1+ week, 2+ day ago (309+ words) The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has urged all intending pilgrims for the 2026 Hajj to complete their payments on or before 5 December, stressing that meeting the deadline is essential for Nigeria's smooth participation in the exercise. The deadline, the commission said, is necessary to meet the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah's final remittance date of 21 December for payments into the IBAN account used for basic services contracts. Since IBAN transfers take between 10 and 14 days to clear, NAHCON said states must receive and remit funds early to avoid missing out. NAHCON's Principal Information Officer, Mohammed Shafi, disclosed this in a message shared with journalists on Thursday, stressing that "there will be no extension after December 5." He specifically called on intending pilgrims from Kano, Katsina, and Jigawa to "hurry up and pay," noting that about 15 days remain. Earlier this month,…...

5+ day, 21+ hour ago (360+ words) The Senior Pastor and General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministries International, Johnson Suleman, has commented on the recent wave of abductions and the growing insecurity across Nigeria. PREMIUM TIMES reported a series of incidents, including the kidnapping of church members in Kwara State, as well as pupils in Kebbi and Niger States. The attacks sparked criticism and renewed debate over the role of clergymen in responding to the country's escalating security challenges. He maintained that clergymen should not be blamed for the nation's security problems. Mr Suleman stated that pastors have continued to speak out and have never remained silent on the issue of insecurity in the country. He explained that the pastors not only condemned the rising insecurity but also engaged with governors, the President, and other key stakeholders to help ensure the nation becomes free of violence and…...

1+ week, 4+ day ago (767+ words) The Founder of Christ Compassion to the Rural World (CCRW), Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, has announced plans for a major crusade in Port Harcourt aimed at delivering free medical services to more than 70,000 people. In September, the humanitarian and evangelistic movement announced the Port Harcourt crusade, noting it would be the most significant outreach crusade ever held in Rivers State. The crusade is scheduled to take place at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, from November 24 to 29, 2025. Meanwhile, this is not the first time the pastor has held similar crusades. In November 2024, the church held its six-day crusade in Ibadan, Oyo State, where it stated that it partnered with four hospitals to conduct surgeries for 711 individuals in Ibadan during the event. Similarly, in November 2023, this newspaper reported that Mr Ashimolowo donated relief items to thousands, funded surgical operations,…...

1+ day, 10+ hour ago (1796+ words) In The Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, may the blessings and peace be upon our beloved master Prophet Muhammad, the last of Prophets, on his family, and all his companions. Is this something new, or has it happened before? Let us take a quick look back at a couple of major events in our beloved Prophet's life. "I will rip the cloth off the Ka'abah if Allah sent you." While the other said: "Did Allah not find anyone better than you?" And the third said: "By Allah I will never speak to you, for if you are a Prophet then you are dangerous to engage in conversation and if you are lying then I should not be speaking to someone like you." So the Prophet Muhammad (Peace…...