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Hajj: Avoid money laundering, Sanwo-Olu tells intending pilgrims
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has cautioned intending pilgrims against engaging in money laundering and other criminal activities during their pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Speaking at a one-day seminar and special prayers for the 2024 Hajj Intending Pilgrims in Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Lawal Pedro (SAN), emphasized the severe penalties for money laundering and urged pilgrims to avoid carrying prohibited items such as hard drugs, kolanuts, and bitter kola.
The seminar, themed “Significance of Hajj in the Lifetime of Man,” was organized by the Lagos State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board and Ministry of Home Affairs. Sanwo-Olu encouraged the pilgrims to be exemplary representatives of Nigeria and Lagos State, advising them to conduct themselves respectfully and adhere to the rules and regulations during their stay. He also committed to covering the costs for sacrificial lambs, visits to holy sites, and spiritual clothing for the pilgrims from the state.
The governor asked the pilgrims to pray for the success of the Nigerian President, the administration’s nation-building efforts, and for peace and progress in Lagos. He expressed hope that Almighty Allah would accept their prayers and ensure their safe return.
Mr. Olanrewaju Layode, Commissioner for Home Affairs, urged the 1,875 participants to maintain good conduct, reflecting the behavior of previous pilgrims. Sheikh AbdulRahman Lukman, Chief Imam of Igbogbo Central Mosque, highlighted the importance of Hajj, stressing that it requires pilgrims to be sin-free and committed to spiritual growth, with an emphasis on holiness and the fear of Allah.
In his welcome address, Imam Shakiru Gafar, the Board Chairman, encouraged participants to ask questions and strictly follow the rules. Special prayers were also offered for the successful governance of President Tinubu, Governor Sanwo-Olu, his deputy, and Lagos residents.
NAN
News
NMMA shortlist 972 entries for 2026 awards
NMMA was founded by a former Chairman of Daily Times, the late Alhaji Babatunde Jose, who led the organisation for 10 years.
The Nigerian Media Merit Award (NMMA) said that it has shortlisted 972 of 1,112 entries for this year’s awards.
The Chairman of the NMMA Panel of Assessors, Otunba Dele Adetiba, said that the entries for the 34th edition cut across print, radio, and television categories.
Chairman of the NMMA Board of Trustees, Prof. Dayo Duyile, said that the award was established in 1990 to promote professionalism, ethical journalism and excellence among media practitioners.
Duyile, a veteran journalist and academic, said the NMMA was founded by a former Chairman of Daily Times, the late Alhaji Babatunde Jose, who led the organisation for 10 years.
News
Nigerian Law school student dies after falling from hostel rooftop
The deceased was a student of the Nigerian Law School, Enugu campus, who was undergoing externship programme at the Lagos campus.
•Faith Alayande
A Nigerian Law School student identified as Faith Alayande, is dead after she fell from the rooftop at Lagos campus.
In a statement on Monday, Aderonke Osho, secretary to the council and director of administration, said that the deceased was a student of the Nigerian Law School, Enugu campus, who was undergoing externship programme at the Lagos campus.
Osho said preliminary findings revealed that the student died from injuries sustained after falling from the rooftop of the campus hostel around 4am on Friday.
The Nigerian Law School is deeply saddened by this tragic development.
“Management is working closely with the appropriate authorities and the family to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident, ensure that all necessary procedures are duly followed, and provide further information as appropriate.”
News
Ekwulobia Suspends New Yam Festival for Kidnap Billionaire Son
A source from the community said the traditional ruler of Ekwulobia where Ezeokafor hails from, His Royal Majesty, Igwe (Engr) Emmanuel Chukwukadibia Onyeneke, officially suspended the Ekwulobia New Yam Festival, saying there was no need to celebrate while their son remained in captivity.
• Joseph Ezeokafor
Ekwulobia community in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State has cancelled its New Yam festival celebration billed for September 4, 2026.
Ohibaba.com learned that this is because of the kidnap of billionaire businessman and owner of Jezco Group of Companies, Chief Joseph Ezeokafor.
Ezeokafor was kidnapped in Awka on Tuesday last week when he stepped out of his house without his security details to attend to his spiritual need, where he goes to offer prays.
Public Relations Officer of Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga who confirmed the development said that serious operation is currently ongoing to save the elder statesman.
His kidnap has sent his community into mourning, causing the postponement of the new Yam festival, an annual festival which holds on a static date every year.
A source from the community said the traditional ruler of Ekwulobia where Ezeokafor hails from, His Royal Majesty, Igwe (Engr) Emmanuel Chukwukadibia Onyeneke, officially suspended the Ekwulobia New Yam Festival, saying there was no need to celebrate while their son remained in captivity.
“The Igwe said the community of Ekwulobia cannot celebrate while their son remains in the custody of the kidnappers,” the source said.
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