Hajj Airlift: Over 9,000 Nigerian Pilgrims Transported To Madinah – NAHCON

Published

3 months ago

May 7, 2026

Preport

National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) says no fewer than 9,000 Nigerian pilgrims have arrived in the city of Madinah for the 2026 Hajj operations.

According to information from the NAHCON officials in Saudi Arabia, the number has been transported since the commencement of the Hajj airlift operations on Sunday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 50, 000 Nigerian pilgrims were approved by the Saudi authorities for the 2026 Hajj.

The pilgrims are expected to spend four days in Medinah before onward movement to Makkah.

An update from NAHCON indicates that the inaugural flight took off on Sunday with UMZA flight UMZ3501, which transported 473 Kogi pilgrims to Medinah, comprising 296 males and 177 females.

This was followed by a Flynas flight that conveyed 418 Kebbi Pilgrims consisting of 259 males and 159 females.

There was also a MaxAir flight carrying 560 Nasarawa pilgrims, comprising 381 males and 179 females.

On Monday, an Airpeace flight departed Lagos to Madinah with 315 Oyo pilgrims.
155 males and 160 females.

A Flynas flight also departed Kebbi to Madinah on Monday, conveying 427 Kebbi pilgrims. There were 283 males and 144 females, with two officials.

There was also an UMZA flight from Dutse, Jigawa, with 480 pilgrims, consisting of 306 males and 174 females.

Then, a MaxAir flight also departed Gombe to Madinah with 411 pilgrims, which consisted of 238 males and 173 females.

NAHCON has also transported 557 pilgrims from Nasarawa, 394 from Jigawa, an additional 424 from Nasarawa, 343 from Osun, and 550 from Gombe states.

Pilgrims from Kebbi, Kwara and Plateau states have also been transported to Madinah.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of NAHCON, Amb. Ismail Yusuf had earlier assured stakeholders of the commission’s steadfast commitment to the welfare of Nigerian pilgrims.

Yusuf urged the pilgrims to ensure that their conduct in the Holy Land is guided by humility.

Also, the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, charged the pilgrims to uphold national values that positively reflect Nigeria, and act as positive ambassadors of the country.

Shettima described the pilgrims as representatives of the country on the global stage who must portray the best of the nation while complying with the strict regulations of the host nation.

“You are ambassadors of Nigeria. You carry with you the image of our nation and the dignity of our people.

“Let your conduct reflect discipline, humility, patience, and integrity,” he said.

The vice president described pilgrimage as a binding covenant between Nigeria and its citizens.

He said that the government would uphold its duty of care while pilgrims uphold the values of the nation.

He said that the Hajj exercise placed a direct responsibility on public institutions to guarantee the dignity, safety, and seamless movement of all pilgrims.

“Our duty is to ensure that every pilgrim undertakes this journey without avoidable hardship, needless anxiety, or preventable setback,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Related Topics:Airlift Hajj Madinah NAHCON Nigerian Pilgrims Transported

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Plateau Strengthens Technical Education, Prepares NITT Centre for September Take-Off

Published

2 hours ago

August 19, 2026

Preport

The Plateau State Government has taken a major step towards expanding access to specialised transport education and practical technical training with the handover of facilities at the Government Science Technical College, Bukuru, to the Nigerian Institute of Transport Technology (NITT), Zaria.

The facilities, comprising part of the college’s Mechanical Workshop, five classrooms and a residential quarter, will serve as the NITT Learning Centre and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Conversion Centre, providing students, technicians and professionals with opportunities to acquire practical skills in modern transportation technology, CNG conversion and logistics.

The Plateau State Government was represented at the handover ceremony by the Commissioner for Transport, Hon. Davou Gyang Jatau, who said the initiative reflects the administration’s commitment to strengthening technical education, skills development and the adoption of modern transportation technologies.

Jatau said the Mechanical Workshop would provide a practical environment for CNG conversion training, while the classrooms would support theoretical instruction, professional development and capacity-building programmes.

