointing their religious…

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), led by its President-General, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, has formally announced the winners of the 39th National Qur’anic Recitation Competition. The event, which took place from December 20 to 28, 2024, in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, showcased the outstanding talents of male and female reciters across six categories.   The competition, organized by the Centre for Islamic Studies, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, featured participants from various states in Nigeria. The winners of each category have been…