Axon Media Network

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  • NAHCON SET TO HOST 2026 HAJJ STAKEHOLDERS SUMMIT IN ABUJA

    NAHCON SET TO HOST 2026 HAJJ STAKEHOLDERS SUMMIT IN ABUJA

    The management of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria NAHCON invites Hajj stakeholders and the general public to its Stakeholders Summit on 2026 Hajj Review and the NAHCON Reform Agenda.

    The Summit is scheduled to take place on Wednesday the 15th of July, 2026 at NAF Conference Centre, Abuja.

    Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

    The  Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima GCFR is expected to be the special guest of honor while His Eminence,  the Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs,  Dr Sa’ad Abubakar the third will be the chairman of the occasion. Host is the  Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria NAHCON,  Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf.

  • NIGERIA AND THE 2026 HAJJ EXERCISE

    NIGERIA AND THE 2026 HAJJ EXERCISE

    I participated in the 2026 Hajj exercise as a stakeholder nominee of Hajia Aishat Obi, NAHCON Commissioner representing the South-East, and writes from personal observation of the pilgrimage operations. The 2026 Hajj pilgrimage will remain one of the most memorable experiences for Nigerian pilgrims and stakeholders, not only for its spiritual significance but also for the remarkable improvement in organization, welfare delivery, and coordination witnessed throughout the exercise. From my firsthand experience, this year’s operation reflects one of the most efficient Hajj management performances in recent years.

    Our delegation departed Nigeria on 13 May 2026 and returned on 5 June 2026 after the successful completion of all Hajj rites. From departure to return, the entire process demonstrated improved logistics, better coordination, and stronger oversight by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria. The airlift operations were particularly well managed, with orderly departures and smooth returns that ensured pilgrims were treated with dignity and reduced stress.

    As a stakeholder nominated through Hajia Obi, I was able to observe the entire process closely. I remain grateful for her role in facilitating my participation. She did not only nominate me but also supported me personally during a period when I faced financial difficulty in processing my passport. That intervention made it possible for me to undertake this journey and witness firsthand the improvements under the leadership of Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON.

    One of the most visible improvements this year was in accommodation arrangements. Pilgrims were generally housed in better-organized facilities, with improved access to essential services and more coordinated supervision. While Hajj operations naturally come with logistical challenges, the level of orderliness and responsiveness recorded this year was a clear improvement compared to previous years.

    Food logistics also recorded significant progress. Feeding thousands of pilgrims daily is a complex task, yet meals were distributed more efficiently and on time. Pilgrims experienced fewer disruptions, and the overall system of food distribution reflected better planning and execution. This improvement contributed significantly to the comfort and wellbeing of pilgrims throughout the pilgrimage.

    A key reform introduced under Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf’s leadership was the decentralization of operational responsibilities. Commissioners were empowered to manage activities within their respective regions, a shift from the traditionally centralized system. This approach improved responsiveness and reduced delays in decision-making.

    With commissioners closer to the pilgrims, issues were resolved faster, communication improved, and support became more accessible. This operational structure strengthened accountability and demonstrated a leadership style that prioritizes efficiency and teamwork.

    Another defining feature of this year’s Hajj was the visible presence of the NAHCON Chairman on the ground. Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf was frequently seen monitoring operations, engaging officials, and inspecting facilities. This hands-on leadership approach contributed to improved discipline and efficiency among staff and service providers.

    His presence also reassured pilgrims that their welfare was being prioritized. Leadership visibility in such a large-scale operation is critical, and it played a positive role in maintaining order and confidence throughout the pilgrimage.

    The success of the 2026 Hajj was also supported by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which continues to provide world-class infrastructure and security for pilgrims. Security across the holy sites was strong and effective, allowing pilgrims to perform their rites in a safe environment.

    Equally noteworthy was the hospitality of Saudi workers and volunteers. Many were seen assisting pilgrims under extreme weather conditions, distributing water and offering physical support. In several instances, water was poured on pilgrims to help them cope with the heat. These acts of service reflected the humanitarian spirit that defines the Hajj experience.

  • BURNA BOY, TYLA SHUT DOWN AFRO NATION PORTUGAL

    BURNA BOY, TYLA SHUT DOWN AFRO NATION PORTUGAL

    Nigerian music superstar Burna Boy delivered an electrifying headline performance on Day 1 of Afro Nation Portugal, thrilling thousands of fans with a hit-filled set that showcased why he remains one of Africa’s biggest global stars.

