In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

All praise is due to Allah, the Near, the Responsive. His generosity encompasses the inhabitants of the earth and the heavens, and He has extended His hand with favour and giving.

I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah alone, without a partner, and I bear witness that Muhammad is His servant and Messenger. May Allah send His peace and many blessings upon him. To proceed:

Dear brothers and sisters, the question frequently asked by many is, are the hopes of Nigerians renewed under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu?

Sincerely speaking, whether the hope of Nigerians is renewed under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu or not depends heavily on who you ask, as the country is navigating a complex period of bold economic reforms.

While many point to restored confidence, falling inflation, and macroeconomic growth, others cite insecurity and the immediate cost of living pressures. The national trajectory reveals a divided but evolving sentiment.

After inflation hit a nearly 30-year high of 34.8 percent in late 2024, aggressive monetary reforms have seen it fall substantially. The IMF projects the Nigerian economy to expand by 4.4 percent.

The National Economic Council (NEC) endorsed the renewed hope development plan (2026–2030), a framework designed to consolidate ongoing reforms and target a $1 trillion economy by aligning with Nigeria’s agenda 2050.

Government policies such as the Nigeria first policy have shifted procurement priorities to favour domestic industries, while the NDE renewed hope employment initiative (RHEI) continues to provide skill-building and entrepreneurial support for unemployed Nigerians.

The renewed hope infrastructure drive has made visible progress in rehabilitating and restoring major highways—particularly across the Northeast—to improve mobility and boost trade.

The administration’s renewed hope ward development programme and the Renewed Hope Initiative aim to deliver civic dividends and social support directly to underprivileged communities and the grassroots.

Leaders and ambassadors under the Renewed Hope agenda assert that the administration’s tough initial policies are necessary, yielding measurable progress and restored confidence in governance.

Despite these overarching goals, many Nigerian families continue to adjust to strict economic realities, with various sectors and business owners actively pushing for policies that provide relief and ensure the promised dividends materialise.

Respected brothers and sisters! Know that, in Islam, the renewed hope is rooted in the unshakeable belief in Allah’s boundless mercy and the promise of relief after hardship. It is the spiritual conviction that no matter how dark the circumstances, turning to the Almighty Allah with sincere repentance and patience unlocks doors to a brighter, divinely guided future. Allah the Almighty declares:

“For indeed, with hardship there will be ease. Indeed, with hardship there will be ease.” [Qur’an, 94:5-6]

Respected brothers and sisters! Notice, in the above Qur’anic verses, how the hardship is singular, but the ease is plural. This means that for every single trial you face, Allah promises multiple avenues of relief. True hope begins when you stop focusing on the magnitude of your problems and start focusing on the magnitude of your Creator, Allah. Your current struggle is simply a setup for a magnificent breakthrough.

When faced with the heartbreaking loss of his beloved son, Prophet Yusuf (AS), and later his brother, the grief was overwhelming. Yet, Prophet Ya’qub (AS) never allowed despair to enter his heart. He advised his remaining sons:

“And despair not of relief from Allah. Indeed, no one despairs of relief from Allah except the disbelieving people.” [Qur’an, 12:87]

Even when all physical signs point to the impossible, a Muslim believer’s hope remains steadfast. Prophet Ya’qub’s (AS) relentless trust in Allah eventually led to a beautiful reunion. Never lose hope, for Allah can change your entire situation in a fraction of a second.

Praise be to Allah, who answers the call of the distressed and brings light to the darkest corners of our lives.

My dear brothers and sisters! No matter how heavy your sins may feel, Allah’s mercy is infinitely larger. In Surah Az-Zumar, Allah the Almighty explicitly says:

“O my servants who have transgressed against themselves! Do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins.” [Qur’an, 39:53]

Respected servants of Allah! The renewed hope comes from sincere repentance. The door to Allah’s forgiveness is always open—as long as you breathe, it is never too late to start fresh, clean your slate, and move forward with absolute confidence in His love.

