Metro
2O25 Hajj: Ogun to Begin Airlift of Pilgrims on 12th of May
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The Executive Secretary of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Alhaji Ajibola Taiwo, has disclosed that Airlift of pilgrimages will commence on May 12th 2025.
He made this known during the final inoculation, sensitisation and distribution of Hajj materials to intending pilgrims at the Board’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Ajibola disclosed that the Board was 95 per cent ready for the year 2025 Hajj operation, explaining that the vaccination exercise was conducted in accordance with the guidelines set by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and the Saudi Arabian Government.
“The Board is sensitising the pilgrims on the rites of Hajj, expectations before leaving home, and conduct while in Mecca and Medina,” he said.
“We are also distributing bags, uniforms, identification cards, hijabs and other items to pilgrims and sensitising them on what is expected of them during the Pilgrimage “he added.
He warned the pilgrims about prohibited items, including kola nuts, knives, blades, scissors, and shaving sticks, which were not allowed in Saudi Arabia, advising pilgrims to adhere to the guidelines and regulations set by the Saudi Arabia government to ensure a smooth and successful pilgrimage.
The Executive Secretary commended the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, for his support to the Board while highlighting the significance of the final orientation programme for the intending pilgrims.
Speaking as a consultant to the Ogun State Governor on Islamic Affairs, Sheik Iskeel Lawal charged the intending pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the state and Nigeria at large, also urging them to behave well while performing Hajj rites.
Earlier, the Head of the Medical team, Dr Mazeed Oloko, counselled the intending pilgrims to take along their prescribed medication in line with new guidelines, advising them to avoid spending too much time in the sun and drink enough water to prevent dehydration.
In his lecture, Ogun State Commander of the National Drug Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Mr. Layi Adekambi, emphasised the importance of intention in performing Hajj.
He noted that some pilgrims may intend to perform Hajj for business; he advised that such must be in accordance with the Saudi Arabian government rules, warning that anyone found with illegal substances or dealings would face strict penalties, including a death sentence.
The NDLEA boss urged the intending pilgrims to prioritise their intentions, focusing on worship and righteous deeds, saying “A good name is better than wealth and riches”.
Reacting, Assistant Comptroller of Immigration, Mr Aremu Mustapha, emphasised the importance of safeguarding their passports during the Hajj pilgrimage, advising them to keep their travel documents, keep it out of sight with other valuable items while enjoining pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the State and Nigeria.
In his remark, the Head of Religion and Operations Units, lmam AbdulFatai Buhari, sensitised intending pilgrims on the importance of good conduct, obedience, modesty, and maintaining orderliness during the Hajj exercise, urging pilgrims to be respectful to officials and avoid any behaviour that would bring discredit to them, the State, and the country.
Two of the intending pilgrims in their remarks, Mrs Bakare Aminat and Mr Ajibade Mojeed, appreciated the State government for the comprehensive sensitisation, medical screening, and distribution of Hajj materials, which greatly contributed to their preparedness and well-being as they embarked on the sacred journey.
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…Convener vows massive grassroots mobilisation for APC in 2027 general elections; commends members for dedication, steadfastness and commitment.
The Ogun State-based political movement, Omoluabi, led by its Convener, Armstrong ‘Tope Akintunde on Sunday paid a courtesy visit to the revered royal icon of Yorubaland, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, at his palace in Ile-Ife.
The visit was aimed at receiving royal blessings and guidance as the group prepares for the 2027 general elections. During the visit, the movement also unveiled 26 newly acquired buses to strengthen its political mobilization efforts across Ogun State.
The delegation, which included selected executive members, local government coordinators, and the State Coordinator, Hon. Olusegun Kaka, was warmly received by the monarch.
Speaking during the visit, Akintunde described the Ooni as a father figure whose leadership and character inspired the name “Omoluabi.” He noted that seeking the monarch’s blessings was a significant step in the movement’s journey toward the next political phase in Ogun State and nation at large.
“We visited our royal father whose his character has demonstrated Omoluabi in all spheres of humanity. He was part of the idea when we started, Ooni is a father to us all, therefore moving into political journey, it’s important for us to seek for his royal blessings.
“This journey we have embarked upon is aimed at supporting the second-term aspiration of our party’s national leader and President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his re-election bid. We are equally committed to supporting all our party’s candidates in Ogun State following the primaries.
“We are prepared to mobilize massively across the length and breadth of the state. The second-term race of our dear President, Asiwaju, remains our primary assignment, followed by unwavering support for all candidates who emerge in the forthcoming elections, just as we did prior to the 2023 general elections.
“This is a begining exercise for us all in the Omoluabi Political Movement in Ogun State, I appreciate our members, coordinators both the state and local governments levels, their unwavering commitment is top notch, may we continue to grow in strength and as we prepare towards the coming elections in Ogun State” – Akintunde said.
