Gov. Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe has warned intending pilgrims to the 2025 Hajj from the state against acts capable of denting the image of the country.

Yahaya gave the warning while bidding farewell to the intending pilgrims on Sunday in Gombe.

The governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof.

According to him, the penalty for engaging in illicit drugs in Saudi Arabia is death and anyone caught will not escape the penalty.

The governor also cautioned the pilgrims to beware of being used as conduit pipe for any illicit trade without their knowledge, adding that Saudi Arabia holds strict laws against drug trafficking.

He said that carrying any forms of illicit drugs would tarnish the image of the state and the country, hence urged them to be good ambassadors.

“I call on you not to engage in any illegal act that would tarnish your image and that of our dear state and country.

“Anybody caught carrying prohibited items, especially narcotic drugs whose penalty in Saudi Arabia is death, should have himself/herself to blame.

“You should therefore be extra careful not to be dragged into such tragedy by unscrupulous and unpatriotic individuals”, he said.

Yahaya also urged them to demonstrate a sense of patriotism by obeying constituted authorities and adhering to the laid down procedures.

He cautioned that anyone who engages in unruly behaviour would be sanctioned appropriately.

The governor urged the officials of the state’s Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board to perform their duties with diligence and dedication and to pay “maximum” attention to the pilgrims entrusted in their care.

The Executive Secretary of the state Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mr Saadu Hassan, said that 957 intending pilgrims will be performing the Hajj.

Hassan said that the first batch that would be transportted on Monday will be 512 and the final batch of 445 would be leave on Tuesday.

The Emir of Dukku, Alhaji Haruna Rashid II, who is the pilgrims’ board Chairman in his remarks, lauded Yahaya for his support which made the Hajj process for the 2025 seamless for the state’s intending pilgrims.(NAN)

The Ogun II Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service says it has generated over N15billion revenue between January and April.

Customs Area Controller, Mr Bisi Alade  disclosed this at a news conference in Abeokuta on Friday.

Alade noted that the command’s collective efforts and dedication to duty had yielded remarkable achievements in recent months.

He stressed that the revenue was generated through the command’s strategic efforts and unified operations.

The area controller added that the revenue collected for the first quarter of 2025,  represented 40 per cent increase compared to the over N9billion generated same period in 2024.

“This achievement is a testament to the diligence, commitment and professionalism of our officers and men who have worked tirelessly to ensure we exceed our revenue targets.

“It is also indicative of our unwavering commitment to the economic growth and development of our nation.

“We generated over N8billion from Excise and over N7billion from free trade zone,” he said.

According to Alade, an unauthorised factory operating illegally was discovered by the command and subsequently brought under excise control.

He attributed the success to several strategic initiatives implemented by the Customs area controller in recent months.

He appreciated the policy thrust of the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adeniyi’s principles of consolidation, collaboration and innovation.

He reaffirmed the command’s commitment and determination to surpass the performance in the coming months with improved compliance of the trading community.

“We will continue to dialogue and educate the stakeholders and the local business community. We shall maintain success through synergy with other partners while discharging our statutory responsibilities,” he said.(NAN)

 A Child Coach, Mrs Olugbemisola Osagiede-Daramola, has said that children under 18 years of age have nothing to do with make-up.

Osagiede-Daramola, the Founder of Olugbemisola Daramola Child Welfare Foundation, said this in an interview in Ilorin on Wednesday.

She said that children under the age of 18 are too young to wear make-ups to look attractive.

According to her, make-up is used by adults to cover up some blemishes in the face and enhance beauty in a moderate manner.

“When underage children start applying make-up, it robs them of their innocent look and throws them out into the world.

“They are still young and lack the emotional maturity to withstand pressure from sexual abusers.

“It is absurd for a girl-child to be in a school uniform with make-ups, or her hair packed with gel,” she said.

Osagiede-Daramola, therefore, called on parents to be cautious and prevent their girl children from adopting a lifestyle that could ruin their future.

She also urged school managements to be sensitive to their students’ dress codes and punish any student who arrogantly violates the laid down codes of conduct.

The coach advised the students to embrace modesty and discipline rather than being fashion conscious. (NAN)