Connect with us

Travel

Lagos State Government Demands N2.6m From 2023 Hajj Prospects

Lagos State Government has pegged hajj fare for 2023 prospects to N2.6 million.

Published

on

Arik Airplane - Investors King

Ahead of the 2023 hajj, the Lagos State Government has pegged hajj fare for 2023 prospects to N2.6 million.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Hon. Commissioner for Home Affairs, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi.

The statement also noted that all the intending pilgrims that couldn’t perform the Y2022 holy pilgrimage but left their money with the State Government and defer their intentions for 2023, to endeavour to pay the sum of N1,340,000.00 in addition to the initial deposit of N1.3 million paid between 2019 and 2022. 

While urging intending pilgrims to start paying the money as soon as possible, Elegushi stressed that if there is going to be any additional charge to the N2.64 million, the board would inform them on time. 

The statement stressed further that those that had already completed the N2,640,000.00 charged for the last spiritual exercise but couldn’t perform the pilgrimage due to circumstances beyond their control are not affected by the statement.

Elegushi also cautions that no intending pilgrims should pay the money into any individual account, warning that whoever does so is at his or her own risk, Investors King learnt. 

Meanwhile, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Government (KSA), has restored 95,000 Hajj slots to the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) ahead of next year’s Holy pilgrimage.

This was disclosed by the Assistant Director of Information and Publications of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Mousa Ubandawaki.

“The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has granted Nigeria its usual allocation of 95,000 slots in the 2023 holy pilgrimage.

“The hopes of many prospective Nigeria pilgrims to perform the 2023 Hajj may have been answered as the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has approved the pre-COVID-19 allocation NAHCON,” the statement partly read. 

Investors King understands that thousands of intending Nigerian pilgrims missed the 2022 hajj as only 43,000 Hajj seats were allocated to the country for the 2022 pilgrimage exercise.

Continue Reading
Comments

Travel

Saudi Arabia Breaks 70-Year Alcohol Ban, Opening Shop for Diplomats

Published

on

Alcohol

Saudi Arabia has announced the opening of an alcohol shop in Riyadh, breaking a 70-year-long prohibition on the sale of alcoholic beverages in the kingdom.

This decision marks a significant shift in the conservative nation’s stance on alcohol consumption.

The alcohol shop, set to be located in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, will exclusively serve non-Muslim expatriates, particularly diplomatic staff.

This is the first time since 1952 that alcohol will be legally available for purchase in the kingdom.

The initiative aims to provide a legal avenue for diplomats who have previously relied on importing alcohol in sealed diplomatic pouches.

The decision comes as part of the Saudi government’s efforts to address the issue of illicit alcohol trade within the country.

By offering a legal means to access alcohol, authorities hope to mitigate the risks associated with underground alcohol markets.

However, the shop’s operations will be subject to strict regulations. Only diplomatic staff with prior registration and government clearance will be allowed to purchase alcohol.

Also, patrons must be over 21 years old and adhere to a prescribed code of conduct while inside the shop.

The introduction of the alcohol shop is a part of broader societal reforms under Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, aimed at modernizing and diversifying the kingdom’s economy.

While the move represents a significant departure from traditional norms, it aligns with the government’s broader agenda of liberalizing certain aspects of Saudi society.

While the alcohol shop signifies a progressive step forward, it’s important to note that the sale and consumption of alcohol remain strictly prohibited for Saudi citizens under Islamic law.

Violators of these laws are subject to severe penalties, including fines, and imprisonment.

Overall, the opening of the alcohol shop marks a historic moment in Saudi Arabia’s social and economic landscape, signaling a willingness to adapt to changing global norms while navigating the complexities of religious and cultural traditions.

Continue Reading

Travel

NCAA Suspends Dana Air’s Operations Amid Safety Concerns

Published

on

Dana Air

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has taken decisive action following a recent incident involving Dana Air by suspending the airline’s operations amid escalating safety concerns.

This move comes in the wake of an unsettling event where a Dana Air plane veered off the runway upon landing at Lagos airport.

The incident, which occurred shortly after a flight from Abuja, prompted emergency responders and regulatory agencies to swiftly respond and ensure the safety of all 83 passengers and crew onboard.

While initial reports indicate no injuries, the occurrence raised red flags regarding Dana Air’s operational safety protocols.

In response, NCAA wasted no time in initiating a thorough investigation with the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau leading the probe.

However, pending the investigation’s outcome, the regulatory body opted for a precautionary measure by suspending Dana Air’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC) effective April 24, 2024, at 23:59.

The suspension, outlined in a letter signed by Acting Director Chris Najomo, aligns with Section 31(7) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, expressed dismay over the incident.

In a letter addressed to NCAA, the Ministry directed the immediate suspension of Dana Air’s fleet until a comprehensive audit could be conducted, covering safety protocols, maintenance procedures, and financial health.

The suspension serves as a stern reminder of the aviation industry’s uncompromising commitment to safety and underscores the need for thorough oversight to safeguard passengers and maintain industry standards.

As stakeholders await further developments, the focus remains on ensuring the highest level of safety and regulatory compliance within Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Continue Reading

Travel

Delta Air Lines Flight Diverts to Togo After Passenger Dies Midair

Published

on

Delta Air Lines

A Delta Air Lines flight from Atlanta to Lagos was diverted to Togo following the midair death of a yet-to-be-identified passenger.

The unfortunate incident occurred approximately three hours before the flight’s scheduled arrival in Lagos, prompting the crew to address a health emergency onboard.

Despite initial intentions to proceed to Lagos, adverse weather conditions, including heavy thunderstorms, forced the pilots to divert the plane to Lome, Togo.

The flight, Delta Air Lines’ A330-200 aircraft, was carrying 215 passengers at the time. Upon landing in Lome, the aircraft underwent refueling procedures and awaited clearance amidst the inclement weather.

Subsequently, after an additional delay in Togo, the flight resumed its journey and safely landed in Lagos, albeit approximately eight and a half hours behind schedule.

Passengers onboard expressed their concerns and frustrations, particularly regarding the handling of the medical emergency and the subsequent diversion.

Social media platforms buzzed with accounts of the ordeal, with one passenger recounting the unfortunate sequence of events, including the midair death and the necessity of an emergency landing due to fuel depletion.

Meanwhile, an airplane operated by Dana Airline veered off the runway at Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

The affected MD-83 aircraft, registration 5N-BKI, carried 83 passengers. Dana Air spokesman Mr. Kingsley Ezenwa confirmed all passengers and crew disembarked safely without injuries.

Ezenwa, in a statement, said: “Dana Air regrets to inform the public of a runway incursion involving one of our aircraft, registration number 5N BKI, which was flying from Abuja to Lagos today, 23/04/24.

“We are relieved to confirm that all 83 passengers and crew onboard the flight disembarked safely without injuries or scare as the crew handled the situation with utmost professionalism.

“We have also updated the Accident Investigation Bureau, AIB, and Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on the incident, and the aircraft involved has been grounded by our maintenance team for further investigation.

“We wish to thank the airport authorities, our crew for their very swift response in ensuring the safe disembarkation of all passengers following the incident, and our sincere apologies and appreciation to the passengers on the affected flight for their patience and understanding.”

Continue Reading
Advertisement




Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

Trending