Author: Daily Post Nigeria

The first batch of 345 Ogun State pilgrims who travelled to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to perform the 2026 Hajj has returned safely to Nigeria after successfully completing the spiritual exercise in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina.

The pilgrims, comprising 151 males and 194 females, arrived directly from Saudi Arabia at the Gateway International Airport, Ilisan-Iperu Remo, aboard a Flynas A330 aircraft, touching down at 8:41 p.m. on Thursday.

The arrival marks a significant milestone for the airport, which received the pilgrims on a direct international flight from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia following the successful completion of this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.

The pilgrims were received by top government officials, including representatives of the Ogun State Government led by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, and the Head of Service, Mr. Olarenwaju Iskeel Saka.

Speaking during a reception organised for the returning pilgrims at the airport, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, described the successful conduct of the 2026 Hajj operations as a remarkable achievement for the state.

“I feel very happy and elated because many people thought this day would not be possible, but we thank God Almighty for making it a reality.

“The departure was very smooth, the return has been smooth, and the handling of passengers has gone very well,” he said.

Governor Abiodun commended the pilgrims for their exemplary conduct throughout their stay in the Holy Land, noting that they served as worthy ambassadors of Ogun State.

He assured them that the state government would continue to strengthen its support for pilgrims and improve the management of Hajj operations in subsequent years.

The governor also urged the pilgrims to sustain the spiritual lessons and values acquired during the pilgrimage by demonstrating greater humility, obedience to the law, and exemplary conduct in their daily lives.

“I want to charge them to let people see the signs of a transformed person in them—greater humility, obedience to the law, goodness, and conduct that reflect the experience of someone who has just returned from the Holy Land,” he stated.

Speaking with journalists shortly after arrival, the Consultant to the Governor on Islamic Affairs and leader of the first batch of pilgrims, Sheikh Iskeel Lawal Sugar, expressed appreciation to Governor Abiodun for his commitment to the welfare of the pilgrims.

“I want to appreciate our Governor for his efforts in Hajj affairs. He was constantly calling to check on us in Mecca. He is a good leader,” he said.

Two of the returning pilgrims, Alhaji Ayomide Adetunji and Alhaja Tawa Balogun, thanked God for a successful pilgrimage and safe return to Nigeria.

They also expressed gratitude to Governor Abiodun for providing adequate welfare and support services throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia, describing the pilgrimage as a memorable and rewarding experience.

The pilgrims further expressed delight at arriving directly at the Gateway International Airport, describing the experience as convenient and historic, while commending the state government for its efforts in making the journey seamless.

Ogun welcomes 345 returning Hajj pilgrims as flight lands at Gateway International Airport

Head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Eric Chelle, has explained why he made seven changes against Poland during both sides’ international friendly on Wednesday.

Chelle watched as Nigeria and Poland played a 2-2 draw at the PGE Narodowy Stadium, Warsaw.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Chelle said he made seven changes in the half-time because several players were struggling physically after already starting their post-season holidays.

The seven changes Chelle made include Semi Ajayi, Zaidu Sanusi, Paul Onuachu, Calvin Bassey, Raphael Onyedika, Rafiu Durosinmi and Philip Otele as he withdraw Emmanuel Fernandez, Bruno Onyemaechi, Terem Moffi, Igoh Ogbu, Frank Onyeka, Tochukwu Nnadi and Akor Adams.

“They were already on vacation. That is why I made seven changes at halftime,” Chelle was quoted as saying by SportoweFakty.

“Our captain usually does a lot more on the pitch, but after 60 minutes, he was practically gone.”

Why I made seven changes against Poland – Nigeria coach, Chelle

Chrisanstus Uche has won the UEFA Europa Conference League Fans’ Goal of the Season award for the 2025/26 campaign, DAILY POST reports.

Uche beat four other players to the award, with his superb strike in Crystal Palace’s 2-2 draw against Finnish side KuPS Kuopio in December 2025 earning the highest number of votes.

