Hajj 2026: NAHCON Hails Oyo Pilgrims, Says State Remains Pace Setter In Hajj Operations

 Hajj 2026: NAHCON Hails Oyo Pilgrims, Says State Remains Pace Setter In Hajj Operations

The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ambassador Abba Yusuf, has commended the conduct and performance of Oyo State pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj, describing the state as a true pacesetter in Hajj administration and compliance with regulations.

Ambassador Yusuf, who was represented by the Commissioner for South West, Alhaji Tajudeen Abefe stated this on Thursday, May 28, during a visit to the Oyo State pilgrims’ camp in Mina, Saudi Arabia. He lauded the discipline, organization and commitment displayed by pilgrims from the state throughout the pilgrimage exercise.

The NAHCON chairman said Oyo State had consistently distinguished itself among states participating in Hajj operations, noting that its achievements in preparation, payment processes, airlift arrangements and adherence to guidelines had set a standard for others to follow.

“I specifically praise Oyo State for its excellent performance year after year. Oyo has been a leader in terms of preparation, payment, airlifting of pilgrims and strict compliance with the rules. This is worthy of emulation,”.

"I urged you all to sustain this exemplary conduct and continue observing all regulations until the completion of the Hajj exercise and the  final departure from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Maintaining discipline to the end is essential in preserving Nigeria’s positive image among the global Muslim community," he said.

As preparations for the return journey to Nigeria commence, Ambassador Yusuf advised pilgrims to ensure that their luggage complies with approved airline and airport regulations. He specifically reminded them that their baggage must not exceed the approved 54-kilogram limit to avoid delays or the removal of items by airport authorities during screening.

The NAHCON chairman also charged pilgrims to allow the spiritual lessons of Hajj to positively influence their character and daily lives after returning home. He urged them to demonstrate the values of patience, obedience, sacrifice and devotion learned during the pilgrimage, noting that these virtues should be reflected in their conduct and dealings with others.

Hajj 2026: Atere Commends Oyo Pilgrims On Discipline, Conduct In Mina, Arafat

 

Chairman of the Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Dr. Haseem Atere, has commended pilgrims from Oyo State for their exemplary conduct and dedication during the five-day Hajj rites held across Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifa in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Mogaji Atere gave the commendation on Thursday, May 28, 2026, shortly after the Ishai prayer in Mina, ahead of the pilgrims’ return to Mecca to complete the concluding aspects of the spiritual exercise. He expressed satisfaction with the level of discipline, patience, and cooperation demonstrated by the pilgrims throughout the sacred rites.

According to him, " i want to commend all of you for distinguishing yourselves through peaceful disposition and strict adherence to the rules and guidelines laid down by both Saudi authorities and the welfare board. Your conduct reflected the values of Islam and projected a positive image of Oyo State and Nigeria at large. I call on you to maintain this throughout our stay in Saudi Arabia to prove that we're Pacesetters among all states from Nigeria", stated Dr. Atere

The Chairman also appreciated officials and support staff of the board for their commitment to ensuring the comfort, safety, and welfare of the pilgrims during the demanding Hajj activities. He urged the pilgrims to sustain their devotion and continue praying for peace, progress, and prosperity in Oyo State and Nigeria.

Hefurther prayed for a safe and successful completion of the pilgrimage exercise for all Muslim faithful participating in this year’s Hajj. He reiterated the board’s commitment to providing quality welfare services and improving future pilgrimage operations for intending pilgrims from the state.

Hajj 2026: NAHCON Visits Oyo State Camp, Lauds Pilgrims’ Conduct

 

Hajj 2026: NAHCON Visits Oyo State Camp, Lauds Pilgrims’ Conduct

The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ambassador Abba Yusuf, has expressed satisfaction with the conduct of Nigerian pilgrims participating in the 2026 Hajj, noting that no Nigerian pilgrim was arrested for drug trafficking or any other form of misconduct during the exercise.

Ambassador Yusuf made the remark on Thursday, May 28, during a visit to the Oyo State pilgrims’ camp in Mina, Saudi Arabia. He was represented by the NAHCON Commissioner for the South-West Zone, Alhaji Tajudeen Abefe.

Speaking during the visit, the Chairman commended Nigerian pilgrims for their strict adherence to Saudi Arabian laws and regulations throughout the pilgrimage and particularly praised pilgrims from Oyo State for what he described as their excellent conduct and exemplary performance.

While acknowledging some challenges encountered during the pilgrimage, including issues relating to welfare, accommodation and feeding, he appealed to pilgrims for understanding and assured them that efforts would be made to improve service delivery in future Hajj operations.

"We are happy that Nigeria is one of the best pilgrims in the 2026 Hajj as report from Saudi authorities have confirmed this. Despite increase in surveillance, particularly on Nigerian pilgrims, no one was arrested for drug trafficking or other misconduct as it's used to be. This is a signal that Nigerians are good people and confirmed efforts of State pilgrim Boards. I therefore enjoined us to keep it up", submitted the Chairman.

He also urged pilgrims to maintain their compliance with Saudi regulations until their departure from the holy land, noting that the Saudi authorities continue to closely monitor the activities and conduct of pilgrims from various countries.

