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  The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, NAHCON, has successfully negotiated a reduction in the charges for the 2024 Hajj with the Saudi Arabian Government.  Fatima Sanda Usara, the Commission’s Deputy Director of Public Affairs, stated that the reductions apply to airfare, accommodation, and Masha’ir packages. Usara explained that NAHCON Chairman, Malam Jalal Ahmad Arabi, led the team in making preparations for the 2024 Hajj, focusing on reducing costs for services provided to Nigerian pilgrims.  The plea for price adjustment was based on global economic challenges affecting intending pilgrims due to the aftermath of the Covid-19 lockdown and the war in Europe. She provided examples of the reductions, such as the accommodation cost in Madinah dropping from SR 2,080 in 2023 to SR 1,665 this year. Similarly, the cost of accommodation in Makkah decreased from SR 3,500 to SR 3,000.  The Masha’ir package for 2024 will be SR 4,770 (VAT inclusive), compared to SR 5,393 paid by last year

 The Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, cited unpaid debts and low gas supply as reasons for the power plants' inability to operate at full capacity.  During his visit to the Olorunshogo Power Plant in Ogun State and the Omotosho Power Plant in Ondo State, managed by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company, Adelabu expressed concern about the under-utilization of these installations, operating below 25% capacity.  He emphasized the need to address gas supply shortages, repair turbines, and tackle outstanding debts, proposing a shift to cost-reflective tariffs to ensure sustainable funding for the sector.  Adelabu highlighted the importance of resolving these issues for improved nationwide power supply. Is the accumulation of these debts a concern? Some of the debts are owed by the Distribution Companies (DisCos), and a significant portion is also owed by the Federal Government, linked to the unfunded subsidy.  Adelabu assured that substantial efforts are underway to ensure the availabi

 Arsenal, a prominent team in the Premier League, has reached out regarding a potential transfer for highly sought-after Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen. They aim to secure his move from the Italian side Napoli. The 25-year-old has established himself as a prolific striker in Europe during his three-and-a-half years with Napoli, scoring 67 goals in 119 appearances across all competitions. Osimhen, who won the Golden Boot last season with 26 goals in 32 Serie A matches, played a crucial role in Napoli clinching their first Scudetto title in three decades.  Despite signing a contract extension until June 2026 in December, the player is expected to leave Napoli in the summer, with interest from top European clubs such as Real Madrid and PSG. In the Premier League, Arsenal and Chelsea are believed to be the main contenders for his signature.

 The air component of Operation Whirl Punch successfully neutralized 30 terrorists on motorcycles in the Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State. This operation was prompted by intelligence reports indicating the movement of these terrorists in the region.  Additionally, security operatives in Katsina State rescued 35 kidnap victims from the Dumburu forest on Sunday. According to Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information, the eliminated terrorists were responsible for recent ambushes on troops and various attacks and abductions of civilians in the Birnin Gwari area.  The precision strike took place after the discovery of the syndicate's movement along the Kwiga-Kampamin Doka axis. Upon reaching the location, the troops identified two armed terrorists on 15 motorcycles, leading to a successful elimination through a precision strike. The terrorists were tracked to a location where they gathered, and they were engaged and neutralized thro

 Governor Nasiru Idris of Kebbi State has announced a partnership between the Federal Government of Nigeria and the state government to provide free petroleum to farmers for irrigation.  The announcement was made during the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) camping for the by-election in Yauri/Shanga/Naski federal constituency, held in Shanga Local Government Area on Saturday. Governor Idris declared, “The Kebbi State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Government, has arranged to supply petrol to farmers for dry season farming at no cost.”  He mentioned discussions with former governor and current Minister of Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku-Bagudu, leading to an agreement to provide petroleum to farmers. This initiative aims to support farming activities and enhance food security in the state. Governor Idris also revealed plans to distribute 12,000 solar-powered water pumps to farmers, with 6,000 already distributed, to improve crop yields.  Additionally

 Billionaire businessman Femi Otedola recently expressed his excitement on social media about rejoining the Forbes African Billionaires list after a seven-year break.  He shared the announcement on his Instagram page, writing "Interesting" and adding smiley and dollar emojis. The 61-year-old entrepreneur currently holds the 20th position on the list with a net worth of $1.1 billion. Forbes reports that the total wealth of the 2024 list of 20 billionaires increased to $82.4 billion from last year's $81.5 billion, partly attributed to Otedola's return. Prior to this, the last time he appeared on the Forbes Africa list was in 2017, securing the 20th spot this year.  Otedola serves as the executive chairman of Geregu Power Plc and is a former CEO of Forte Oil, with business interests spanning energy, power generation, real estate, and shipping. Despite facing tough competition from multinational oil firms, Otedola's company has maintained a significant position in Nig