pilgrims

Muslim pilgrims circled Islam’s holiest site along socially distanced paths Sunday in the final ritual of the hajj, the smallest in modern history as Saudi authorities sought to prevent a coronavirus outbreak.

Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd), and President of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Rev. Samson Ayokunle, has blamed the sliding state of the economy, insecurity and underdevelopment of the country on bad leadership.

The newly appointed Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), Reverend Yakubu Pam, has said that part of his agenda in the office is to redeem the image of Nigeria Internationally which has been dented by pilgrims who absconded during pilgrimages.

Muslim pilgrims converged Thursday on Saudi Arabia’s Mount Arafat for the climax of this year’s hajj, the smallest in modern times and a sharp contrast to the massive crowds of previous years.

Muslim pilgrims on Wednesday begin the annual hajj, dramatically downsized this year as the Saudi hosts strive to prevent a coronavirus outbreak during the five-day pilgrimage.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has commenced the refund of the 2020 Hajj fares to intending pilgrims who wish get their deposits back.

Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), has called on the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to constitute a committee that will oversee refund of deposits to Hajj 2020 intending pilgrims across the country

Saudi Arabia, on Monday, said workers would ensure there is no overcrowding or gathering during the 2020 pilgrimage, adding that pilgrims must wear face masks at all times.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has scheduled the end of July for the commencement of registration of intending pilgrims for the 2021 exercise.

The Cross River Muslim Pilgrims Board has informed all intending pilgrims in the state for the 2020 hajj to apply for the refund of their money paid for the pilgrimage.

Saudi Arabia has announced it will hold a “very limited” hajj this year, with pilgrims already in the kingdom allowed to perform the annual ritual as it moves to curb the biggest coronavirus outbreak in the Gulf.

Iran on Saturday reported 35 new deaths from the coronavirus, the lowest number since March 7 despite infections rising, and announced a further relaxation of COVID-19-related closures.

Saudi Arabia imposed a 24-hour curfew in the Muslim holy cities of Mecca and Medina on Thursday, extending measures to combat the spread of the coronavirus, which has infected more than 1,700 people in the kingdom and killed 16.

From the first signs that Coronavirus, or COVID-19 was turning into an epidemic and was officially declared a world-wide emergency, the Federal Government started planning preventive, containment and curative measures in the event the disease hits Nigeria.

As part of measures to curb the spread of the dreaded Coronavirus, otherwise called “Covid-19 global pandemic” by the World Health Organization(WHO), the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), has announced the immediate suspension of all ongoing sensitization of pilgrims ahead of the 2020 Hajj operation.

Turkey has suspended congregational prayers in mosques and closed cafes, cinemas, and sports venues to contain the spread of coronavirus as the confirmed cases climbed to 47.

A group of Christian pilgrims from Alabama, United States is turning to prayer and positive thinking as they cope with an open-ended coronavirus quarantine, confined to their West Bank hotel rooms while they wait for clearance to return to the United States.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria has asked tour operators to refund pilgrims who paid for Umrah (lesser hajj) following its suspension by Saudi Arabian authorities due to coronavirus.