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Gbajabiamila criticises NAHCON over constant financial irregularities
Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila and the Deputy Chief of Staff, Ibrahim Hadeija, have criticised the National Hajj Commission, NAHCON, for its constant involvement in financial impropriety, saying such should not be associated with a religious institution.
NAHCON was recently embroiled in some financial irregularities, a development that culminated in the sack of its chief executive, Jalal Arabi, by the presidency.
Gbajiabiamila, while lamenting the situation, said reforms within NAHCON have become inevitable to address the issues of financial mismanagement, negligence, maltreatment of pilgrims and late preparation for the pilgrimage exercises.
The presidency officials made these remarks during a fact-finding visit to NAHCON headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday as part of their engagement with government agencies under the supervision of the State House.
Earlier in the day, they also visited the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, where Gbajabiamila highlighted the potential role of states in providing funding to the agency through an insurance scheme or other means.
Addressing the challenges at NAHCON, Gbajabiamila stated: “This is a commission that should not be found in any controversy, simply because of its mandate and what it represents.
“It’s a religious commission. It’s a commission that is set up to fulfil religious and spiritual obligations for men and women of faith.
“So we are always surprised, even from the time when I was a Speaker when issues that should never come up arise in relation to this commission.
”Pilgrims travel every year to fulfil an Islamic religious obligation. Not only that, when they’re there, they’re there as ambassadors of Nigeria.
“As ambassadors of Nigeria, it is expected that they will carry the emblem and the flag of Nigeria on their full chest to represent and to show both in demeanour and conduct who and what we are.
“But many times, our pilgrims and fellow Nigerians face maltreatment or lack of proper organisation from this commission, and they end up sometimes not conducting themselves the way they should.
”The buck stops at the table of the Commission and you must accept responsibility for what goes on here and in Saudi Arabia when Nigerian pilgrims are there.”
Regarding the recent controversy in the Commission that led to the appointment of a new executive chairman, Gbajabiamila urged the management staff to work closely with the Office of the Vice President, which oversees the agency, to identify past mistakes, make corrections and ensure seamless operations for pilgrims.
“What happened has happened and we are here to chart a way forward. It is time that the system of the commission is reformed in such a way that it aligns with Mr President’s Renewed Hope Agenda,” he said.
Gbajabiamila expressed optimism for a new chapter in the commission’s operations, stressing, ”Hajj is not supposed to cause pain to the pilgrims.”
The Deputy Chief of Staff echoed the Chief of Staff’s position, emphasising the need for early preparation for Hajj operations.
“Hajj is essentially a big logistics operation. I was involved in the 2024 operation, and one of the key lessons learnt is the need for early preparation.
“Nigeria has the largest quota of pilgrims from Africa, and we have countries whose quota is less than the number from a state in Nigeria.
“The Hajj Commission also needs to be more transparent in informing pilgrims what they are paying for,” Hadeija said.
In his remarks, Prince Malam Abdulrazak, NAHCON’s Executive Commissioner, Policy, Personnel Management and Finance, called for an overhaul of the commission’s accounting system and improvement of federal character representation within the organisation.
“The commission is described as a national entity, but the federal character is not fully represented. If you go through the nominal roll, it is dominated by a particular region,” Abdulrazak said.
Federal Government has declared Wednesday, December 25, 2024, Thursday December 26, 2024, and Wednesday January 1, 2025 as public holidays to celebrate Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year respectively.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government extended warm greetings to all Nigerians, urging them to use the festive period to reflect on the values of love, peace, and unity that the season signifies.
In a statement, Tunji-Ojo emphasised the importance of the season as a time to
foster harmony and strengthen bonds across families and communities.
The minister also called on Nigerians to remain committed to the peace, unity and progress of the nation for national development.
“The Christmas season is a good moment for both spiritual reflection and national renewal. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Prince of Peace, let us demonstrate kindness and extend goodwill to one another, irrespective of our differences,” Tunji-Ojo, said.
He assured citizens of the Federal Government’s continued commitment to ensuring peace, security, and prosperity across the nation.
While wishing Nigerians a merry Christmas and a prosperous 2025, the minister expressed his confidence in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s Administration ushering in the new year, a better and prosperous economy that will be the envy of the world.
Popular comedian and filmmaker, Bright Okpocha, aka Basketmouth, has accused some of his colleagues of not showcasing Nigeria’s rich culture in their movies.
The movie star alleged that most of the epic movies released recently do not promote the country’s culture.
In an interview with Hip TV, Basketmouth claimed that the filmmakers wasted opportunities to showcase Nigeria’s culture positively.
He said, “I believe that we still have the opportunity to get it right. But we had a great opportunity to showcase our culture and most of the filmmakers blew it up. They just ruined that great chance because I see epic movies and they look like stage plays.
“When I was seeing most of the epic movies, I was disappointed.
“You guys blew up a great opportunity but let’s hope we still have another chance to strike at it.
“I’m sorry, only very few movies have impressed me so far. I believe that we can do more.”
The chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, SGF, and Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has sympathised with the governments and people of Oyo, Anambra, and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, over the tragic loss of lives resulting from recent stampedes at food palliative distribution venues in the affected areas.
The stampedes reportedly claimed the lives of approximately 65 Nigerians, while others sustained varying degrees of injury.
Abiodun expressed his sorrow in sympathy notes to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Charles Soludo of Anambra State, and Nyesom Wike of the Federal Capital Territory, saying that the deaths of the victims were especially tragic because they were pursuing necessities for survival.
The SGF Chairman noted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, together with other levels of government, is still working to improve the living standards of the populace, despite the current economic difficulties they confront.
To prevent further tragedy, Abiodun urged all Nigerians to exercise caution and follow security procedures when attending palliative distribution events.
He said: “Deaths such as these diminish us as a people. These disasters occurred at a time when families around the world are in a festive and joyous mood. It is indeed tragic.
“I, on behalf of my family and the good people of Ogun State, commiserate with my brother governors, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, Charles Soludo of Anambra State, and the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, the families of the victims, and all Nigerians on these unfortunate incidents.
“May the souls of the departed rest in peace.”
FG declares wed, Thur, Jan 1, 2025 as public holidays
Basketmouth slams filmmakers for failing to showcase Nigeria’s culture in movies
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