News

1,000 Detained Pilgrims: Nigeria Tackles Saudi …As 24 Hour Ultimatum Expires

Published

13 years ago

September 28, 2012

President Goodluck Jonathan has approved the constitution of
a presidential delegation to interface with the Saudi authorities over the
detention of Nigerian female pilgrims at King Abdul-Azziz International
Airport, Jeddah

The approval is contained in a statement signed by Secretary
to the Government of the Federation, Senator
Anyim Pius Anyim,.

The statement listed members of the delegation to include
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Aminu Tambuwal, who would lead the
team, Minister of State 11, Foreign Affairs, Dr Nurudeen Mohammed.

Other members are Ambassador Shehu Galadanchi, Sheikh Sherif
Saleh and Muhammad Bello, Chairman of the National Hajj Commission.

The delegation will depart for Saudi Arabia as soon as
appointment is finalised with the appropriate authority.

It would be recalled that the House of Representatives, on
Wednesday, urged President Goodluck Jonathan to intervene in the plight of
stranded 1,000 Nigerian female pilgrims now in detention in Jeddah, Saudi
Arabia.

The Chairman, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Rep.
Nnenna Elendu-Ukeje (PDP-Abia) made the call at a meeting with officials of the
Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Hajj Commission of Nigeria
(NAHCON).

She said that a mechanism should be put in place to ensure
that those in detention were either allowed to move into Saudi Arabia to
perform the pilgrimage or brought back to stop their being subjected to further
hardship.

“Our preferred option will be to get them into the holy land
to perform the pilgrimage but if this does not work we have to bring our people
back.

“We are very concerned, we thought we have settled with
issues of deportation.

“This is the first time this is happening in this magnitude.
So, for us it is a very grave issue bearing in mind that over 95,000 Nigerians
are expected to be in Saudi Arabia for the pilgrimage.

In his submission, Mr Martin Uhumoibhi, the Permanent
Secretary, Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the Nigerian Consulate in
Jeddah was acting accordingly to ameliorate the condition of the detained
pilgrims.

He said the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs II, Dr
Nurudeen Mohammed, also met with the Saudi officials and got assurance that all
would be well.

The Chairman, NAHCON, Malam Mohammad Bello, said the commission thought the issue was
something that could be resolved within 24 hours.

It seems there is a disconnect between Nigeria and Saudi
officials. It is beyond the Hajj commission.

He said that the commission had airlifted 24,886 pilgrims to
Saudi Arabia before the problems started, and wondered why the Saudi government
has not replied to any of the letters the commission wrote to them.

The Federal Government had Wednesday in Abuja given the
Saudi Arabia government 24 hours to expedite action in resolving the issues
surrounding the detention of some Nigerian female pilgrims.

Vice President Namadi Sambo gave the ultimatum which expired
yesterday, when he summoned the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Khaled
Abdrabuh, to his office.

Our correspondent reports that the Nigerian female pilgrims in Saudi Arabia
adjudged by the authority to be without male companion (Muharram) have been
detained in Jeddah and Madinah.

Sambo had expressed the country’s displeasure over the
treatment being meted out to Nigerian pilgrims performing this year’s
pilgrimage in the holy land.

He said reports available to him suggested that only
Nigerian pilgrims were being subjected to such dehumanising treatment.

Sambo, therefore, requested the Saudi Arabian authorities to
apply caution and flexibility to allow the pilgrims undertake their sacred
religious duties.

“Should the Saudi authorities not desire our pilgrims to
perform this year’s Hajj, they should let the country know.”

He said that no reasonable and responsible government would
sit and fold its arms while its citizens are manhandled.

The vice president, therefore, requested the Ambassador to
do all within his powers to ensure that the issues were resolved within 24
hours, and the outcome communicated to him.

In a mixed reactions from across the states trail the plight
of the Nigerian female Muslim pilgrims who were denied entry into Saudi Arabia
by its authorities because they were not accompanied by their male guardians.

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in Abuja confirmed
the repatriation of some female pilgrims to the country while flights were
suspended for 48 hours to resolve the matter with Saudi Authorities.

