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FG to End Hajj Subsidy for 2025, Pilgrims to Pay Full Fare
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the federal government will not provide a subsidized exchange rate for the 2025 Hajj, meaning intending pilgrims will pay the full fare.
According to NAHCON spokesperson Fatima Sanda Usara, the government will no longer offer any concessionary exchange rate for both state-sponsored and private Hajj operators.
If the naira remains at its current rate of ₦1,650 per dollar, pilgrims could face costs nearing ₦10 million for the pilgrimage. Some states’ welfare boards have already asked pilgrims to deposit ₦8.5 million in anticipation of the final fare announcement.
Additionally, NAHCON confirmed that Nigerian pilgrims from the 2023 Hajj will receive a refund of 150 Saudi Riyals. The commission also shared updates about the reduction of private tour operators and clarified financial details from previous Hajj caution deposits.
It was reported that former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan has allegedly purchased a presidential candidate form for the 2027 elections.
It can be noted that Jonathan served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015.
This information was revealed by Sani Useni, a special assistant who made the claim. Many reacted to the news, with some expressing interest in seeing Jonathan return to power after staying relatively quiet politically since his administration ended.
However, Jonathan has not yet addressed the public or officially shared any presidential ambition.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has reacted to the recent abduction incident in Oyo State.
It can be recalled that schools were attacked by armed men, with some teachers and students reportedly taken. Some people were also killed during the attack.
CAN cried out on behalf of the public, stating “It is intolerable, disgraceful and utterly unacceptable that Nigerian children can no longer sit safely in classrooms without the fear of being kidnapped by armed gangs.”
The organisation also stated that Nigerians are tired of constantly mourning and questioning when something will finally be done to stop the violence.
The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has revealed that seven teachers were abducted following a recent attack on a school in the state.
It was also shared that the number of students taken is still being investigated.
The governor further revealed that some people were killed during the attack and abduction.
He also added “With the pressure on the terrorists and the bandits in the North-West, they will keep moving southward.”
“When you have pressure in one place, we must be prepared on this side to either repel or neutralise any terrorists fleeing the pressure points.”
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