He added that the residential accommodation would improve the welfare of personnel and learners who would be associated with the centre.

The commissioner expressed confidence that NITT would make effective and sustainable use of the facilities to expand educational and technical opportunities for people in Plateau State.

“We are confident that NITT Zaria will make effective and sustainable use of these facilities for the benefit of Plateau State and Nigeria at large.”

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Transport, Mrs Jummai Shekarau, described the handover as an investment in technical education, innovation and human capital development, rather than simply the provision of infrastructure.

She said the CNG Conversion Centre would provide young people with practical skills that could improve their employability and enable them to take advantage of opportunities emerging in the CNG value chain.

According to her, the centre would also encourage entrepreneurship and job creation while supporting the transition from petrol and diesel to cleaner and more affordable energy alternatives.

The Registrar of NITT, Zaria, Dr Maina Williams Tarfa, commended the Plateau State Government for providing facilities beyond what the institute had initially requested.

Tarfa said the intervention would enable NITT to establish a strong educational presence in Plateau State and bring specialised transport training closer to residents.

He expressed confidence that the centre would commence operations by September, providing training opportunities for local government technicians and other professionals across the state.

He explained that NITT would introduce programmes including Advanced Diploma, Graduate Diploma and Master’s programmes in Transport and Logistics, while deploying its technical experts to deliver quality training and practical services.

Tarfa said the centre would help bridge the gap between theoretical education and practical skills by giving learners direct exposure to modern transport technologies.

Dr Sani Barau, Special Adviser to the Director General/Chief Executive of NITT, said the handover marked the transition from planning to implementation after concerted efforts to secure and prepare the facilities.

Barau stressed the need for a clear and speedy activation plan to ensure that the centre becomes operational as soon as possible.

He said the initiative would involve local technical stakeholders, create investment opportunities and strengthen the skills base required for the development of Plateau State’s transport sector.

The officials subsequently toured the facilities to inspect the progress of rehabilitation works at the institution ahead of the planned commencement of operations in September.

The establishment of the NITT Learning Centre is expected to strengthen technical and vocational education in Plateau State, giving students, technicians and professionals access to practical training and advanced qualifications in transport, logistics and emerging vehicle technologies.

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Big Chinni Thrills Audience as NASCO Cornflakes Powers Mr & Miss UNIJOS 2026

Published

2 weeks ago

August 3, 2026

Preport

The University of Jos came alive with music, glamour and excitement as Afro Soul sensation Big Chinni delivered a captivating performance at the Mr & Miss UNIJOS 2026 pageant, one of the institution’s most anticipated annual social events.

The event, held on the University of Jos campus, attracted hundreds of students, alumni and guests who gathered to witness the crowning of the institution’s new king and queen and to celebrate creativity, fashion and student excellence.

Big Chinni thrilled the audience with an energetic Afro Soul performance, delivering a blend of soulful melodies and vibrant stagecraft that kept the crowd singing and dancing throughout her set. Her performance added excitement to an evening dedicated to showcasing talent, confidence and youthful creativity.

The pageant, widely regarded as a flagship event on the university’s social calendar, featured dazzling fashion displays, entertainment performances and competitive segments leading to the emergence of the new Mr & Miss UNIJOS 2026.

The event was powered by NASCO Cornflakes, one of Nigeria’s leading breakfast cereal brands, whose colourful branding featured prominently across the venue, including the red carpet and main stage. The company’s support underscored its commitment to promoting youth development, campus engagement and student-focused initiatives.

Organisers said the collaboration between NASCO Cornflakes and the pageant reflected a shared vision of celebrating excellence, talent and the vibrant lifestyle of young people.

With her memorable performance, Big Chinni further strengthened her growing reputation as one of the emerging voices in the Afro Soul music scene, leaving the audience entertained and making the 2026 edition of Mr & Miss UNIJOS one of the most talked-about campus events of the year.