At least, 102 female intending pilgrims from Sokoto State
were brought back to the country in the early hours of Thursday from Saudi
Arabia.

Our correspondent
reports that the pilgrims were transported back to Sokoto aboard a Max
Air aircraft.

The Manager of the Sultan Abubakar III International
Airport, Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Lawal, told newsmen yesterday in Sokoto that
the deported pilgrims had since travelled to their respective local government
areas.

He said that the affected pilgrims were hale and hearty.

All efforts to get the Chairman of the State Pilgrims’
Welfare Agency, Alhaji Muntari Maigona or its Public Relations Officer, Faruk
Umar, proved abortive.

In Jalingo, Taraba State capital, no fewer than 62 female
pilgrims were brought back to Nigeria.

The Chairman of the Taraba Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board,
Alhaji Hamman-Adama Tukur, explained that the women were transported from the
King Abdulazeez International Airport, Jeddah, to Aminu Kano International
Airport, Kano.

He said that the women were actually accompanied but that
the checking system at the Jeddah Airport was such that men were checked,
cleared and asked to proceed.

“When it was the turn of the women to be checked and
cleared, the Security claimed they were not accompanied by their guardians
(Mahram) and were unwilling to listen to any explanation and went ahead to
detained them.”

News

Group Advocates Indigenous Language Sustainability, Calls for Policy Action

Published

13 hours ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

A pan-Nigeria organisation committed to the promotion and preservation of indigenous languages, Indigenous Language and Culture Promoters (ILCP), has called for the deliberate development and compulsory teaching of indigenous languages in both primary and secondary schools across the country.

The group made the call during its maiden Congress held in Bori, Rivers State, which was convened to examine challenges hindering the official adoption and effective teaching of Ogoni languages in schools.

Speaking at the Congress, the Executive Director of the organisation, HRC Mene Magnus Edooh, Amb.P, emphasised the critical role of indigenous languages in preserving a people’s culture, values and history. He warned against the gradual extinction of native languages, noting that language loss equates to identity loss.

“Years ago, Latin was a language of global relevance, but today it is largely extinct. We do not want Ogoni languages to suffer a similar fate. As a people, we cannot afford to lose our identity through the death of our languages,” Edooh said.

He explained that the Indigenous Language and Culture Promoters was established to collaborate with language stakeholders to ensure that children and younger generations remain connected to their mother tongues. The organisation also appealed to governments at all levels, as well as relevant institutions and individuals, to take strategic actions aimed at promoting and sustaining Nigeria’s indigenous languages.

Also speaking, the newly appointed Director of Media and Information, Prince David N. Gbarato, questioned the rationale behind government reluctance to accord indigenous languages their rightful place in national development policies.

According to him, “People with well-developed languages are people with well-developed indigenous systems and affairs,” stressing that language development is fundamental to cultural and societal advancement.

The Congress further served as a platform for the ratification of key officers of the organisation and featured the participation of representatives from various indigenous language groups and other language stakeholders, all of whom echoed the call for renewed commitment towards safeguarding Nigeria’s linguistic heritage.

News

Rivers Boundary Commission Steps In to Resolve Okoloma–Ban-Ogoi Land Dispute

Published

13 hours ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

As part of deliberate efforts to promote peaceful coexistence and prevent communal conflict, the Rivers State Boundary Commission has intervened in the long-standing boundary dispute between Okoloma (Afam) Community in Oyigbo Local Government Area and Ban-Ogoi Community in Tai Local Government Area of the state.

The intervention followed a stakeholders’ meeting convened by the Commission at the Government House, Port Harcourt, on Friday, January 16, 2026. The meeting was aimed at setting up a technical committee that will work towards an amicable and lasting resolution of the land dispute between the two neighbouring communities.

Speaking at the meeting, the Deputy Governor of Rivers State and Chairman of the Rivers State Boundary Commission, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, stressed the importance of peace, dialogue and mutual understanding in resolving boundary-related disagreements. She urged all parties to approach the process with sincerity and restraint, noting that sustainable peace can only be achieved through constructive engagement.

