The first batch of 343 intending pilgrims from Lagos State has arrived safely in Saudi Arabia for the 2026 Hajj exercise. The contingent, made up of 169 males and 174 females, touched down at the King AbdulAzeez International Airport in Madinah on Friday evening.
According to the Lagos State Pilgrims Welfare Board, the pilgrims departed the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, aboard a Flynas flight XY8504 at about 6:26 p.m. local time. Officials said the journey was smooth and without incident, with the aircraft landing in Madinah in the early hours of Saturday.
On arrival, the Lagos pilgrims were received by officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the state welfare board, before being transported to their accommodation in the holy city. They are expected to spend a few days in Madinah to observe prayers and visitation at the Prophet’s Mosque before proceeding to Makkah for the core Hajj rites.
The board reiterated that Lagos is working closely with NAHCON to ensure a hitch free pilgrimage for all its contingents this year. It also advised pilgrims to strictly adhere to guidelines on conduct, health and safety while in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
NAHCON recently disclosed that more than 9,000 Nigerian pilgrims from various states have so far been airlifted to Madinah since the commencement of the 2026 Hajj operations. The Saudi authorities approved a total quota of about 50,000 pilgrims for Nigeria for this year’s exercise.
About the author
Fierce lobbying, tension as APC primaries begin
Intense lobbying and growing tension have greeted the All Progressives Congress’ nationwide primaries as the ruling party begins the process of selecting its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections. The primaries, which kicked off with House of Representatives contests, have already exposed fresh cracks in several state chapters. In many states, aspirants and their supporters are said to be locked in last-minute meetings with governors, ministers and other power brokers in a bid to secure party tickets. Reports indicate that hotel lobbies in Abuja and major state capitals are now packed with politicians seeking endorsements, funding and favourable word from key stakeholders. Consensus talks reportedly collapsed in a number of states on Thursday night after rival camps rejected attempts by party leaders to impose “unity candidates”. In some areas, aggrieved aspirants have threatened legal action or defection if they […]
Tambuwal steps down from Senate race, backs ex-commissioner
Former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has stepped down from the 2027 Sokoto South Senatorial race. The ex-speaker confirmed he would no longer seek re-election to the Senate, despite earlier indications that he would be on the ballot. Tambuwal, who recently resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party and aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has instead thrown his weight behind former commissioner Aminu Bala Bodinga. Bodinga, a long-time ally, served in Tambuwal’s cabinet during his time as governor and is now being positioned as his preferred successor for the Sokoto South seat. In a message shared by his media team, Tambuwal said his decision followed wide consultations with political associates and constituents. He explained that he chose to step aside to allow “fresh energy” to emerge, while still offering guidance and support from behind the scenes. […]
Tinubu: Nigeria attracted $20bn foreign investments this year
President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that Nigeria has attracted around $20bn in foreign investments so far this year. He said the inflows reflect growing investor confidence in his administration’s economic reforms despite global uncertainty. Tinubu highlighted recent commitments by multinational firms and development finance institutions across sectors such as energy, infrastructure, manufacturing and technology. According to him, these pledges are already translating into concrete projects that will create jobs and boost productivity. The President noted that his government’s decision to unify the exchange rate, phase out fuel subsidies and streamline business regulations has sent a strong signal to the international community. He maintained that while the reforms have been painful in the short term, they are necessary to reposition Nigeria for long-term, private sector–driven growth. Tinubu also assured both local and foreign investors that his administration will continue to tackle […]
West African Youth Under Pressure: Jobs, Security, And Voice
Across West Africa, many young people feel they did everything right but still cannot see a clear future. They go to school, learn skills, and hustle every day, yet they face joblessness, insecurity, and leaders who seem distant from their struggles. This experience is common in Nigeria, Ghana, and Togo, even though their political and economic situations are different. Data and recent events show that youth frustration is not just emotional, but grounded in real hardship and broken promises. Nigeria: hustling through crisis In Nigeria, many young people wake up every day thinking about how to survive, not just how to succeed. They combine formal education with informal work, like riding motorbikes, doing deliveries, or selling online, while facing a weak currency, high fuel prices, and constant security threats. Afrobarometer findings for 2024–2025 show that young Nigerians aged 18 to […]
Ego, inner competition undermine collaborations in Afrobeats – Joeboy
Afrobeats singer Joeboy has decried the growing impact of ego and inner competition on collaborations among Nigerian artists. He said many artistes now approach joint projects with a mindset of rivalry instead of focusing on making timeless music together. According to him, some colleagues only agree to collaborate when they think they will gain more numbers, clout or validation than the other party. Joeboy noted that this attitude makes it difficult to build sincere, long-term partnerships of the kind that once helped push Afrobeats to global prominence. He explained that behind the scenes, a lot of artistes constantly monitor streams, charts and social media buzz, even while publicly preaching unity and “love” in the industry. This quiet comparison culture, he argued, breeds resentment and silently kills the spirit of true collaboration. Despite these challenges, Joeboy maintained that collaborations remain one […]
Ubi Franklin mourns Alex Ekubo, recalls sister’s death from cancer
