Headlines

As of 12 p.m. on January 20, 2025, the death toll from a devastating explosion has risen to 98, with 69 people injured.

The incident also destroyed 20 shops in the area, leaving business owners with significant financial losses.

In a statement, Baba-Arah described the explosion as a catastrophic tragedy that has thrown the state into mourning. He confirmed that rescue operations are still underway, with emergency responders working tirelessly to ensure the injured receive proper medical attention and recover the remains of the deceased.

“We are deeply saddened by this unfortunate incident,” Baba-Arah said. “The state government and NSEMA are committed to supporting the victims and ensuring that those injured get the care they need.”

Efforts to provide relief to affected individuals and families are ongoing as authorities continue to investigate the cause of the explosion.

The General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi, participated in a special prayer programme held ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration as President of the United States.

During the event, Pastor Kumuyi’s accomplishments were highlighted, including his background as a professor of mathematics and leader of the world’s third-largest church.

Addressing the audience, Pastor Kumuyi called for prayers for the United States, expressing gratitude to God for the gathering.

In his prayer, he said, “Almighty God, we thank you and bless your name. What a great and glorious God you are. And what a gathering we have this afternoon. We thank you for the church in America.”

He prayed for wisdom for the incoming president and unity for the church, asking God to strengthen the relationship between the church and leadership.

“Grant him wisdom and grant the church the unity, the knowledge, and forthrightness to speak the truth to power. Revive the church and purge your church, that there will be holiness and the righteousness you expect,” Pastor Kumuyi prayed.

The clergyman concluded with a call for a meaningful role for the church in governance and the nation’s spiritual revival.

Five people lost their lives in a fatal road accident along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway late Sunday night. The incident occurred around 11:30 p.m. near Fatgbems Bus Stop, according to the Ogun State Police Command spokesperson, Omolola Odutola.

The crash, involving a Mercedes Benz SUV, also left one passenger injured. Odutola revealed that the accident happened as the vehicle was heading towards Mowe Bus Stop by Longbridge. The driver reportedly lost control, collided with a culvert, and the SUV overturned, landing in the opposite lane.

“Three male and two female adults in the vehicle were confirmed dead, while one passenger sustained injuries. The vehicle’s roof was torn off, and the car was extensively damaged,” Odutola said.

Traffic police responded swiftly, taking photographs and arranging for the injured passenger to be transported to AZ Carezone Hospital in Magboro for treatment. The bodies of the deceased were taken to Real Divine Hospital in Ibafo for preservation.

Family members of the victims have been contacted, and the police have urged motorists to exercise caution and adhere to safe driving practices.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced plans to conduct an electronic auction of vehicles that are subjects of final forfeiture orders. The auction will be carried out by appointed auctioneers in line with the EFCC (Establishment) Act, 2004, the Public Procurement Act, 2007, and the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act, 2022.

Interested members of the public are encouraged to refer to the tweet below for further details.

https://twitter.com/officialEFCC/status/1881271727465914462

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has officially announced the Hajj fare for the 2025 pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

According to the Executive Chairman of NAHCON, Professor Abdullahi Usman, intending pilgrims from the Southern States will pay N8.7 million, while those from Borno and Adamawa Zone will pay N8.3 million. Pilgrims from the Northern Zone will pay N8.4 million.

The announcement was made on Monday.

The NAHCON boss said that the fare was a result of extensive collaboration with all stakeholders. He expressed gratitude to the presidency and the Forum of Executive Secretaries of State Pilgrims Welfare Boards, Agencies and Commissions for their support.

The full statement from the commission reads:

NAHCON Announces 2025 Hajj Fare

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), under the leadership of its Chairman, Professor Abdullahi Saleh Usman is pleased to announce the Hajj fare for the 2025 season. The fare was announced sequel to approval from the Office of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Indeed NAHCON Chairman and his team in collaboration with representative of the Presidency, Malam Ameen Amshi, who is Special Assistant to the President, Special Duties did their best to maintain the Hajj fare within the same range as previously charged.

Others who actively participated in stemming the cost are leadership of State Executive Secretaries, namely Malam Idris Ahmad Almakura, the Forum Chairman who doubles as the Executive Secretary (E.S) of Nasarawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board, his colleague from Kebbi State and Deputy Chairman of the Forum, Alhaji Faruku Aliyu Yaro, with their Secretary and E.S of Adamawa State, Alhaji Abubakar Salihu among others who worked tirelessly to ensure that the fares do not skyrocket.

This modest effort on the fare was reached after extensive consultations to ensure inclusivity in this important decision-making process.

The 2025 Hajj fare for Borno and Adamawa zone, intending pilgrims are expected to pay N8,327,125.59 (eight million, three hundred and twenty-seven thousand, one hundred and twenty- five Naira fifty-nine kobo).

Similarly, the cost of 2025 Hajj for intending pilgrims from Southern states is N8, 784, 085.59 (eight million, seven hundred and eighty-four thousand, eighty-five Naira Naira fifty-nine kobo).

Intending pilgrims from the Northern zone will pay N8, 457,685.59 (eight million, four hundred and fifty-seven thousand, six hundred and eighty-five Naira fifty-nine kobo).

Professor Saleh commended the whole team describing the Hajj fare as a product of extensive collaboration with all stakeholders. He appreciated the support of the Presidency and Forum of State E.S. The Chairman urged prospective pilgrims to take note of the timelines and Saudi guidelines while emphasizing the importance of early payment and timely registration to avoid last-minute inconveniences.

For further details and breakdown of the fare, please visit the NAHCON website on nahcon.gov.ng or through States’ Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards.

Fatima Sanda Usara,
Assistant Director Information and Publication
For
Chairman NAHCON
20/1/2025