Prof. Odu advised the communities to emulate the peaceful disposition and leadership style of Governor Siminalayi Fubara by presenting their grievances and petitions without bitterness or rancour, assuring them of the Commission’s commitment to fairness and justice.

She also expressed satisfaction with the presence of the Chairmen of Tai and Oyigbo Local Government Areas at the meeting, describing it as a clear demonstration of their resolve to maintain peace and harmony between the affected communities.

In their separate remarks, the Chairman of Oyigbo Local Government Area, Dr. Okechukwu Akara Nwaogu, and his Tai Local Government Area counterpart, Hon. Mbakpone Okpe, reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring peaceful coexistence among their people. They emphasized that peace is critical to attracting development and investment to the area.

Both council chairmen commended the Rivers State Boundary Commission for its proactive intervention, expressing optimism that the establishment of a technical committee would pave the way for a fair and enduring resolution of the dispute.

News

Fanfare, Pageantry As Ohiauga Community Honours 31 Eminent Personalities with Maiden Leadership Awards

Published

13 hours ago

January 19, 2026

The Tide

Ohiauga Community in Igburu Clan, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area of Rivers State, on Saturday, December 27, 2025, witnessed an unprecedented spectacle of celebrations, fanfare and cultural splendour as it honoured 31 distinguished personalities for their outstanding leadership qualities, selfless service and immense contributions to the growth and development of the community.

The historic event, which took place at the Ohiauga Community Town Hall, marked the maiden edition of the Ohiauga Leadership Awards and saw 27 illustrious sons and daughters of the community, alongside four non-indigenes, decorated with various honours in recognition of their unwavering commitment to the socio-economic, political and infrastructural advancement of the area.

From the early hours of the day, the once serene and seemingly sleepy community was transformed into a beehive of activities. The atmosphere was electrified with excitement as the sound of music echoed from different corners of the community. Everywhere was colourful, lively and festive, as men, women, youths and children, young and old, trooped out in large numbers, beautifully adorned in elegant traditional and modern attires.

The favourable weather further added glamour and grace to the occasion, enhancing the beauty and splendour of the event, as the people, stakeholders and visitors savoured every moment of the celebration.

Adding royal splendour to the colourful ceremony was the presence of the Eze of Igburu Clan, Eze Igburu IV of Igburu Land, His Majesty Eze Kenneth Nwabochi, who arrived at the venue in full royal regalia, accompanied by his retinue of chiefs, elders and other palace officials. His presence was a clear testament to the significance of the occasion and underscored the unity and collective resolve of the people to celebrate excellence and service.

One after the other, the award recipients stepped forward amid thunderous applause, cheers and admiration from the audience. These were men and women whose years of dedication, sacrifice and contributions have helped place Ohiauga Community on the map in terms of political relevance, socio-economic growth and self-help-driven development.

Indeed, Ohiauga Community today boasts of notable achievements credited largely to community-based initiatives, including a relatively good road network, stable and uninterrupted electricity supply powered through solar infrastructure, and other basic amenities that have improved the quality of life of its people. The honoured individuals, it was observed, have played significant roles in achieving these milestones, leaving their unmistakable footprints on the community’s development journey.

By honouring them, the community made it clear that the awards were not meant to signal retirement from service, but rather to encourage the recipients to intensify their efforts and continue to give back to their fatherland. Community leaders noted that although progress has been recorded, Ohiauga still faces serious developmental challenges that require sustained commitment and collective action.

Prominent among these challenges is the absence of a functional healthcare facility. The only cottage hospital project in the community, allegedly initiated by Total Energies Limited several years ago, was said to have been abandoned, leaving residents without adequate medical care. The community strongly appealed to the Rivers State Government to intervene and revive the project in the interest of the people.

The education sector was also not spared. The Ohiauga Community Primary School, according to the community, is allegedly in good shape, with a conducive learning environment, but lacks enough classroom teachers, as there is only one government-employed classroom teacher. To fill the void, the community reportedly employed five additional teachers from its meagre resources and currently bears the responsibility of paying their salaries.