The NAHCON chairman thanked President Bola Tinubu for supporting the successful conduct of the Hajj despite the increase in aviation fuel costs and other logistical challenges and called on pilgrims to continue praying for the Federal Government.

 In his remarks, the Chairman of the Oyo State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mogaji Haseem Atere, appreciated NAHCON’s support to the state and assured the commission of the pilgrims’ continued compliance with all regulations.

Chelle: My Boys Have A Winning Culture, Penalties Won’t Scare Us

 

Chelle: My Boys Have A Winning Culture, Penalties Won’t Scare Us

Nigeria’s Head Coach Eric Chelle says his team is prepared to retain the Unity Cup Tournament trophy in Saturday’s final in London no matter which circumstances present themselves on the day.

 

The Super Eagles and the Reggae Boyz won their semi final encounters against Zimbabwe and India respectively by two unreplied goals, and face off for the third time in the history of the Afro-Caribbean mini-tournament that celebrates football, music and culture in the British capital.

 

Last year, Moses Simon gave Nigeria an early lead, with the Reggae Boyz replying almost immediately through Kaheim Dixon. Early in the second half, Nigeria regained their lead at the Brentford Stadium through Samuel Chukwueze, but the Boyz found the leveller again, through Jon Russell.

 

The three-time African champions netted their five penalty kicks while Dwayne Atkinson blew his kick above goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali’s sticks.

 

Though Simon and Chukwueze are not at this year’s tournament, Nigeria showed class with a largely new group on Tuesday, outclassing Zimbabwe’s Warriors with a brace from debutant Femi Azeez. The following day, Kaheim Dixon scored the second for the Boyz against India, after Courtney Clarke had put them ahead.

 

Asked whether his team is prepared to go through the penalty shootout ritual again – having won last year’s tournament through that route and being subjected to the lottery in the semi-final and third-place match at the last Africa Cup of Nations finals - Chelle said: “Penalties are part of the game, and it can decide who wins a match. Every time I go into a game, I have the mentality to win.

 

“This is the culture I have put in these boys – the winning culture. I don’t know if Saturday’s game will end in penalties; what I know is that I have prepared my team to win. These are very young players with a bright future and they are hungry for success at any level. So, on Saturday, we will see how the game is decided, but we surely have prepared to win and defend the Unity Cup.”

Kingsley Awodi Welcomes Nigeria’s Para-Powerlifting Team After Algeria Championship Success

 

Kingsley Awodi Welcomes Nigeria’s Para-Powerlifting Team After Algeria Championship Success

Fresh from the 2026 African Open Para-Powerlifting Championship in Algeria, Nigeria’s para-powerlifting team returned not just with luggage, but with 49 medals and a story of grit that had already begun to ripple across the country.

Leading the welcome was Kingsley Awodi, a philanthropist who has quietly backed Nigerian sports for years. Recall that he re-grassed the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja under Sunday Dare, restoring one of the country’s key sporting venues for athletes and fans.

Awodi is also a major stakeholder in the sports industry. In the past, he single-handedly paid athletes’ grants to ensure competitors could focus on training and competition without financial strain. His support has remained consistent and practical: in April, he hosted and sponsored the Kingsley Awodi Para-Powerlifting Championship in Abuja, providing the team with competitive exposure just weeks before their departure for Algeria. That same commitment was evident again at their homecoming.

Addressing the athletes, coaches, and officials gathered in the arrival hall, Awodi opened by framing their achievement within the larger narrative of Nigerian resilience and excellence on the continental stage:  

“I am deeply honoured to welcome home our victorious Nigeria Para-Powerlifting Team from the 2026 African Open Para-Powerlifting Championship in Algeria. You have once again shown the world the strength, resilience, discipline, and fighting spirit that Nigerians are known for.”

For four days in Oran, Nigeria’s lifters competed against Africa’s best and returned with 32 gold, 12 silver, and 5 bronze medals. The result secured second place overall behind Egypt and reinforced Nigeria’s standing as a powerhouse in para sports. Beyond the medal count, it was the composure and precision of their performances that drew widespread praise.

Recognizing the collective effort behind the success, Awodi acknowledged the pride and honor the team had brought to the nation:  

“Your performances have brought pride, joy, and honour to our nation, and I celebrate every athlete, coach, and official who contributed to this remarkable success.”

He then turned to the responsibility of sustaining such progress, commending the leadership of the National Sports Commission while emphasizing the need for broader private sector involvement:  

“While I sincerely appreciate the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Shehu Dikko, and the Director General, Hon. Bukola Olopade, for their work in repositioning sports in Nigeria, government efforts alone cannot carry the weight. This is the moment for the private sector to step forward and actively support our athletes and sporting institutions.”

To match words with action ahead of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Awodi announced immediate cash rewards for medal winners:  

“Every gold medalist will receive ₦1.5 million, every silver medalist ₦1 million, and every bronze medalist ₦500,000. This is not merely about financial rewards, but about recognizing sacrifice, hard work, and the courage to represent Nigeria with pride.”

As the team posed for photos with medals around their necks, the message was clear. The performance in Oran was about more than weight on a bar, it was about raising the standard for Nigerian sports and showing what becomes possible when athletes are consistently backed.