Africa Security Investigation News

AHUON Chooses Flyadeal to Enhance Hajj Travel Experience for Nigerian Pilgrims

Maryam Aminu

In a significant move to streamline the process of traveling to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for Hajj, the Association for Hajj and Umrah Operators of Nigeria (AHUON) has selected Flyadeal, a Saudi low-cost airline, as its designated carrier.

The National President of AHUON, Alh. Abdullateef Ekundayo Yusuf made this announcement during the AHUON Zonal Conference held on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, in Abuja.

The Conference has it theme Hajj Reforms: role of tour operators

Ekundayo Yusuf expressed that the decision is part of AHUON’s ongoing efforts to ease the challenges faced by Nigerians embarking on the holy pilgrimage.

Flyadeal, based at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and owned by Saudi Arabia’s flag carrier, Saudia, is set to provide a more efficient and comfortable travel experience for Nigerian pilgrims.

According to AHUON, utilizing Flyadeal will enable them to consolidate all pilgrims into one or a maximum of two flights, offering a direct seven-hour journey from any zone in Nigeria to Saudi Arabia.

This arrangement is expected to significantly reduce the logistical difficulties traditionally associated with the Hajj pilgrimage.

One notable advantage of Flyadeal’s involvement is its ability to secure landing rights in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia even at closing hours or after other international carriers have been restricted from entering the airspace a privilege exclusive to Saudi-based carriers.

AHUON representatives acknowledged that securing Flyadeal’s participation in the Nigerian market required considerable persuasion due to negative perceptions about operating in Nigeria. Despite these challenges, Flyadeal has officially commenced operations in the country.

This partnership is viewed as a critical step towards fostering fair competition on the Hajj route, offering pilgrims the flexibility of individual ticketing rather than the more cumbersome group booking process.

Furthermore, Flyadeal has expressed its readiness to start Umrah services to Nigeria upon AHUON’s request, expanding the scope of services available to Nigerian pilgrims.

AHUON’s President encouraged all members to embrace the Flyadeal partnership, seeing it as an opportunity to consolidate efforts and achieve common goals in both spiritual and business pursuits.

He expressed confidence that the collaboration with Flyadeal will provide members with a friendly alternative carrier and the freedom to choose their preferred airline.

During the event, Alhaji Usman Ambursa, the Zonal Vice President of AHUON, Abuja Zone, emphasized the importance of the gathering, which served as a platform to discuss reforms for Hajj 2025.

He highlighted that the conference offered a unique opportunity for stakeholders to share ideas and shape the future of Hajj and Umrah operations in Nigeria.

In his keynote address, Barrister Muhammad B. Umar called on the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) and other relevant agencies to develop comprehensive guidelines that create an enabling environment for travel agencies to manage air, land transportation, and accommodation for pilgrims, as empowered by Section 16 of the Act.

He further urged NAHCON to cease its dual role as both regulator and operator, advocating for a focus on regulatory oversight through fair, consistent, and enforceable mechanisms acceptable to all stakeholders.

Other speakers at the event, including Dr. Bello Tambuwal and Muhammad Siddique, the Secretary of the Board of Trustees, commended the organizers and called for a pragmatic approach to changes affecting Hajj operations.

Siddique particularly urged NAHCON to facilitate easier business operations for AHUON and address the challenges facing tour operators, asserting that Hajj operations belong to the tour operators who should not be divided or victimized.

In response, the Chairman of NAHCON emphasized the need for reconciliation and collaboration between AHUON and the Commission.

He highlighted that the unity of AHUON and NAHCON would lead to seamless Hajj operations and assured stakeholders that efforts would be made to find common ground.

UNESCO laureate Aremu heads African Climate Change Council endorsed Associate Prof Dr. Tchilabalo Abozou Kpanzou of Government own University of Kara, Togo as Head of Togo for UNACCC

UNESCO Laureate Prof. Bashiru Aremu has appointed Associate Prof Dr. Tchilabado Abozou Kpanzou as Chairman for Board of Trustees and Patron for Togo of Unity of Nations Action for Climate Change Council, UNACCC.

This is contained in a statement on Saturday by Aremu, made available to newsmen by Media and Publicity, and Communication Office of Unity of Nations Action for Climate Change Council, UNACCC. Africa Region

UNACCC is an official partner of the United Nations and a global CEO-led organisation of more than 200 leading businesses and partners working together to accelerate the transition to a sustainable world.

