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Zulum Of Borno Vows Full Support For 2025 Hajj Exercise 

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Zulum

Zulum Of Borno Vows Full Support For 2025 Hajj Exercise

Zulum of Borno vows full support for 2025 Hajj exercise . Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, on Monday, pledged to support the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to ensure a smooth and successful Hajj operation.

Mr Zulum said this when he paid a courtesy visit to the chairman of NAHCON, Abdullahi Usman, in Abuja.

The governor assured the NAHCON chairman and other officials of his commitment to supporting the success of the 2025 Hajj.
He pledged to encourage members of the North-East Governors Forum to collaborate with NAHCON in ensuring a smooth and successful Hajj operation.

He promised to mobilise his fellow governors within the Nigeria Governors’ Forum to assist their pilgrims in settling Hajj fares in a timely manner.

Mr Zulum, who expressed gratitude for the warm reception extended to him and his entourage, reaffirmed his dedication to assisting the commission in executing a seamless pilgrimage.

The governor also acknowledged the unwavering support that President Bola Tinubu and Vice-President Kashim Shettima had consistently provided to NAHCON since the inception of their administration.

While acknowledging the challenges faced during the previous Hajj, he commended NAHCON for its efforts, considering the complexities involved in organising such a large-scale pilgrimage.

Mr Zulum described VIP management as one of the major challenges encountered last year.

He urged the NAHCON chairman to assign competent personnel to handle VIP affairs with strict oversight.

“NAHCON should ensure the equitable distribution of VIP spaces to all states that formally request for them,” he said.

The governor also advised the commission to engage state governors early by updating them on preparations and expected procedures for the Hajj.
He emphasised the need for synergy between NAHCON and the governors to prevent misinformation, adding that based on the level of preparations already in place, the 2025 Hajj operations would be successful.

Earlier, Mr Usman, who expressed excitement over the governor’s visit, provided updates on the secured spaces for Nigerian pilgrims, including those designated for private tour operators.
He assured the governor that Hajj preparations are well advanced, with a significant number of VIP slots already reserved.

Also speaking, NAHCON’s commissioner of operations, Anofiu Elegushi, described Zulum’s visit as an honour and an opportunity to host one of Nigeria’s best governors.

Mr Elegushi recalled how Borno state pilgrims enthusiastically praised the governor during the last Hajj exercise.

Zulum

Zulum

According to him, NAHCON has engaged Umzah Airlines among this year’s approved air carriers for the Hajj in addition to three others, in a bid to support the growth of indigenous airlines.

Those present at the meeting were two additional NAHCON commissioners, some NAHCON board members, senior management staff, and a representative from the Vice President’s Office.

Economy

Lagos Assembly Strongly Seeks Suspension Of Makoko Demolition

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Lagos Assembly

Lagos Assembly Strongly Seeks Suspension Of Makoko Demolition

Lagos assembly strongly seeks suspension of Makoko demolition. The Lagos state house of assembly has called for the suspension of demolition activities in Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro waterfront communities following protests by displaced residents and growing public concern over the exercise.

The call was announced on Tuesday by Noheem Adams, chairman of an ad hoc committee set up by Mudashiru Obasa, speaker of the house, during a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Lateef Jakande auditorium.

Adams called on all state ministries to cease demolition work and promised compensation to the affected residents.
“On behalf of the speaker and all 40 members of the house, we are directing that all demolitions in Makoko, Oko-Agbon, and Shogunro communities should stop from today until further notice,” New Telegraph quoted Adams as saying.

He called for transparency by demanding the full list of taskforce members and the criteria used for engagement, insisting that residents must be actively involved in the process.

“That the taskforce that was constituted, we want to see the list of the taskforce because we want the residents to be duly involved and to be carried along. So we want to have the schedule of those task forces and the criteria for those that we are inviting,” Adams added.

Lagos Assembly

Lagos Assembly

“To the residents of Makoko, Oko-Agbon and Shogunro communities, as your representatives, we are giving you all assurances that they will stop demolitions henceforth and there will be compensations for all those whose properties have been demolished.”

Stephen Ogundipe, member of the ad-hoc, said there is need for clear communication, adding that residents targeted for relocation or redevelopment must be informed of the government’s plans in advance.

Babatunde Olajide, special adviser to governor of Lagos on E-GIS and urban renewal, confirmed that $2 million had been earmarked since 2021 to transform Makoko into a modern, internationally compliant water city.

He said enumeration of affected properties is underway and reiterated the administration’s commitment to handling the situation with a human face, prioritizing resident safety and fair compensation.

Yusuf Sagra, baale of Makoko, described the assembly’s decision as a “word of peace,” while Orioye Ogungbure, another leader of the community, praised the “democratic responsiveness” of the government.

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Crime

EFCC Arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for Alleged Naira Mutilation In Viral Video

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EFCC Probes Man

EFCC Arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for Alleged Naira Mutilation In Viral Video

EFCC arrests Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa for alleged naira mutilation in viral video. The Kano Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,   on Tuesday, February 3, 2026  arrested a Kannywood Star, Samha Inuwa over alleged Naira mutilation.

Inuwa was arrested following a viral video circulated on social media platforms where she was seen conspicuously cleaning mucus from her nose using Naira notes.

EFCC Probes Man

EFCC

Following the release of the viral video, the Commission swung into action by tracing and subsequently arrested her to answer questions.
She is currently being held at the Commission’s detention facility while investigation is ongoing.

The suspect will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigations.

Dele Oyewale
Head,  Media & Publicity
February 3, 2026

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Economy

Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime

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National Bank Of Kenya

Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime

Access Bank gets new board chair Ifeyinwa Osime. Access Bank Plc has appointed Ifeyinwa Osime as chair of the board of directors, following the retirement of Paul Usoro, on January 29.

Access Bank Plc has appointed Ifeyinwa Osime as chair of the board of directors, following the retirement of Paul Usoro, on January 29, according to a statement to the Nigerian Exchange Ltd. on Monday.

Ms Osime, a legal practitioner, joined Access Bank’s board in November 2019 as an independent non-executive director and had chaired its Human Resources and Sustainability Committee and the Governance, Nomination, and Remuneration Committee. This role made her contribute significantly to the bank’s corporate governance, leadership development, and sustainability initiatives.

Additionally, Ms Osime is a director at Ebudo Trust Ltd. and a partner at McPherson Legal Practitioners, where she advises on corporate and commercial matters and contributes to strategic leadership.

She is also a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, the Women Corporate Directors, Nigeria Chapter, and the Chartered Institute of Directors, Nigeria, where she serves on the Executive Committee of the Women Sectoral Group.

National Bank Of Kenya

Access Bank Gets New Board Chair Ifeyinwa Osime

Beyond her professional responsibilities, Ms Osime is committed to mentoring youths and is actively involved in the Autism and Developmental Delays Support Community, reflecting her dedication to inclusion and social impact.
Speaking on her appointment, the group chairman, Aigboje Aig-lmoukhuede, said, “Mrs Osime is a principled and experienced leader with a deep understanding of the Bank’s strategy and values.

“She has demonstrated strong commitment to the bank’s vision and mission, and I am confident that, under her leadership, the bank will continue to advance its strategic objectives of delivering sustainable value to shareholders and other stakeholders in the pursuit of its vision to become the world’s most respected African bank.”

Mr Aig-lmoukhuede also congratulated Mr Usoro on the completion of his tenure and on his exemplary leadership, dedication, and significant contributions to the group, saying he remains a valued member of the Access family.

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