Religion
Hajj 2023: NAHCON set to Host Allah’s Guests in Holy Land
By May 21, the inaugural flight of Hajj 2023 from Nigeria will commence with the first batch of intending pilgrims answering the call of God to perform the fifth and last religious rituals of Islam.
The pilgrims are referred to as guests of Allah for obeying the religious injunction and leaving the comfort of their homes, families and businesses to achieve that one aim to please Allah alone.
Jabir reported the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, as saying that, “The pilgrims of Hajj and Umrah are the guests of Allah. He called them and they answered Him.
They ask from Him and He gives them.”Some of the major challenges faced by pilgrims before travelling and while at the two Holy cities of Makkah and Madinah are that of accommodation, transportation and feeding.
These recur because of a number of combining factors involving the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), states and FCT Muslims Pilgrims Welfare Boards, as well as licenced tour operators. These bodies are solely responsible for pilgrims welfare, and are expected to address the problems, given the fact that the pilgrims had fully paid for these services.
A number of measures have been taken after the lifting of the two years ban on the pilgrimage due to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic across the globe. First, the number of pilgrims in 2022 was slashed from the normal two million and two and a half million yearly. It is assumed also that the number of facilities for the pilgrims were actually enough due to the approved numbers.
This year, however, the number of pilgrims expected to perform the Hajj has been brought to a record level where some officials were quoted as giving a figure of 2.5 million while others said no limit was set.
Reports have it that most places used for accommodation by Nigerian pilgrims in previous pilgrimages including the 2022 Hajj, had been demolished for renovation and therefore new ones have to be arranged.
Similarly, the case of transportation challenge is two pronged. The airlift of pilgrims from and to the Holy land do witness various infractions because of the lack of ability of states pilgrims boards to meet their allotted times for take-off. The pilgrims ultimately suffer these lapses.
Feeding also becomes a challenge for pilgrims because those charged with the responsibilities of taking care of it, encounter one problem or the other towards satisfying them.
It is gladdening to note that these are major issues being handled in the various stakeholders meetings between NAHCON, state and FCT pilgrim’s welfare boards and tour operators which started since the end of the 2022 Hajj. The meetings were held in the country and in Saudi Arabia, where the agencies undertook physical inspections of facilities for Nigerian pilgrims.
It is also gratifying that at the April 7 meeting in Abuja to announce the fares and airlines approved for the 2023 Hajj, representatives of stakeholders corroborated the NAHCON decision on a number of issues.
The Executive Chairman, Yobe Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mai Aliyu Usman, said all states were part of the decision taken by NAHCON on the 2023 hajj fares and choice of airlines.
He said that members of the various boards went to Saudi Arabia with the NAHCON officials twice, adding that all decisions and agreements were done together in the interest of the intending pilgrims.
The various fares for performing this year’s Hajj has also been announced and those blessed to perform it expects the best from stakeholders that majorly involves NAHCON and other parties at the states and FCT, as well as tour operators.
NAHCON announced eight different 2023 hajj fares regime for the Northern States and other parts of the country.
“The 2023 Hajj fare incidentally has eight different costs. Pilgrims in Maiduguri and Yola departure centres in the North East will pay the sum of N2,890,000 and this includes their 800 dollars Basic Travel Allowance (BTA).
”For the other Northern States, we have agreed that the cost is N2,919,000, we now move to South which has six different price regime, Edo State is N2,968,000 and the entire South-South and South East are in this same price regime.
”Ekiti and Ondo States N2,880,000, Osun state is N2,993,000 and Cross River State incidentally has the cheapest which is N2,943,000, while that of Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states is N2,999,000.”
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Alhaji Zikrullah Hassan, explained that the inflation rate both in Nigeria and Saudi Arabia as well as the scarcity of aviation fuel were largely responsible for the increase when compared with that of 2022 which was N2.5 million.
”However, NAHCON and the state pilgrims boards and agencies made several efforts in order to keep the fare at the barest minimum level, while also considering the economic feasibilities and reality of the situation.’’
He revealed that NAHCON and all the 36 states and the FCT pilgrims’ boards have reviewed the 2022 hajj operation and adopted strategies for a hitch-free 2023 operation.
”We have agreed with all having reviewed the 2022 operation to do everything that will make us to get every pilgrim that registered to Saudi Arabia in good time.
”We have also agreed that there will be zero tolerance for flight delay or cancelation this year and if there is such there will be sanction on the state or pilgrim or airline that is responsible for it.
”We have also agreed that May 21, 2023, will be the day for the inaugural flight for the 2023 Hajj”, he said.
With less than 43 days to the commencement of the inaugural flight, the meetings and agreements reached by NAHCON and other stakeholders in the country and Saudi Arabia, intending pilgrims and their families look forward to a commensurate treatment of the guest of Allah at the Holyland during and after the performance of the religious ritual at the 2023 Hajj.(NAN)
By Laide Akinboade Abuja
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) mourn the passing of Rev. Dr. William Uzochukwu Okoye, Founder and General Overseer of All Christians Fellowship Mission.
In a statement issued by CAN President,
Archbishop Daniel Okoh, Abuja.
The statement reads in part, “On behalf of the National Executive Committee of CAN and the entire Christian community in Nigeria, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his widow, Rev.
Mrs. Toyin Okoye, his children, the leadership and members of All Christians Fellowship Mission, the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), and all who mourn this painful loss.“Rev. Dr. Okoye dedicated his life to the service of God and humanity. Through his ministry, he faithfully preached the Gospel, raised leaders, and worked tirelessly for the unity and growth of the Church in Nigeria.