Talent manager and media personality Ubi Franklin has penned an emotional tribute to late Nollywood actor Alex Ekubo, saying the news of his death reopened deep wounds from losing his own sister to cancer. Franklin revealed that he received a call around 7pm on May 11 informing him that Ekubo had passed away, a piece of news he initially refused to believe until he confirmed it with family members. In a lengthy post shared on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote that the pain felt hauntingly familiar to the grief he experienced in 2025 when his sister died after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He described Alex as a kind, supportive friend whose humility and love for people reminded him of his late sister’s gentle spirit. Franklin recalled how his sister had been his “backbone” and “biggest cheerleader”, taking […]
Related
Fierce lobbying, tension as APC primaries begin
Intense lobbying and growing tension have greeted the All Progressives Congress’ nationwide primaries as the ruling party begins the process of selecting its candidates ahead of the 2027 general elections. The primaries, which kicked off with House of Representatives contests, have already exposed fresh cracks in several state chapters. In many states, aspirants and their supporters are said to be locked in last-minute meetings with governors, ministers and other power brokers in a bid to secure party tickets. Reports indicate that hotel lobbies in Abuja and major state capitals are now packed with politicians seeking endorsements, funding and favourable word from key stakeholders. Consensus talks reportedly collapsed in a number of states on Thursday night after rival camps rejected attempts by party leaders to impose “unity candidates”. In some areas, aggrieved aspirants have threatened legal action or defection if they […]
Tambuwal steps down from Senate race, backs ex-commissioner
Former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has stepped down from the 2027 Sokoto South Senatorial race. The ex-speaker confirmed he would no longer seek re-election to the Senate, despite earlier indications that he would be on the ballot. Tambuwal, who recently resigned from the Peoples Democratic Party and aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has instead thrown his weight behind former commissioner Aminu Bala Bodinga. Bodinga, a long-time ally, served in Tambuwal’s cabinet during his time as governor and is now being positioned as his preferred successor for the Sokoto South seat. In a message shared by his media team, Tambuwal said his decision followed wide consultations with political associates and constituents. He explained that he chose to step aside to allow “fresh energy” to emerge, while still offering guidance and support from behind the scenes. […]
Tinubu: Nigeria attracted $20bn foreign investments this year
President Bola Tinubu has disclosed that Nigeria has attracted around $20bn in foreign investments so far this year. He said the inflows reflect growing investor confidence in his administration’s economic reforms despite global uncertainty. Tinubu highlighted recent commitments by multinational firms and development finance institutions across sectors such as energy, infrastructure, manufacturing and technology. According to him, these pledges are already translating into concrete projects that will create jobs and boost productivity. The President noted that his government’s decision to unify the exchange rate, phase out fuel subsidies and streamline business regulations has sent a strong signal to the international community. He maintained that while the reforms have been painful in the short term, they are necessary to reposition Nigeria for long-term, private sector–driven growth. Tinubu also assured both local and foreign investors that his administration will continue to tackle […]
Dangote exports 1.66bn litres fuel amid US–Iran tensions
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has exported an estimated 1.66 billion litres of refined fuel products in April 2026 as global energy markets reel from the impact of the US–Iran war. The record export volume came as buyers in Africa, Europe and other regions scrambled for alternative supplies amid fears of disruptions to traditional shipping routes in the Middle East. Industry reports show that the refinery, Africa’s largest with a nameplate capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, has ramped up shipments of diesel, petrol and jet fuel in recent months. The April figure alone represents a sharp jump compared to earlier months, with exports of aviation fuel rising to an average of about 160,000 barrels per day at the height of the crisis. Analysts say the surge in exports underscores Dangote’s growing role as a stabilising force in regional fuel supply, helping […]
U.S.-based Nigerian pleads guilty in $927,000 email fraud scheme
A U.S.-based Nigerian has pleaded guilty for his role in a sprawling business email compromise scheme that defrauded victims of about $927,000 as part of a wider $215 million global fraud network. The case is one of dozens tied to an international email hacking ring that targeted businesses and individuals in 19 countries, including the United States. According to court documents, the Nigerian defendant admitted to conspiring with others to hijack business email accounts, alter payment instructions and divert funds into accounts they controlled. Prosecutors said the group used phishing, spoofed domains and fake invoices to trick companies and clients into sending money to the wrong accounts. U.S. authorities revealed that the wider scheme involved more than 1,000 identified victims and was coordinated by cells operating from Nigeria, Ghana and within the United States. In total, 25 defendants have been […]
2027: British govt has no preferred candidate, says envoy
The British government has declared that it has no preferred candidate or political party ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections. British Deputy High Commissioner in Nigeria, Gill Lever, made this known during a courtesy visit to Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq in Ilorin. Lever stressed that the United Kingdom’s interest is in seeing a peaceful, free and credible electoral process, not in backing any particular contender. She explained that the UK would continue to work with whoever Nigerians elect, in line with its long-standing policy of respecting the country’s sovereignty and the will of its citizens. According to her, the British High Commission is closely monitoring Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 polls and will support initiatives that strengthen democratic institutions, voter education and electoral security. She added that London’s focus is on supporting inclusive governance, human rights and economic development, […]
Be the first to leave a comment