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) taught us a powerful principle of optimism. He said:

“Strange is the affair of the believer, for there is good in every affair for him… and if an adversity befalls him, he is patient, and that is better for him.”

Adversity is not a punishment from Allah; it is often a spiritual recalibration. When you are tested, Allah is drawing you closer to Him. See every setback not as a roadblock but as a stepping stone that builds your reliance on Allah. Constantly say:

“Hasbunallahu wa ni’mal-wakil” (Allah is sufficient for us, and He is the best disposer of affairs.”

Allah the Almighty says in a Hadith Qudsi, “I am as My servant thinks of Me.”

Expect the best from Allah, and He will provide it for you.

Dear servants of Allah, despair is a psychological state that overtakes a person during times of severe trials, tribulations, calamities and the overwhelming dominance of enemies, oppressors and unjust people. Despair can lead a person to hopelessness and the loss of all hope. Imam Ibn Hajar stated:

“Despair can be accompanied by an even more severe condition: the firm belief that no mercy will ever reach the person. This is true hopelessness, as indicated by the Qur’anic verse:

“But when harm touches him, he gives up all hope and is lost in despair.” [Surah Fussilat: 49]

Allah Almighty has forbidden despair and hopelessness, warning against them. He says: “And who despairs of the mercy of his Lord except those who are astray?” [Surah Al-Hijr: 56]

And He also says: “Indeed, no one despairs of relief from Allah except the disbelieving people.” [Surah Yusuf: 87]

Imam Ibn Kathir commented: “Prophet Ya’qub (Peace be upon him) urged his sons to go out into the land and seek news of Yusuf and his brother Binyamin. He encouraged them, giving them glad tidings, and commanded them not to despair of Allah’s mercy. Meaning, they should not cut off their hope and expectation from Allah in what they sought and desired. For no one cuts off hope in Allah except the disbelieving people.”

My people! Our beloved Prophet was always optimistic in all matters, trusting in his Lord at all times, and maintaining a positive assumption about Allah in all circumstances. Despite the hardships and trials in his life, it was filled with hope, optimism, and strong faith in Allah’s help and victory. He constantly gave his companions glad tidings of victory, security, and wealth, even when they were enduring trials, poverty, and weakness.

No doubt, renewed hope is the profound belief that Allah’s mercy is greater than any hardship. It requires active trust, patience in tests, and the understanding that every delay holds divine wisdom. Despair is viewed as a trap of Shaitan (Satan), while continuous prayer keeps the light of faith burning.

Therefore, whether Nigerians’ hope is renewed or not depends on who you ask, as the nation is navigating a period of intense economic transformation under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. While government leaders and international observers point to recovering growth and stabilising policies, everyday citizens continue to face cost-of-living pressures that test their expectations.

Dear brothers and sisters, In times of difficulty as well as ease, we are dependent on Allah the Almighty. When in prosperity, our beloved Prophet (Peace be upon him) turned in appreciation to Allah, and when difficulty arose, he (Peace be upon him) always turned only to Allah.

In light of the recent insecurity and bandit attacks, hereunder are some Du’as from the Qur’an and Hadith that will be effective in such situations and which will, In Shaa Allah, curb the violence, as such violence can easily overboil.

When Prophet Nuh (AS) was overwhelmed by the opposition of his people, he recited the following Du’a: “Ya Allah, I am overpowered, so assist me.” [Surah Qamar, verse: 10]

When Prophet Ibrahim (AS) left his family in a foreign land, he made this Du’a: “Ya Allah… turn the hearts of the people in their favour.” [Surah Ibrahim, verse: 37]

Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his followers made the following Du’a, which Allah the Almighty exhorts us to emulate: “Ya Rabb, do not make us a test for the disbelievers, and forgive us, O our Rabb; indeed, you are most powerful and most wise.” [Surah Mumtahinah, verse: 5]