We commend Associate Prof Dr. Tchilabado Abozou Kpanzou for a well-deserved appointment, while also applauding his role in ensuring the establishment of UNACCC in Togo and work to support Headquarters for the African continent with 57 Nations.

“This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to your dedication to education, awareness, and sustainable development.

“As you embark on this new journey, we wish you immense success in revolutionising education and the promotion of the sustainable development goals across Togo and the African continent.

“Your expertise will undoubtedly inspire positive change and foster a brighter future for Togo and Africa at large.”

Prof Dr. Tchilabado Abozou Kpanzou ,’s appointment letter also indicated that the organisation plans to composed the country Board of Trustees and national council members who will work assiduously to support UNACCC’s mission in Togo.

Together, we can make a meaningful difference and create a lasting impact.

“Please accept our congratulations on this new beginning as we look forward to witnessing the transformation and welcoming the collaborations that will follow,” he added.

UNESCO laureate Aremu heads African Climate Change Council endorsed Prof Sir Dr. Cristopher Oyat of Government own Gulu University of Uganda as Uganda Country Director for UNACCC

UNESCO Laureate Prof. Bashiru Aremu has appointed Prof Sir Dr. Cristopher Oyat as Uganda Country Director for Board of Trustees and Patron for Uganda of Unity of Nations Action for Climate Change Council, UNACCC.

We commend Prof Sir Dr. Cristopher Oyat for a well-deserved appointment, while also applauding his role in ensuring the establishment of UNACCC in Uganda and work to support Headquarters for the African continent with 57 Nations.

“This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to your dedication to education, awareness, and sustainable development.

“As you embark on this new journey, we wish you immense success in revolutionising education and the promotion of the sustainable development goals across Uganda and the African continent.

“Your expertise will undoubtedly inspire positive change and foster a brighter future for Uganda and Africa at large.”

Prof Sir Dr. Cristopher Oyat ,’s appointment letter also indicated that the organisation plans to composed the country Board of Trustees and national council members who will work assiduously to support UNACCC’s mission in Uganda .

Together, we can make a meaningful difference and create a lasting impact.

Pa“Please accept our congratulations on this new beginning as we look forward to witnessing the transformation and welcoming the collaborations that will follow,” he added.

UNESCO laureate Aremu heads African Climate Change Council endorsed Prof Dr. Jerryson Ameworgbe Gidisu as Head of Ghana for UNACCC

UNESCO Laureate Prof. Bashiru Aremu has appointed endorsed Prof Dr. Jerryson Ameworgbe Gidisu as Chairman for Board of Trustees and Patron for Ghana of Unity of Nations Action for Climate Change Council, UNACCC.

This is contained in a statement on Saturday by Aremu, made available to newsmen by his Executive Assistant on Media, Publicity, and Communication Matters, Bieni Emenike.

We commend endorsed Prof Dr. Jerryson Ameworgbe Gidisu for a well-deserved appointment, while also applauding his role in ensuring the establishment of UNACCC in Ghana and work to support Headquarters for the African continent with 57 Nations.

“This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to your dedication to education, awareness, and sustainable development.

“As you embark on this new journey, we wish you immense success in revolutionising education and the promotion of the sustainable development goals across Ghana and the African continent.

“Your expertise will undoubtedly inspire positive change and foster a brighter future for Ghana and Africa at large.”

endorsed Prof Dr. Jerryson Ameworgbe Gidisu ,’s appointment letter also indicated that the organisation plans to composed the country Board of Trustees and national council members who will work assiduously to support UNACCC’s mission in Ghana .

Together, we can make a meaningful difference and create a lasting impact.

“Please accept our congratulations on this new beginning as we look forward to witnessing the transformation and welcoming the collaborations that will follow,” he added.

UNESCO laureate Aremu heads African Climate Change Council appointed Dr Owolabi Abbas Aderemi The Managing Director /CEO of Hansworth (W.A) Insurance Brokers Ltd as Chairman of Nigeria for UNACCC

UNESCO Laureate Prof. Bashiru Aremu has appointed Dr Owolabi Abbas Aderemi The Managing Director /CEO of Hansworth (W.A) Insurance Brokers Ltd as Chairman for Board of Trustees and Patron for Nigeria of Unity of Nations Action for Climate Change Council, UNACCC.

This is contained in a statement on Saturday by Aremu, made available to newsmen by his Executive Assistant on Media, Publicity, and Communication Matters, Bieni Emenike.