These realities, stakeholders explained, provided further justification for the decision to celebrate and honour individuals who have consistently demonstrated commitment to the welfare and development of the community.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the Organising Committee of the Ohiauga Maiden Leadership Awards, Pastor (Dr) David Chizor Nwaoburu, described the event as a strategic initiative aimed at fostering peace, unity and development, while recognising and rewarding excellence and service.

According to him, the award ceremony was designed to honour eminent personalities who have distinguished themselves in public and private life, and who have continued to make meaningful contributions to the growth of Ohiauga Community.

Dr Nwaoburu, who was himself among the award recipients, said the recognition was intended to motivate the honourees to do more for the community and not to rest on their achievements. He urged them to continue to serve the interests of the people wherever they find themselves and to remain ambassadors of peace and development.

He further reiterated the need for government intervention in the abandoned cottage hospital project and the posting of teachers to the primary school by the state government, stressing that community development in Ohiauga has largely been driven by self-help efforts.

Among those honoured at the event were Pastor (Dr) David Chizor Nwaoburu; former Bursar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Dr Davis Ojima; the Registrar of the institution, Dr Chinonye A. Ajie; Dr Obi Chukwuma Ebenezer Jular; Elder Kemmer Mark Godwin; Dr Nwokoji Chukwuemeka; Mr Nduka Louis Odiegba; Dr (Chief) (Mrs) Ojima; Comrade Chimezie Igwela; Engr Gideon Eke; Chief (Prof) H. A. Ajie; Hon. Sule Igwela; and Dr Obi Nwaoburu.

Others included Prof. (Mrs) Jennifer Igwela; Dr Charity Ajie; Eric David Orukwo; the Paramount Ruler of Ohiauga Community, HRH Dr Amb. Bright Abali; Mr Chukwudi Lloyd Reuben; Comrade Wisdom Adieme; and the member representing ONELGA Constituency I in the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Nwabochi.

Also recognised were Comrade Kelvin London Oji; Pastor Smart Brass Maduagu; Chief (Hon.) K. O. Igwela; Harmony Igwela; Comrade Onyemaobi Igwela; and Late Elder Nwaba Maduagu, who received a posthumous award in recognition of his lifetime contributions to the community.

The four non-indigenes honoured for their dedicated services and goodwill towards the community were Hon. Marculey Ogolo; Hon. ThankGod Chibor; Comrade Kingsley Ogu; and Pastor G. Oreke, who was specially recognised as the only dedicated government classroom teacher at Ohiauga Community Primary School.

Reacting to the honour, the Registrar of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Dr Chinonye A. Ajie, described the award as a step in the right direction and a thoughtful gesture that encourages service and excellence. He called for harmonious relationships among all segments of the community and pledged his continued support towards education, job creation and collective development.

Former Bursar of the university, Dr Davis Ojima, also expressed gratitude to the community for recognising his contributions, assuring that he would remain committed to promoting peace, unity and sustainable development initiatives in Ohiauga.

Business mogul, Mr Nduka Louis Odiegba, said being honoured by one’s own community carries special significance, describing the recognition as the most cherished among the many awards he has received. He pledged to intensify his contributions to the welfare and development of the people, noting that “charity must begin at home.”

In his royal remarks, the Eze of Igburu Clan, His Majesty Eze Kenneth Nwabochi, emphasised the importance of peace, unity and the preservation of cultural values, describing the maiden Ohiauga Leadership Awards as a timely initiative aimed at strengthening communal bonds and fostering collective progress.

Giving the vote of thanks on behalf of the awardees, Mr Chukwudi Lloyd Reuben, thanked the community for finding them worthy of recognition, and commended the leadership and merit award committee for the excellent packaging of the programme. He urged the awardees to continue with their good work to the community, as the merit awards were a clarion call for more community development involvement and a wake up call for others to emulate the leadership qualities exhibited by the awardees.

Overall, the maiden Ohiauga Leadership Awards ceremony lived up to its billing, serving not only as a platform to celebrate excellence and service but also as a rallying point for renewed commitment to the development of the community, amid resounding jubilation, merriment and cultural pride.