When Prophet Musa (AS) was driven out of his town, he recited the following: “Ya Allah protect me from the oppressing people.” [Surah Qasas, verse: 21]

The followers of Prophet Musa (AS) made the following Du’a when they were under the threat of Fir’aun (Pharaoh): “Ya Allah, do not make us a test for the oppressive ones, and rescue us through your mercy from those who do not believe.” [Surah Yunus, verses: 85-86]

And whenever the Prophet (peace be upon him) feared harm from any nation, he would recite the following Du’a: “Ya Allah, we place you in front of them, and we seek your refuge from their harms.” [Sunan Abi Dawud and Sahih Ibn Hibban]

These du’as should be recited from the heart. We should cry to Allah the Almighty and beg Him with the above.

In addition to these Du’as, we should give abundant sadaqah and charity in all forms. This could even be done by assisting those affected by these insecurities and bandit attacks. By donating aid to these people, we will be securing our own safety, In Shaa Allah.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Show mercy to those on earth; Allah will show you His mercy.” [Hadith]

And abstain from sin as much as possible. For sins are the biggest causes of difficulty and calamity.

Ya Allah, guide our hearts, forgive our sins, relieve our distress, and dispel our worries and anxieties.

Ya Allah, help us and do not help others against us; grant us victory and do not grant victory over us; plan for us and not against us; and grant us victory over those who oppress us.

Ya Allah, grant us safety in our homelands, rectify our leaders and those in authority over us, and place our leadership among those who fear You, who are conscious of You, and seek Your pleasure.

May Allah the Almighty alleviate the sufferings of all mankind throughout the world.

Our Lord, grant us good in this world and good in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire, ameen Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum!

This Jumu’ah Khutbah (Friday sermon) was prepared for delivery today, Friday, Dhul-Hijjah 19, 1447 AH (June 05, 2026).

Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumu’ah and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okene’s mosques in Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: gusauimam@gmail.com or +2348038289761 or +2348024192217.

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In a report released on Friday, the monitoring team said there was a noticeable gap between the expectations of pilgrims and the services eventually provided in some critical areas of the pilgrimage.

Nasiru Lawal, chairman of the IHR media monitoring team for the 2026 Hajj, signed the report.

The assessment covered feeding arrangements, pilgrims’ welfare, orientation programmes, official presence and Hadaya services during the Hajj rites in Mina and Arafat.

On feeding services, the team said meal distribution in Mina was poorly coordinated, with some camps receiving food on time while others experienced significant delays.

The report noted that although the approved quantity of meals was largely maintained, the quality of food supplied in some instances fell below acceptable standards.

As a result, the group called for refunds to be made to pilgrims in states where meals were either not supplied or where the food provided failed to meet approved standards.

“While some camps received their meals early, others experienced considerable delays. Although the approved quantity of meals was largely maintained, the quality of food supplied in some instances fell below acceptable standards,” the report said.

The monitoring team also raised concerns over the availability of state officials assigned to support pilgrims in Mina.

According to the report, officials were absent from some state pilgrims’ tents during monitoring visits, while many could not be reached when needed.

It further noted that some officials wore ihram instead of official uniforms, making it difficult for pilgrims to identify and approach them for assistance.

Despite the concerns, the team commended officials of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for their visibility and commitment throughout the exercise.

The report said NAHCON personnel were observed across the Nigerian pilgrims’ camp attending to pilgrims and assisting with meal distribution while wearing identifiable official uniforms.

On pilgrims’ conduct and religious orientation, the monitoring team recommended that NAHCON and state Muslim pilgrims welfare boards introduce mandatory lectures on discipline, moral values and expected religious conduct before pilgrims proceed to Mina.

It said such orientation programmes would help reinforce the spiritual objectives of Hajj and encourage better behaviour among pilgrims.

The report also expressed concern over what it described as a lack of transparency in the implementation of Hadaya, the ritual animal sacrifice performed during Hajj.