” His service to the body of Christ extended well beyond his own ministry. He served as Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), FCT Chapter, Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), FCT Chapter, and later as CAN National Director on National Issues and Social Welfare. In these and other capacities, he made valuable contributions to strengthening the Christian witness in our nation and promoting constructive engagement on issues affecting the Church and society.
“Rev. Dr. Okoye also served the nation with distinction as a member of the Presidential Advisory Council on Youth Affairs, the National Political Reform Conference, the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, and as Chaplain to two Presidents of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Head of the Aso Rock Villa Chapel. His commitment to nation-building reflected his conviction that faith should positively influence society.
“I remember Rev. Okoye as a humble servant of God who carried every responsibility entrusted to him with wisdom, grace, and unwavering dedication. He was deeply committed to the unity of the Church and was always willing to lend his voice and experience whenever called upon. His counsel, calm disposition, and passion for advancing God’s Kingdom will be greatly missed.
“As we mourn his passing, we also thank God for a life well spent in His service. We pray that the Lord will comfort his family, the All Christians Fellowship Mission, and all who are grieving at this difficult time. May God grant them the strength to bear this loss and uphold them with His unfailing grace.
“May the soul of Rev. Dr. William Uzochukwu Okoye rest in the eternal peace of our Lord Jesus Christ”
Religion
*Palm Sunday: Show Empathy, Ease Nigerians’ Burden, CAN urges Leaders………laments state of nation
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), at the weekend said in view of the current economic crunch in Nigeria, leaders must not be loud, but be restraints, have empathy and be focused on the common good of the people.
In a statement issued by Archbishop Daniel Okoh,President,CAN, in commemoration of Palm Sunday in Abuja.
The CAN President, lamented about the state of the nation, saying families are feeling the weight of time, cost of living is rising and normal daily lives is getting harder for families.
He said food cost is rising, transportation is high and for many Nigerians is how to stay afloat.
He said it is at this time leaders must make decisions that would ease the pain and burdens of Nigerians.
The statement reads, “As we observe Palm Sunday, we remember a powerful moment. Jesus entered Jerusalem with calm resolve, at a time of uncertainty and expectation. It was not a show of force, but a message of peace, purpose, and hope. In a tense atmosphere, he chose humility; riding on a colt, not in the trappings of power. That choice still speaks to us today.
“Across Nigeria, many are feeling the weight of the times. The cost of living is rising. For countless families, daily life is getting harder. Events far beyond our borders; especially tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, are unsettling global energy markets. The impact is already here. Fuel is more expensive. Transport costs are rising. Food prices are climbing. In moments like this, the calm and clarity of Palm Sunday matter even more.
“For many Nigerians, the concern is simple and immediate: how to cope, how to plan, how to stay afloat. When life feels this uncertain, the tone of national life matters. Words carry weight. Actions have consequences. Palm Sunday reminds us that in tense moments, people need reassurance. They need stability. They need the quiet confidence that those in positions of responsibility understand what they are going through.
“That is why the lesson of Palm Sunday matters for leadership. True leadership is not always loud. It is seen in restraint, in empathy, and in a steady focus on the common good. It is reflected in decisions that ease burdens, calm anxieties, and bring people together. This is a time for such wisdom”.
The CAN boss, therefore urged all Christians in Nigeria, to stand firm on faith, stand together and in peace.
“For the Church and all people of faith, Palm Sunday is also a call to responsibility. It reminds us of a rare moment when people from all walks of life came together with one purpose: to welcome the Messiah in hope, humility, and expectation. That same spirit is needed now. We must stand for peace. We must strengthen unity. We must support one another. In a season that can easily tilt towards tension, we must remain a steady source of light and hope.
“And to every Nigerian, especially the young and those feeling the strain most deeply, do not lose hope. The challenges are real, but they are not the end of the story.
“As we journey through this sacred season, may the spirit of Palm Sunday guide us towards quiet courage, shared purpose, and a renewed commitment to the good of all”, he urged.
Congratulates Muslims on Eid-el-Fitri, urges unity amid economic, security challenges
By Laide Akinboade, Abuja
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), congratulate the Muslim brothers and sisters across the country as they celebrate Eid-el-Fitri 2026.
In a statement issued and signed by
Archbishop Daniel Okoh,President,
Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in Abuja
He noted that, Eid marks the end of Ramadan, a period of fasting, prayer, reflection and giving.
He said today Christians in Nigeria celebrate with them, not only the breaking of the fast, but also the strengthening of faith, families and hope.
“At a time like this, our nation needs unity more than ever. From insecurity to economic hardship, the challenges before us are real, but so too is our shared strength. Nigeria works best when we stand together; not divided by faith or ethnicity, but united by a common purpose and a shared future.
“The spirit of Eid; kindness, sacrifice and care for others, offers us a way forward. It calls us to reject division, to choose dialogue over distrust, and to act in ways that heal rather than harm. This is how nations move forward, not just in words, but through everyday actions”, the CAN President, said.
He said, “We join our Muslim compatriots in prayer for Nigeria; for lasting peace, improved security, economic recovery, and leadership guided by wisdom and compassion. We pray that the right values nurtured during Ramadan will endure beyond this season, especially in caring for the poor, protecting the vulnerable, and building a more just society.
“Let this Eid be more than a celebration; let it be a reset for our national conscience”.
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