By Wumi Tewogbade , Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, (FCT MPWB) said it has concluded arrangements to commence the education and orientation exercise for 2026 Intending Pilgrims this weekend.

This was contained in a statement from the Public Relations Officer of the Board, Muhammad Lawal Aliyu.

It said that the first phase of the orientation exercise is billed to take place on Saturday, 10th and Sunday, 11th January 2026 at the FCT Permanent Hajj camp located at Basan Jiwa, close to the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja.

According to the spokesperson for the Board, Islamic scholars have already been mobilized for the exercise to prepare the intending pilgrims for a smooth Hajj exercise.

He explained that the exercise would be conducted in phases and in seven languages as usual to enable the Intending Pilgrims get acquainted with the hajj rites as well as new policies introduced for this year’s Hajj by the Saudi Authorities and National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

Muhammad Lawal disclosed that the Board has already mapped out strategies to educate the intending pilgrims on the religious exercise, especially as new policies were introduced by the Saudi Arabian government this year which are more challenging to the success of the journey.
He advised Intending Pilgrims from the Territory for this year’s Hajj to participate in all programmes organized by the Board aimed to assist them to attain acceptable hajj.

The PRO also urged all intending pilgrims, to take advantage of the exercise to get value for their money by attaining proper guidance on the journey, enhance their Islamic knowledge on Hajj rites and discharge their religious obligations in accordance to the Islamic doctrines.

Similarly, according the spokesperson, the board is billed to conduct compulsory medical screening for all intending pilgrims from Monday 12th January 2026 at the permanent hajj camp.

He stressed that the screening would enable the board to determine the health status of all intending pilgrims which is one of the major equipments for the issuance of visa by Saudi Arabia this year.
According to the PRO, Intending Pilgrims from Gwagwalada, Kwali and Abaji Area councils would undergo the medical screening on Monday 12/01/2016 while Intending Pilgrims from Kuje, Bwari and Abuja Municipal would be screened on Tuesday 13/01/2026.

Intending Pilgrims that registered through Headquarters, JAIZ and Annex would have their screening exercise on Wednesday 14/01/2026 at the Hajj camp.

The statement disclosed that the compulsory medical screening exercise would be conducted from 8 o’clock in the morning each day and strongly warned that without the medical screening, the Board would not be able to secure pilgrims’ visa to Saudi Arabia.
He therefore, also warned all intending pilgrims who are yet to return their completed application forms or submit their international Passports to do so immediately to enable the Board commence the process of their travel documents.

By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja

Thr Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), on Thursday urged Nigeria leaders in 2026, to be guided by integrity, accountability, and a sincere commitment to serve rather than dominate.

President, CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, made the appeal in his new year message to Christians in the country.

Okoh who acknowledged God’s mercy in preserving lives and sustaining Nigeria through another year, according to him, that was marked by serious trials and testing moments.

He added, “The year behind us was a difficult one for many Nigerians. Economic hardship, rising living costs, insecurity, and uncertainty placed enormous strain on families and communities. These realities cannot be ignored or explained away. The quiet endurance of our people is not a sign that all is well; rather, it is a reminder of how much healing, relief, and justice our nation still needs.

“As the nation continues to speak about reforms, recovery, and growth, CAN affirms that progress must translate into lived realities. Economic advancement must be evident in the daily lives of citizens—when food is affordable, healthcare is accessible, education is attainable, and meaningful work is available. Development that does not touch ordinary lives remains incomplete”.

The CAN President insisted that , “Nigeria must become a place where families live with dignity, young people can plan for the future with confidence, and communities are no longer overwhelmed by fear. Public policies and leadership decisions must consistently reflect compassion, responsibility, and a genuine commitment to the common good, especially towards the poor and the vulnerable.

“The persistence of insecurity across the country remains a grave national concern. Terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and violent crime have uprooted communities and shattered lives. This reality demands decisive and sustained action. We hope that the government will deliver on its promises to reduce insecurity to the lowest levels in this new year.

“Furthermore, government at all levels must urgently present a clear, comprehensive, and time-bound plan for the resettlement of communities displaced for prolonged periods by violence and insecurity. It is unjust and unacceptable that citizens should remain indefinitely uprooted from their ancestral lands, homes, and livelihoods. Beyond temporary relief, the nation must pursue restoration. Security must be guaranteed, homes and infrastructure rebuilt, and displaced persons enabled to return safely and with dignity. A nation cannot claim healing while entire communities remain unsettled”.

He hugged, “As fiscal, tax, and other policy reforms continue, CAN calls for wisdom, fairness, and restraint. Economic decisions must not deepen hardship for those already struggling. Small businesses, low-income earners, and rural communities require protection and deliberate support if recovery is to be meaningful and inclusive.

“Nigeria’s challenges are not only economic or structural; they are also moral. Corruption, injustice, and division continue to weaken trust and erode our national conscience. Leadership at all levels must be guided by integrity, accountability, and a sincere commitment to serve rather than dominate. National renewal requires moral courage as much as technical competence.

“As the Church, we reaffirm our commitment to stand with the people, to speak truth with love, and to uphold hope in difficult times. We declare that Nigeria is not without a future. We affirm that justice, peace, and restoration are possible when leadership is responsible and citizens remain committed to righteousness and unity. As we journey through 2026, we look forward with sober hope, trusting that our nation can yet rise into better days marked by healing, stability, and shared progress.

“May God bless and guide the Federal Republic of Nigeria”, he said.

…As it said the title is offensive and disrespecting

…As it calls for immediate apology and change of title

By Wumi Tewogbade, Abuja

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on Wednesday, said it is deeply troubled by the title of the movie: ‘A Very Dirty Christmas’, which it considers offensive and disrespectful to the Christian faith.

This was contained in a statement issued by President, CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, in Abuja.

Okoh therefore calls on the producers and promoters of the film to reconsider the title, issue a public apology, and take deliberate steps to ensure that religious symbols and sacred seasons are treated with the dignity they deserve.

The statement reads, “Christmas is a sacred season that marks the birth of Jesus Christ and represents purity, peace, love and redemption. Linking such a holy celebration with the word “dirty” diminishes its spiritual meaning and reduces a solemn religious observance to something crude and sensational.

“CAN respects creative freedom and artistic expression, but such freedom must be exercised with responsibility and sensitivity, especially in a religiously diverse society like Nigeria. Creativity should build understanding and unity, not provoke or offend deeply held beliefs.

“The Association is concerned that a film bearing such a title passed through regulatory and professional channels without adequate scrutiny. CAN therefore calls on the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to explain how the title was approved for public exhibition, particularly during the Christmas season.

“CAN also urges industry bodies such as the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) and other stakeholders in Nollywood to take a clear stand on the use of religious themes and symbols in ways that may offend faith communities.

“The Christian Association of Nigeria therefore calls on the producers and promoters of the film to reconsider the title, issue a public apology, and take deliberate steps to ensure that religious symbols and sacred seasons are treated with the dignity they deserve. In this regard, CAN calls on the producer, Ini Edo, to show sensitivity and address the concerns raised by the Christian community.

“At a time when the nation is already facing serious moral and social challenges, actions that trivialise sacred values only deepen division and erode mutual respect.

“CAN remains committed to peaceful engagement but will continue to speak out whenever the dignity of the Christian faith is undermined in the public space”.