By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has commenced the registration of intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj exercise.The Director of the Board, Alhaji Kadiri Edah, who disclosed this at a meeting in Abuja said Intending Pilgrims who wish to participate in the exercise through the board are to deposit a minimum of N8.

5 million only to book for a seat with the Board. Kadiri Edah said prospective pilgrims are to book for the seat via a bank draft from any commercial bank payable to the FCT Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Abuja before 2nd of December 2025.According to the Director, the draft and the international passport of the intending pilgrims should be submitted to officials of the Board at any of the six area councils of the territory before the deadline.The Director warned that only bank drafts would be entertained as no cash payment is allowed while registration is on first-come–first–served basis in line with the principle of fairness in the services of residents of the territory.He advised Intending Pilgrims who have made deposits and could not participate in previous hajj exercises and still have their money with the Board are to declare their intention to the board before the deadline so as to book for a seat in the forthcoming hajj exercise.He said that the Board has resolved to redouble its effort in improving services to the registered Intending Pilgrims through the new strategies introduced for the forthcoming Hajj exercise.The Director advised intending pilgrims to deal with the Board directly and avoid any deceit from any third party requesting for additional payment outside the hajj fare which is a complete package for the exercise fixed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

By Laide Akinboade, Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reiterated its commitment in the clearance of all illegal settlements, especially shanties harbouring criminals and preventing developmental projects in the Federal Capital City, adding that; “the ongoing onslaught on criminal hideouts in Abuja will continue.

”The FCTA described as worrisome, security threats from parts of Durumi District, particularly Area 1 in Garki District, saying; “High level criminal activities such as robbery, carjacking, drug peddling and other heinous crimes with its attendant security implications to law abiding FCT residents cannot be allowed to continue. ”In his bid to ensure a safer FCT, the Minister, Nyesom Wike, set up a Stakeholders Committee, comprising heads of security agencies, FCTA officials, Civil Society Organisations, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and others. This was contained in a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the FCT Minister on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, said it was identified at the committee meeting that apart from preventing land allottees from making use of their lands, and government from carrying out developmental projects, the shanties in Area 1, Durumi have become operational base for criminals, especially kidnappers, drug peddlers and one-chance operators.Three months ago, when security agencies carried out an operation in Area 1, Durumi, over 120 miscreants were arrested. Among those arrested in the operation that lasted over three hours were drug peddlers, one-chance operators, carjackers and armed robbers.Seven stolen vehicles, and 79 stolen motorcycles were recovered, while 155 ATM cards were recovered. These ATM cards were those snatched from victims of one-chance operators, using the settlement as their base.Then, some of the shanties in Area 1, Durumi were cleared. But today, the shanties are back and the criminals have regrouped, making the area uninhabitable for law-abiding Nigerians.Also, these shanties and makeshift houses are built on land allocated more than 20 years ago, but the illegal settlers and criminals who have turned the area to their abode have made it impossible for the allottees to make use of their lands. Even government agencies have found it difficult to use their land in Area 1, Durumi.Consequently, the FCTA is already clearing shanties in the City Centre, and those in Area 1, Durumi will be cleared very soon.

From Mike Tayese, Yenagoa

The International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, said it is with sorrow that they mourn the untimely passing of Evelyn Osagie who until her demise was a Senior Correspondent with The Nation Newspaper.In a statement issued by the center and made available to our correspondent via email, they extend their heartfelt condolences to her family, friends and colleagues during this difficult time.

The IPC Executive Director, Lanre Arogundade in the statement said, “The death of Evelyn Osagie is a huge loss to the journalism community. She was a renowned journalist, who through her inclusive reports amplified the voice of women across board.””IPC noted that her journalism was not just reportage but advocacy driving conversations and inspiring actions.”We will particularly remember Evelyn for her outstanding contributions at the recent European Union supported IPC and NAWOJ interface in Port Harcourt on creating an enabling newsroom environment for the inclusive reporting of women issues during electoral processes and at elections.”She made a number of personal commitments in this regard, while also pledging that her newspaper- The Nation – would be a trailblazer in projecting the voices of female politicians ahead 2027″, Mr. Arogundade stated.