By Abdullahi Yusuf

1. NAHCON has successfully airlifted 32,549 pilgrims, representing 79.1% of Nigeria’s total intending pilgrims for Hajj 2025. This milestone was achieved via 79 flights operated since May 9, 2025.
2. Today’s airlift update: Air Peace flight APK7924 departed from Maiduguri to Madinah with 310 Borno State pilgrims on board — 206 males and 104 females.
3. Professor Abubakar Abubakar Yagawal, NAHCON Commissioner of PRSILS, held a strategic session with members of the National Ulama Team across three regions to strengthen collaboration and ensure a smooth 2025 Hajj operation.
4. Niger State pilgrims protested flight delays at the Minna Hajj Camp, seeking clarity and prompt intervention from authorities.
5. Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris has enhanced the welfare of his state’s pilgrims by providing additional buses and increasing feeding allowances for their stay in Madinah.
6. Belgian cyclist embarks on Hajj journey by riding 4,500km from Belgium to Makkah, fulfilling his lifelong dream.
7. Pakistani Hajj official returns an expensive lost phone to an Iraqi woman pilgrim, earning praise for upholding honesty and righteousness during Hajj 2025.
8. The Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah conducted an inspection tour of the Holy Sites to assess facilities and readiness ahead of pilgrims’ arrival.
9. Sierra Leone diaspora pilgrims in the US, UK, Australia, and Central Europe are finalising travel plans. Among them, 41 pilgrims from the US & Canada have completed orientation and will depart today, arriving in Madinah on 22 May. Another 230 pilgrims from the UK will depart between 25 and 28 May 2025.
10. Fun Facts & reminders: The first 10 days of Dhul-Hijjah are among the most sacred in Islam, days loved by Allah for worship, dhikr, fasting, charity, and prayer. Seize this golden window for immense rewards.
11. Day of ‘Arafah (9 Dhul-Hijjah): Not performing Hajj? Fast that day. It erases two years’ worth of sins. Best du’a? “The du’a on the Day of ‘Arafah.” (Tirmidhi)