We commend Dr Owolabi Abbas Aderemi The Managing Director /CEO of Hansworth (W.A) Insurance Brokers Ltd for a well-deserved appointment, while also applauding his role in ensuring the establishment of UNACCC in Nigeria and work to support Headquarters for the African continent with 57 Nations.

“This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to your dedication to education, awareness, and sustainable development.

“As you embark on this new journey, we wish you immense success in revolutionising education and the promotion of the sustainable development goals across Nigeria and the African continent.

“Your expertise will undoubtedly inspire positive change and foster a brighter future for Nigeria and Africa at large.”

Dr Owolabi Abbas Aderemi The Managing Director /CEO of Hansworth (W.A) Insurance Brokers Ltd ,’s appointment letter also indicated that the organisation plans to composed the country Board of Trustees and national council members who will work assiduously to support UNACCC’s mission in Nigeria.

Together, we can make a meaningful difference and create a lasting impact.

“Please accept our congratulations on this new beginning as we look forward to witnessing the transformation and welcoming the collaborations that will follow,” he added.

UNESCO laureate Aremu heads African Climate Change Council endorsed Amos Bockarie Massaquoi,as Head of Sierra Leone for UNACCC

UNESCO Laureate Prof. Bashiru Aremu has appointed Amos Bockarie Massaquoi as Chairman for Board of Trustees and Patron for Sierra Leone of Unity of Nations Action for Climate Change Council, UNACCC.

This is contained in a statement on Saturday by Aremu, made available to newsmen by his Executive Assistant on Media, Publicity, and Communication Matters, Bieni Emenike.

We commend Amos Bockarie Massaquoi for a well-deserved appointment, while also applauding his role in ensuring the establishment of UNACCC in Sierra Leone and work to support Headquarters for the African continent with 57 Nations.

“This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to your dedication to education, awareness, and sustainable development.

“As you embark on this new journey, we wish you immense success in revolutionising education and the promotion of the sustainable development goals across Sierra Leone and the African continent.

“Your expertise will undoubtedly inspire positive change and foster a brighter future for Sierra Leone and Africa at large.”

Amos Bockarie Massaquoi,’s appointment letter also indicated that the organisation plans to composed the country Board of Trustees and national council members who will work assiduously to support UNACCC’s mission in Sierra Leone .

Together, we can make a meaningful difference and create a lasting impact.

“Please accept our congratulations on this new beginning as we look forward to witnessing the transformation and welcoming the collaborations that will follow,” he added.

UNESCO laureate Aremu heads African Climate Change Council appointed Emmanuel Daudu as Director of International Affairs for Unity of Nations Action for Climate Change Council (UNACCC) of the Africa Region an official partner of United Nations

UNESCO Laureate Prof. Bashiru Aremu has appointed Emmanuel Daudu as Director of International Affairs for Unity of Nations Action for Climate Change Council (UNACCC) of the Africa Region an official partner of United Nations

This is contained in a statement on Saturday by Aremu, made available to newsmen by his Executive Assistant on Media, Publicity, and Communication Matters, Bieni Emenike.

We commend Emmanuel Daudu for a well-deserved appointment, while also applauding his role in ensuring the establishment of UNACCC in Africa and work to support Headquarters for the African continent with 57 Nations.

“This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to your dedication to education, awareness, and sustainable development.

“As you embark on this new journey, we wish you immense success in revolutionising education and the promotion of the sustainable development goals across the African continent.

“Your expertise will undoubtedly inspire positive change and foster a brighter future for Nigeria and Africa at large.”

Emmanuel Daudu ,’s appointment letter also indicated that the organisation plans to work assiduously to support UNACCC’s mission in Africa.

Together, we can make a meaningful difference and create a lasting impact.

“Please accept our congratulations on this new beginning as we look forward to witnessing the transformation and welcoming the collaborations that will follow,” he added.

UNESCO laureate Aremu heads African Climate Change Council endorsed former Liberia Minister as Head of Liberia for UNACCC

UNESCO Laureate Prof. Bashiru Aremu has appointed Madam Louise Warmenwoah M. Siaway, Former Minister of Tourism, Republic of Liberia as Chairwoman for Board of Trustees and Patron for Liberia of Unity of Nations Action for Climate Change Council, UNACCC.

This is contained in a statement on Saturday by Aremu, made available to newsmen by his Executive Assistant on Media, Publicity, and Communication Matters, Bieni Emenike.

We commend Madam Louise Warmenwoah M. Siaway, Former Minister of Tourism, Republic of Liberia for a well-deserved appointment, while also applauding her role in ensuring the establishment of UNACCC in Liberia and work to support Headquarters for the African continent with 57 Nations.