In the same vein, the State Coordinator, Hon. Olusegun Kaka, commended the convener’s vision, commitment and dedication, emphasizing that the newly branded buses would enhance grassroots mobilization and facilitate participation in the forthcoming national convention in Abuja.
In his remarks, the monarch, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, expressed joy at receiving the group and offered prayers for continued growth, unity and success in their future endeavours.
The political movement, Omoluabi has continued to distinguish itself as a fast-growing, grassroots-driven political platform committed to leadership development, community engagement and progressive governance in Ogun State.
With a strong presence across local governments and a clear mobilization structure, the group has positioned itself as a formidable force dedicated to empowering citizens and fostering inclusive political participation.
Under the leadership of Armstrong ‘Tope Akintunde, Omoluabi has demonstrated resilience, strategic organization and a people-centred vision aimed at sustainable development and democratic advancement.
The unveiling of the 26 buses further reflects the movement’s readiness, coordination and commitment to structured political engagement as it steadily builds momentum toward 2027.
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The Ogun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare of workers and retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) with the approval of an Additional Pension Benefit (APB) designed to enhance retirement security and significantly close the existing gaps in the scheme.
This was made known during a meeting chaired by the Honourable Commissioner for Finance and Chief Economic Adviser, Mr. Dapo Okubadejo, following a series of strategic engagements between the State Government, representatives of labour unions, Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), and members of the Pension Fund Management Committees to address concerns surrounding the implementation of the CPS and strengthen collaboration among key stakeholders.
In his remarks, the Commissioner emphasised that compliance with the CPS law was not only mandatory but also beneficial to both employees and the State. He explained that the Defined Pension Scheme (DPS) and the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) were fundamentally different, adding that the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration was committed to bridging any identified gaps in order to protect workers’ interests.
He disclosed that Governor Dapo Abiodun, had approved the introduction of the Additional Pension Benefit (APB) in line with extant laws. According to him, the APB was specifically designed to close the gap between the CPS and the old Defined Pension Scheme, particularly in relation to gratuity, which was not provided for under the CPS.
Mr. Okubadejo further explained that lump sum withdrawals which often resulted in reduced monthly pension payments, informed the Government decision to develop a more sustainable structure, saying that with the introduction of the APB, Government intended to seek necessary approvals from the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) to ensure that pension contributions held by PFAs were preserved primarily for enhanced monthly payments, while the APB would serve as a one-off payment upon retirement.
“Unlike gratuity under the DPS, the APB would not be a fixed percentage. Instead, it will be computed based on specific criteria, including years of service and gross emoluments, to ensure fairness and equity among retirees. The benefit is scheduled to take effect from July 2026,” he said.
The Commissioner charged the Ministries involved in pension, PFAs, Labour unions to improve service delivery, intensify public enlightenment campaigns, and organize regular pre-retirement training sessions for workers at least six months before retirement to enhance their understanding of the pension scheme.
In their opening remarks, Permanent Secretaries of the State and Local Government Pension Offices, Mrs. Arinola Adetayo and Engr. Olufisan Osiyale, explained that the engagements were convened to deepen relationships, resolve emerging challenges and ensure seamless access to retirement benefits.
They described the CPS as a tripod, resting on three critical stakeholders, the employer, the employee and the Pension Fund Administrators, stressing that effective synergy among them was essential for the success of the scheme.
Noting further, the Permanent Secretaries said that government had consistently demonstrated goodwill in addressing workers’ concerns, ensuring that retirees do not face uncertainty or financial hardship after years of service.
Responding on behalf of the Labour Unions, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ogun State Council, Mr. Ademola Benco and Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr. Akeem Lasisi, commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for what they described as a bold, thoughtful and worker-friendly initiative.
They noted that labour’s longstanding concern had been the sustainability and adequacy of monthly pension payments under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), but expressed satisfaction that the introduction of the Additional Pension Benefit (APB) had effectively addressed those fears.
Describing the initiative as innovative and unprecedented, the labour leaders affirmed their full support for the reform and the proposed structure for retirement benefits, adding that it reflected the administration’s commitment to the welfare and financial security of workers in the State.
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The Director-General of the Oyo Gaming and Lottery Board, Olajide Boladuro, has extended warm birthday wishes to Joseph Adeseye Famojuro, describing him as a key strategist, selfless philanthropist, and a unifying force within the community.
In a congratulatory message issued on behalf of himself and his family, Boladuro praised Famojuro popularly known as JAF for his quiet but impactful contributions to society, noting his tireless efforts in mobilizing people and fostering cooperation across political, ethnic, and religious divides.
He commended Famojuro’s enduring commitment to unity and service, saying his leadership and humanitarian spirit continue to inspire many.
Boladuro prayed for greater strength, wisdom, good health, and renewed capacity for service as Famojuro marks another year.
“May the years ahead be filled with joy, peace, and remarkable achievements,” the message concluded.
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