Television Nigerian

At the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State, Nigerian Vice President Sen. Kashim Shettima has officially opened the historic 2025 Hajj pilgrimage exercise. This is the airport’s first international flight since it opened in 1983.

Three hundred and fifteen pilgrims were transported to Medina, Saudi Arabia by Nigeria’s top airline, Air Peace.

At Friday night’s flag-off event, Shettima praised Imo State Governor Sen. Hope Uzodimma for encouraging religious inclusivity and tolerance in the state.

In addition, the vice president urged the pilgrims to respect Nigerian principles and act as genuine representatives of the country while they were in the Holy Land.

Uzodimma reaffirmed in his speech the administration’s dedication to improving the state’s aviation facilities.

He emphasized that the airport would further establish Owerri as a center for international and religious travel by facilitating the airlift of Christian pilgrims during upcoming activities.

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315 pilgrims were evacuated from the airport to Medina, Saudi Arabia, according to a statement by Air Peace.

To get to the Asian nation for the 2025 Hajj, the pilgrims were airlifted in a nonstop flight.

The airline used its wide-body Boeing 777-300 aircraft for the journey, which was the first time a plane of that size had ever touched down on the runway at Owerri, according to Air Peace’s management.

The airport’s increased capacity and preparedness to manage international operations of international standards was implied by the statement.

Nigeria’s rising aviation capabilities in expanding international operations across all geopolitical zones are further highlighted by this historic development, which also marks a key milestone for the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, the statement stated.

Recent rumors that Air Peace would be suspended from Hajj operations are also strongly refuted by this successful flight.

The airline has launched its 2025 hajj operations from Owerri, a new departure city, in addition to maintaining its standing as a trustworthy partner in national service.

His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, as well as other national dignitaries and religious leaders were also present at the historic event, which further supported the event’s unity and national significance.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday hosted top-ranking political leaders and stakeholders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara States in a high-level consultative meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

The strategic engagement featured the presence of Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, APC National Chairman Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State, and other prominent political figures from the North-West region. Discussions centered around party unity, regional security, and accelerating sustainable development in the zone.

Speaking after the meeting, Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State emphasized the importance of the gathering, describing it as “a demonstration of collective leadership and unwavering dedication to the prosperity of our people and the nation at large.”

“It was an honor to be part of this important dialogue with our leader, Senator Wamakko, our party chairman Dr. Ganduje, and other stakeholders from Kebbi and Zamfara States. Our interaction with His Excellency, President Tinubu, reaffirmed our shared vision for peace, progress, and inclusive development across the North-West and Nigeria as a whole,” Governor Aliyu said.

The meeting is seen as part of broader political consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections, as the APC intensifies efforts to consolidate its base and ensure stronger national cohesion.

The Senate has received a letter from President Bola Tinubu requesting confirmation of the appointments of 19 individuals as the Chairman, Managing Director/CEO, and Board Members of the North-Central

To approve the appointments of 19 individuals as Chairman, Managing Director/CEO, and Board Members of the North-Central Development Commission (NCDC), President Bola Tinubu has written to the Senate.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Tinubu’s letter was read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Thursday’s session.

In line with the terms of Part I, Section 2(2)(a) of the North-Central Development Commission (Establishment) Act, 2024, the letter states:

“In consultation with the House of Representatives, I am writing to submit to the Senate for confirmation the nominations of the nineteen (19) individuals listed below as Chairman, Managing Director/CEO, and Board Members of the North-Central Development Commission.”

“They are chairman Cosmas Akyhir, managing director Tsenyil Yiltsen of Benue, member Dauda Kigbu of Plateau, member Zakari Jikantoro of Nasarawa, and member Niger.”

Benue, Plateau, Atotse Abraham, Kwara Dr. Umar Mantu, Kogi, Rev. Bunmi Olusona, and Sulaiman Ali are among the others.

Member Solomon Adodo; member Abdulkadir Usman of FCT; member Habu Mamman of North-West; member Dr. Atinuke Owolabi of North-East; member South-West.

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“South East, James Uloko, Executive Director, Benue, Atika Ajanah, Executive Director, Projects; Kogi; Raheal Nse, member; South-South, Boniface Izziogu, member.”

Executive Directors Muhammad Bashar of Niger, Hajiya Bilgis Sanni of Kwara, and Aishatu Ibrahim of Nasarawa.

“While hoping the Senate will give the request the customary prompt consideration.” The promises of my utmost attention are yours to accept, Distinguished Senate President.

President Tinubu Congratulates Pope Leo XIV on His Election as the 267th Bishop of Rome

In a heartfelt message, President Bola Tinubu has offered his warmest congratulations to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV on his election as the 267th Bishop of Rome and the new leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The President also expressed his joy over the Conclave’s decision to elect American Robert Francis Cardinal Prevost as the new Pontiff.

In his statement, President Tinubu conveyed his sincere felicitation to the Catholic Church in Nigeria, commending the Church’s role in spreading the message of faith and hope. He acknowledged that Pope Leo XIV’s leadership would resonate globally, particularly his focus on peace and humanity, rooted in the scriptures that promise a more peaceful world.

The President further reaffirmed the long-standing relations between Nigeria and the Holy See, highlighting the many years of rewarding partnership. These collaborations, according to President Tinubu, have been instrumental in the advancement of various sectors, including peacebuilding, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and most recently, the promotion of technology to enhance human capacity.

“The election of Pope Leo XIV marks a new chapter in the Catholic Church’s history. His values of love, charity, and support for the underprivileged align with the aspirations of the Nigerian people,” President Tinubu said. He further expressed hope that the new Pontiff’s leadership will continue to inspire kindness and compassion worldwide.

In conclusion, President Tinubu prayed that the Almighty God would grant Pope Leo XIV good health, wisdom, and divine guidance to fulfill his mission of spreading peace, love, and humanity across the globe.