According to the monitoring team, there is currently no clear regulatory framework governing the collection of payments and execution of the exercise, exposing pilgrims to potential exploitation.

The group said while some states established committees to supervise the sacrifice and ensure compliance, others merely collected payments from pilgrims without providing evidence that the sacrifice was carried out.

IHR urged NAHCON to develop and enforce a standard framework for the collection of payments and implementation of Hadaya in future Hajj operations.

The group said such a framework would strengthen transparency, accountability and public confidence in the process.

The post Hajj 2026: IHR seeks refunds for pilgrims over poor feeding, faults welfare services in Mina, Arafat first appeared on The Times of Abuja.

Abdullahi Babale, commander of the agency’s Kano zonal office, told NAN in an interview om Friday that the victims, all women aged between 18 and 43, were intercepted on October 1 at Malam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA).

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the victims were being trafficked to Saudi Arabia for labour exploitation by two Ghanaian nationals suspected to be members of a trafficking syndicate,” Babale said.

According to him, six of the victims were traveling with one-way tickets, noting that one of the suspects is currently in custody, while the other is at large.

Babale added that NAPTIP also rescued two women who had earlier been trafficked to Burkina Faso from Kano on July 24 for sexual exploitation.

He said a 30-year-old suspect was arrested in connection with the case. Investigations showed she trafficked the victims through Lagos to her sister in Burkina Faso.

“The suspect was arrested in Kano, while the victims were rescued and returned to Kano via Lagos by road,” he said, adding that the suspects would be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.

The commander said the victims would undergo counselling and rehabilitation before being reunited with their families, in line with NAPTIP’s victim-centred approach.

He urged parents to be vigilant, warning that traffickers often exploit economic hardship to lure victims with false promises of greener pastures abroad.

Babale also called on the public to report suspicious movements and activities related to human trafficking to the appropriate authorities.

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NDLEA spokesperson Femi Babafemi confirmed the release in a statement on Wednesday, naming the freed pilgrims as Maryam Hussain Abdullahi, Abdullahi Bahijja Aminu, and Abdulhamid Saddieq.

According to Babafemi, their freedom followed weeks of high-level diplomatic engagements led by Buba Marwa, NDLEA chairman with the full support of President Bola Tinubu and assistance from Lateef Fagbemi, attorney-general of the federation (AGF), Yusuf Tuggar, minister of foreign affairs, Festus Keyamo, aviation minister and Nuhu Ribadu, the national security adviser (NSA).

Babafemi explained that a drug syndicate operating at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport (MAKIA) tagged bags of illicit drugs with the names of the unsuspecting pilgrims, who travelled on Ethiopian Airlines flight ET940 from Kano to Jeddah on August 6, 2025, for the lesser hajj.

Following their arrival, Saudi authorities arrested the three Nigerians for alleged drug trafficking and held them in custody for four weeks.

The NDLEA launched an immediate investigation after receiving complaints from the victims’ families, leading to the arrest of the syndicate’s 55-year-old kingpin, Mohammed Ali Abubakar (alias Bello Karama), along with three accomplices, including airline officials: Celestina Emmanuel Yayock, Abdulbasit Adamu Sagagi, and Jazuli Kabir.

Charges have since been filed against the suspects in Nigeria.

“Armed with the investigation findings and evidence proving the pilgrims’ innocence, Gen. Marwa engaged Saudi authorities at multiple levels, including in Riyadh and Jeddah, to secure their release,” Babafemi said.

One of the pilgrims was released on Sunday, September 14, and the remaining two on Monday, September 15, 2025.

Marwa commended the leadership of Saudi Arabia’s General Directorate of Narcotics Control (GDNC) for honouring the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed with the NDLEA.

“The biggest support came from President Tinubu, who is committed to ensuring that every Nigerian gets fair treatment across the world,” Marwa said. “No Nigerian should suffer unjustly for crimes they know nothing about.”