    The Grammy-winning singer had the crowd singing along as he performed fan favorites including “Dem Dey,” “Dai Dai,” “Last Last,“ and “Anybody,“ bringing unmatched energy to the festival stage.

    Adding to the excitement, Burna Boy treated fans to a freestyle during his performance, rapping:

    “I buy Bugatti, dem ask which road I go drive am? No be today we dey do road like Julius Berger.”

    The freestyle quickly became one of the standout moments of the night, drawing loud cheers from the audience.

    South African Grammy-winning star Tyla also lit up the Afro Nation Portugal stage with a captivating performance that kept fans on their feet. The singer delivered crowd-pleasing renditions of some of her biggest hits, including “Dynamite,” “Chanel,” and the global smash “Water,” further cementing her status as one of Africa’s fastest-rising international stars.

  • LPDC SETS DATE TO HEAR MISCONDUCT PETITION AGAINST SAN, 2 OTHERS

    LPDC SETS DATE TO HEAR MISCONDUCT PETITION AGAINST SAN, 2 OTHERS

    By Safiyan Jibril

    The Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) has adjourned until July 29 the hearing of a petition alleging professional misconduct against Mr Ikechukwu Ezechukwu, SAN, and two other lawyers.

    The adjournment followed the committee’s rejection of an application by Mr D. O. Okolo, counsel to Ezechukwu seeking the dismissal of the petition on the grounds that Mr Kingsley Aneubuna, who filed the petition had indicated an intention to withdraw it.

    Okolo argued that the petitioner, had decided to withdraw the matter and was aware of the proceedings but failed to appear before the panel.

    Documents made available to the News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN) showed that Aneubuna had filed the petition against Ezechukwu, Smart Ukpanah and Hope Onyekwere over alleged professional misconduct.

    The petition accused the trio of professional misconduct, criminal misrepresentation, forgery and perjury.Ethiopian Partnership Report.

    At the sitting of the committee, chaired by Mr Kalu Umeh, Okolo, urged the panel to dismiss the petition.

    “The petitioner forwarded a letter notifying the committee of his intention to withdraw the petition, the petitioner is very much aware of the proceedings but is not before the panel,” he said.

    In his ruling, the chairman rejected the application, stating that the committee’s rules did not permit the withdrawal of petitions once issues had been joined.

    “Since issues have been joined, we are obligated by the rules of this committee to adopt the processes filed by the petitioner,” Umeh said.

    The panel subsequently adjourned the matter until July 29, for definite hearing.

    NAN reports that the petition arose from a disputed property transaction involving Ngozika Nwaneri, Uche Okoli and Multi Shelters Limited.

    The dispute is connected to Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/1182/2018 concerning Plot No. 713, Cadastral Zone B14, Dutse District, Abuja.

    According to the petition, the petitioner was offered a terrace duplex on the disputed land in 2018 by Okoli and Multi Shelters Ltd for N51 million.

    Before making payment, the petitioner and her lawyer allegedly sought clarification from Ezechukwu on the status of the property and were assured that it had a clean and unencumbered title.

    The petition stated that relying on those assurances, the petitioner accepted the offer, made the required payments and executed an agreement for the transaction.

    The petition stated that the house was expected to be completed within about two years, during which the petitioner was to complete all payments.

    The petitioner said she later observed a slow pace of work and sought an explanation but was allegedly assured that the property would still be delivered within the agreed timeline.

    In 2021, the petitioner allegedly discovered that the property was already the subject of litigation in Suit No. FCT/HC/CV/1182/2018, filed in March 2018.

    The petition further alleged that Justice Hussein Yusuf granted an injunction in the matter in 2018.

    The petitioner also alleged that she was joined as a co-claimant in the suit without her knowledge or consent by Ukpanah, who allegedly filed court processes and represented her and other subscribers without authorisation.

    It was further alleged that Onyekwere testified in court on behalf of the petitioner and others without their knowledge or authorisation.

    The petition also accused Ezechukwu of presenting a forged version of the agreement between his clients and the petitioner, alleging that the document bore a forged signature and was backdated to 2012 instead of 2018, when the genuine agreement was executed.