The Nigeria curled in a stunning strike from outside the box in the fifth minute of the encounter played at the Selhurst Park.

The 23-year-old scored twice in four appearances for Palace in the UEFA Europa Conference League.

Uche spent the 2025/26 season on loan with the Eagles from Getafe.

He also featured in 14 league games for the London club.

Conference League: Uche wins fans’ Goal of the Season award 

FORMER presidential candidate, Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has pledged to restore the value of the naira to an exchange rate of between N500–N525 to one United States dollar if elected President of Nigeria

The post Gbenga Hashim promises N525-to-dollar exchange rate, draws massive crowd in Abuja appeared first on Tribune Online.

THE United Kingdom is watching the democratic process in Nigeria and will take more than passing interest in the forthcoming general elections.

The post 2027: We want to see credible elections in Nigeria, British envoy tells APC National Chairman appeared first on Tribune Online.

EKITI State governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has restated the commitment of his administration to a governance system anchored on strong institutions, justice and effective grassroots administration.

The post Oyebanji signs two new laws, as assembly marks third anniversary appeared first on Tribune Online.

The Malian government has announced multi-billion CFA franc rewards for information leading to the capture or neutralisation of some of the country’s most wanted terrorist leaders.

According to state media reports, authorities have placed a reward of two billion CFA francs on Iyad Ag Ghali, leader of the jihadist group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, JNIM.

A separate reward of 1.5 billion CFA francs has been offered for information leading to the arrest of Amadou Koufa, a senior militant commander linked to Katiba Macina.

The reward scheme, approved by Mali’s military-led government under Gen. Assimi Goïta, also covers several other leaders of armed groups operating in Mali and across the Sahel region, with varying amounts attached to each suspect.

The Malian authorities said individuals who provide credible intelligence leading to the location, arrest or neutralisation of the wanted suspects would receive the rewards. Citizens were urged to cooperate with security agencies by sharing relevant information.

The announcement comes as Mali intensifies military operations against jihadist groups in the country’s northern and central regions, where insurgents linked to Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State have continued to carry out attacks on civilians, security personnel and government institutions.

Authorities said efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and bring their leaders to justice would continue across the country.

Mali places N5bn equivalent bounty on top terrorist leaders

TRAVEL Marketing Partner (Nigeria) Limited, organisers of the forthcoming National Tourism Safety and Security Technology Conference and Trade Show, has revealed the partnership of the Federal Ministry of Arts Culture Tourism and Creative Economy (FMACTCE) and others

The post Tourism ministry, FTAN, NTDA, others for first National tourism safety, security technology conference appeared first on Tribune Online.

Senator representing Oyo North, Abdulfatai Buhari, has said if the Nigerian government decides to attack where the abducted school children in the state are, they would kill all the 47 pupils.

Gunmen had abducted school children from schools in Ogbomosho and Oriire Local Government Areas of Oyo State.

However, Buhari disclosed that the bandits are using the kidnapped school children as human shields in their den.

Featuring on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Thursday night, Buhari said: “When the Federal government delegation came, we went to see all the families, including the one that was brutally murdered, the lady, we were able to console her.

“We appealed to her and she was begging even if we can get her the corpse of the husband, we don’t know if they buried him or threw it away.

“The forest moves along seven states, Oyo, Kwara, Niger, Kebbi, Sokoto, and we were sharing borders with Benin and Niger.

“In most cases all these people come into the forest and it’s very thick, no beginning no end. The sad aspect is that they don’t stay in one place, they will be moving, so tracking them becomes very difficult.

“If the attack is a conventional war, it’s a different thing because these are people that came in from other country and move from one place to the other.

“The early part, they took the children to surround themselves and it was raining, so if you decide to attack, they will kill all the 47 children, they used them as human shields.

“The abductors use these children to surround themselves, basically using them as human shields. It is not a conventional war.”

Oyo kidnappings: Why security agencies can’t attack bandits – Buhari

Under the new framework, universities will be required to meet tougher standards in three key areas monitored through…

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