“This is a remarkable achievement and a testament to your dedication to education, awareness, and sustainable development.

“As you embark on this new journey, we wish you immense success in revolutionising education and the promotion of the sustainable development goals across Liberia and the African continent.

“Your expertise will undoubtedly inspire positive change and foster a brighter future for Liberia and Africa at large.”

Madam Louise Warmenwoah M. Siaway,’s appointment letter also indicated that the organisation plans to composed the country Board of Trustees and national council members who will work assiduously to support UNACCC’s mission in Liberia.

Together, we can make a meaningful difference and create a lasting impact.

“Please accept our congratulations on this new beginning as we look forward to witnessing the transformation and welcoming the collaborations that will follow,” he added.

Nigeria’s Democracy Under Siege: Hamzat Lawal Condemns Growing Intimidation of Journalists, Demands Urgent Reforms

By Maryam Aminu

A Prominent Nigerian activist and CEO of Connected Development (CODE), Hamzat Lawal, has issued a grave warning about the escalating harassment and intimidation of journalists in Nigeria, describing it as a direct assault on the nation’s democracy.

In a powerful statement on August 26, 2024, Lawal condemned the ongoing attacks on the press, stressing the need for immediate government action to protect journalists and preserve press freedom.

Lawal expressed his deep concern over a series of recent incidents targeting journalists, including the detention of Juwon Soyinka, the West Africa Regional Editor of The Conversation and pioneer editor of BBC Pidgin.

Lawal argued that Soyinka’s arrest upon his return to Nigeria serves as a chilling message to the media and a broader attempt to silence free speech.

“It is with a heavy heart that I address the shrinking civic space in Nigeria, particularly the relentless intimidation of our journalists,” Lawal stated. “For years, the press has stood as a crucial ally in the fight for a prosperous Nigeria. To undermine their freedom is to threaten the very pillars of our democracy.”

Lawal highlighted that harassment of journalists is becoming alarmingly frequent, referencing the recent attacks on more than 56 journalists during the “#End Bad Governance” protests earlier this month.

He condemned these actions as a dangerous erosion of press freedom and called on the Nigerian government to recognize the essential role of a free press in holding power accountable.

“A free press is the lifeblood of any democracy. Journalists must be able to work without fear or interference, to ensure that truth and accountability prevail in our society,” Lawal emphasized.

He also underscored international frameworks such as the United Nations’ Joint Declaration on Media Freedom and Democracy and Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), both of which stress the importance of protecting journalists from intimidation and violence.

“These global conventions highlight the need for protecting journalists, not just as a matter of human rights, but as a cornerstone of democratic governance,” he added.

While emphasizing the vital role of the press in combating corruption and promoting good governance, he urged the Nigerian government to prioritize the protection of journalists, asserting that this is essential for building trust and ensuring the survival of the nation’s democracy.

“Protecting the press is not just about safeguarding individuals. It’s about upholding the rights of all citizens and creating an environment where democracy can truly flourish,” Lawal added.

Badaru Reaffirms Commitment to Jigawa State Amid Flooding Crisis

Maryam Aminu

The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, has reiterated his unwavering commitment to the people of Jigawa State following the recent devastating floods that claimed lives and destroyed properties across the state.

During a visit to the state capital, Dutse, on Saturday, the Defence Minister met with Governor Umar A. Namadi to express his deep sympathy for the victims of the floods.

The disaster, which swept through large parts of Jigawa, left in its wake significant loss of life, widespread property damage, and the destruction of farmlands vital to the state’s economy.

In a gesture of solidarity, Badaru announced a personal donation of N20 million on behalf of himself and his family to support the state government’s ongoing relief efforts. The funds are intended to alleviate the suffering of those impacted by the disaster.

“The bond between me and the people of Jigawa is unwavering,” the Minister stated during the visit.

He further conveyed a special message from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who also extended his condolences to the people and government of Jigawa State.

The President reassured the state of the federal government’s commitment to providing necessary assistance during this challenging time.

The Minister’s visit was marked by a warm reception at the Government House in Dutse, where Governor Namadi expressed gratitude for the support and quick response from the federal government. Badaru praised the Governor’s leadership, noting the swift actions taken to provide relief to the flood victims.

The visit not only highlighted the strong ties between the Defence Minister and the people of Jigawa but also reinforced his dedication to standing by the state during difficult times.

The Defence Minister was accompanied by close associates and well-wishers during the visit.