News
Hajj: Officials Disbursed N76m Forex Refund to Kaduna Pilgrims — Chairman
By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
The Executive Chairman of the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency, Malam Salihu S. Abubakar, has disclosed that about N76 million realised from foreign exchange differentials on pilgrims’ Basic Travelling Allowance (BTA) has been refunded to Kaduna pilgrims.
A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Uba Sani, Malam Ibraheem Musa, said each pilgrim received a refund of 123 Saudi Riyals from the exchange rate differential.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with selected broadcast journalists in Makkah on Thursday, Malam Salihu explained that the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) had initially pegged the $500 BTA for each pilgrim at N1,443 per dollar, amounting to N721,500 per pilgrim.
He noted, however, that the value of the naira appreciated before the airlift of pilgrims, resulting in a lower exchange rate when the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) disbursed the BTA.
“By the time the CBN was issuing the BTA to pilgrims, the exchange rate had appreciated to N1,350.74 per dollar,” he said.
According to him, the naira equivalent of the $500 BTA consequently dropped to N675,370 per pilgrim, creating a differential of N46,130 for each pilgrim.
“We immediately informed the pilgrims that each of them was entitled to a refund of 123 Saudi Riyals, and we have completed the disbursement,” he stated.
The agency chairman dismissed suggestions that the funds should have been retained by the Kaduna State Pilgrims Welfare Agency to support Hajj operations.
“The money belongs to the pilgrims because it resulted from the difference in exchange rates applied to their Basic Travelling Allowance. It is not the property of the agency,” he said.
Malam Salihu commended Governor Uba Sani for providing the agency with the support needed for a successful Hajj operation, noting that the governor had consistently responded positively to its requests.
He also praised Kaduna pilgrims for their cooperation throughout the pilgrimage and appealed for continued support as preparations begin for their return to Nigeria.
According to him, the return airlift of Kaduna pilgrims is scheduled to commence on June 15 in line with the timetable released by NAHCON.
He explained that the return flights would follow the same sequence as the outbound journey to Saudi Arabia.
“Pilgrims who arrived on the first flight will be the first to return, and the sequence will continue accordingly until the last batch. We will not allow anyone to jump the queue,” he said.
He added that exceptions could only be made in cases of emergencies, such as illness or other unforeseen circumstances.
“In such situations, our officials may forfeit their seats to accommodate affected pilgrims,” he said.
The chairman further advised pilgrims to comply with baggage regulations to avoid delays during the return journey.
He said each pilgrim had been provided with two bags weighing 23 kilograms each and a hand luggage not exceeding eight kilograms.
He also warned against carrying prohibited items, including sharp objects, Zamzam water and other liquids on board aircraft.
From Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
The Vice-Chancellor of Prince Abubakar Audu University (PAAU), Anyigba, Prof. Salisu Ogbo Usman, is participating in the 37th Annual General Assembly Conference of the Committee of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU).
According to a statement signed by the university’s Public Relations Officer, Uredo Omale, the conference began on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at the University of Ilorin Auditorium.
The conference, themed “Building Resilient Universities for Nigeria,” brings together vice-chancellors and key stakeholders in the university system to discuss institutional challenges, policy innovation and strategies for strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of Nigerian universities.
The statement said the conference was declared open on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad.Prof. Usman joined other university leaders and education stakeholders at the gathering, which provides a platform for knowledge sharing, collaboration and the exchange of ideas on strengthening university education in Nigeria.
By Ogenyi Ogenyi, Uyo
More than 100 professional cyclists are expected to compete in the inaugural La Reine Cycling Marathon in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, as organisers seek to identify and develop young cycling talents in the state.The 100-kilometre race, scheduled for October 26 to November 1, 2026, is being organised by the Akwa Ibom State Cycling Association, with sponsorship from La Reine Spa and Wellness Ltd and support from the Akwa Ibom State Government.
Speaking during a briefing with the Local Organising Committee, the Managing Director of La Reine Spa and Wellness Ltd, Unaobong Umoh, said the event was designed to discover and groom young cyclists for state, national and international competitions. Umoh said the initiative aligns with the sports development objectives of the Umo Eno administration and would draw competitors from the state’s 31 local government areas through their respective cycling associations.
She said an online registration portal had been opened for interested participants, who must meet the required physical and medical fitness standards.Umoh added that the organisers were working with the Ministry of Sports and the State Cycling Association to ensure the competition meets the required standards. She said prizes would include cash, bicycles, cycling kits, medals and other equipment.
The winner will receive N1 million, a bicycle, cycling suit and other prizes, while the first and second runners-up will receive N700,000 and N500,000 respectively, alongside other rewards.The race will begin at Akwa Ibom Palm Resort and pass through parts of Uyo before finishing at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
By Jabiru Hassan
The Project Coordinator of the Danmodi Eye Care Initiative and Roger Casement Fellow at University College Dublin, Ireland, Dr Hafiz Muktar, has commended Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi, saying his administration deserves further recognition for its development efforts.
Muktar made the remarks in a message to the governor and the Jigawa State Government following the presentation of a Blueprint Newspaper award to Namadi on Tuesday. The award was presented alongside recognitions given to ministers, governors, political leaders and other recipients.Muktar described Namadi as a committed leader whose administration was focused on improving the state’s development prospects.
“I am certain that His Excellency, Governor Umar Namadi, is doing great for our state, and his commitment to transforming Jigawa has been recognised since his election as governor,” he said. He expressed optimism that the governor’s development initiatives would continue to benefit residents and contribute to the state’s progress.
Muktar also commended the administration’s efforts in the healthcare sector, particularly its focus on improving healthcare delivery across Jigawa State. He said sustained investment in healthcare would contribute significantly to improving the wellbeing of residents and strengthening the state’s health system.
PAAU Vice-Chancellor Attends 37th CVCNU Annual General Assembly at Unilorin
Over 100 Cyclists to Compete in La Reine Cycling Marathon in Uyo
Jigawa Governor Namadi Deserves More Recognition, Says Dr Hafiz Muktar
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