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Accessible via umrah.nusuk.sa, the platform is designed to enhance service delivery and enrich the pilgrim experience. It provides pilgrims with flexibility to either choose integrated packages or customize their trip by booking individual services such as visas, accommodation, transportation, and tours.

With a user-friendly interface available in seven languages, Nusuk Umrah integrates with government systems and supports multiple payment options to ensure a seamless digital process.

According to Saudi Gazette, the ministry noted that the platform complements existing channels, including qualified agents, while offering an additional, more direct option for pilgrims worldwide.

Quoting officials, the report said the initiative is part of ongoing efforts to realize the objectives of Saudi vision 2030, which include welcoming more pilgrims and delivering high-quality, comfortable services that improve both Hajj and Umrah journeys.

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A statement released on Sunday by Femi Babafemi, NDLEA spokesperson, said the cocaine consignment, consisting 20 parcels weighing 500 grams and buried in the pages of the religious books, were uncovered at a courier company in Lagos

He said operatives of the agency found the illicit drugs in an export cargos going to Saudi Arabia at the logistics firm.

Babafemi  added that NDLEA officers also seized five parcels of loud, a strong strain of cannabis weighing 2.8 kilograms, hidden in a carton coming from the United States of America.

He said NDLEA agents on patrol along the Bichi-Kano route arrested Muhammad Mohammed, a 22-year-old bandit supplying illegal drugs, while travelling to Katsina with 277 ampoules of pentazocine injection strapped to his thigh and private area with Sellotape.

He was apprehended on April 13, and Mohammed Abdulrahman Abdulaziz, 43, another suspect, was apprehended thr same day in the Research Rimin Kebe neighbourhood of Nasarawa, Kano, with 30 kg of skunk, a cannabis strain, and 68 blocks of skunk.

“Not less than 557.2kg of skunk, 5.6kg of methamphetamine and 29.8 grams of heroin were recovered from a house along Major General Isaiah Allison Street, Opolo, Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, where four suspects were arrested when NDLEA operatives raided the premises on Wednesday, 16th April,” the statement reads.

“During the operation, four individuals were taken into custody: Fidelis Ugbesla, 46; Sarimiye Tare Paul, 45; Roland Prosper, 34; and Sarimiye Suwa Kurtis, 46.

“The NDLEA also recorded other successful operations, which include the seizures of illicit drugs and the arrest of drug peddlers in Lagos, Kebbi, Anambra and Edo states.

“The agency’s social advocacy activities and the War Against Drug Abuse continue to sensitise students in schools, motor parks and markets across the country.

“The Chairman of NDLEA, Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd), however, commended the efforts of officers in ensuring a fair balance between their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.”

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Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson of the federal ministry of foreign affairs, said in a statement that the three women were released after high-level diplomatic engagement between the Nigerian government and Saudi authorities.

The women, Hadiza Abba, Fatima Malah and Fatima Gamboi, were arrested for alleged possession of a substance suspected to be cocaine while on pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.

Ebienfa said they were arrested and prosecuted on March 5, 2024, at Prince Mohammad bin Abdul Azeez International Airport in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, and released after spending 10 months in detention.

“The arrest of the three women was a result of the earlier arrest of two Nigerian nationals who were found in possession of 80 capsules of Cocaine weighing 900.28 gm and 70 capsules of Cocaine weighing 789.5gm, respectively,” the statement reads.

“The women were detained by the Saudi authorities on suspicion of being accomplices and abating the trafficking of the banned substance found on the aforementioned arrested Nigerians.

“The ministry wishes to recall that the trio’s arrest attracted much attention in Saudi Arabia and Nigeria.

“Their successful release was achieved after prolonged diplomatic and legal engagements, which culminated in their discharge and acquittal, as well as subsequent handover to the Consulate-General of Nigeria in Jedda.

“The ladies were received by Amb. Muazam Nayaya, Consul-General of Nigeria in Jeddah and currently awaiting relevant immigration processes for their return to Nigeria to reunite with their families.”

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