Business
Nigerian pilgrimage officials imprisoned in Saudi Arabia, charged for trespass
The coordinator of the National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) in Mecca, Suleiman Usman, has disclosed that some “Nigerian pilgrimage officials” were arrested and taken to prison by the Saudi authorities for trespass.
Mr. Usman made the disclosure while paying a condolence visit, Sunday night, to three Nigerian states that lost six pilgrims in the Mecca crane accident.
Six Nigerian pilgrims including one male from Kaduna State, four females from Gombe State and one male from Katsina, died in the tragedy on Friday.
The coordinator said the affected officials were medical personnel arrested for embarking on a trip outside Mecca without official permit.
“We are trying to secure the release of our medical team, who were arrested and taken to prison by Saudi security, while travelling from Jeddah in an ambulance,” the coordinator said.
Mr. Usman, who did not disclose how many officials were affected, and the states they represent, appealed to pilgrims to desist from traveling outside Mecca without official permit, at least until after Arafat.
“Pilgrims should not leave Mecca at least until after Hajj and with official permit. They should also ensure adherence to the laid down rules and regulation of the Saudi authorities,” he said.
Commenting on the Friday tragedy, Mr. Usman said rescue officials were able to identify Adamu Kargi from Kubau Local Government Area of Kaduna State from his uniform as he was not carrying his identification cards.
“We were able to identify the deceased from Kaduna State by his uniform because at the time of the accident, he was not bearing identity card and the hand identification band. But, we commend our pilgrims for wearing their uniforms all the time,” he said.
Business
Renewed Hope Ambassadors Inspect RHA Secretariat
Renewed Hope Ambassadors Inspect RHA Secretariat
Renewed Hope Ambassadors, led by its Director-General and the Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, alongside Zonal Coordinators (NW, NC, SE), the Media & Publicity Directorate, and other key stakeholders, inspected the RHA Secretariat two days after President Bola Tinubu unveiled the Renewed Hope Ambassadors grassroots engagement drive in Abuja.
Business
Harmony Gardens’ Ibeju-Lekki Portfolio Crosses $1bn
Harmony Gardens’ Ibeju-Lekki Portfolio Crosses $1bn
Harmony Garden & Estate Development Limited has expanded its development activities across Ibeju-Lekki, pushing the projected long-term value of its estate portfolio beyond $1 billion.
Led by Chief Executive Officer Hon. Dr. Audullahi Saheed Mosadoluwa, popularly know Saheed Ibile, the company is developing seven estates within the Lekki–Ibeju corridor. Details available on Harmony Garden & Estate Development show a portfolio spanning land assets and ongoing residential construction across key growth locations.
A major component is Lekki Aviation Town, where urban living meets neighborhood charm, located near the proposed Lekki International Airport and valued internally at over $250 million. The development forms part of the company’s broader phased expansion strategy within the axis.
Other estates in the corridor tagged as the “Citadel of Joy” (Ogba-idunnu) include Granville Estate, Majestic Bay Estate, The Parliament Phase I & II, and Harmony Casa Phase I & II.
With multiple projects active, the rollout of the Ibile Traditional Mortgage System, and structured expansion underway, Harmony Garden & Estate Development Ltd continues to deepen its presence within the fast-growing Ibeju-Lekki real estate market.
Business
BUA Group Showcases Food Manufacturing Strength at 62nd Paris International Agricultural Show
BUA Group Showcases Food Manufacturing Strength at 62nd Paris International Agricultural Show
BUA Group, one of Africa’s leading diversified conglomerates, is maintaining a strong presence at the ongoing 62nd edition of the Paris International Agricultural Show in France, participating as a premium sponsor and supporting the Nigeria Pavilion at one of the world’s most respected agricultural gatherings.
The 62nd Paris International Agricultural Show, taking place from February 21 to March 1, 2026, at Porte de Versailles in Paris, convenes global leaders across farming, agro processing, technology, finance, and policy. The event serves as a strategic platform for industry engagement, knowledge exchange, and commercial partnerships shaping the future of global food systems.
BUA Group’s participation reflects its long term commitment to strengthening the entire food production value chain. Through sustained investments in large scale processing, value addition, and branded consumer products, the Group continues to reinforce its role in advancing food security, industrial growth, and regional trade integration.
Speaking on the Group’s participation, the Executive Chairman of BUA Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu CFR, said, “BUA’s presence at the Paris International Agricultural Show reflects our belief that Africa must be an active participant in shaping the future of global food systems. We have invested significantly in local production capacity because we understand that food security, industrial growth, and economic resilience are interconnected. Platforms like this allow us to build partnerships that strengthen Nigeria’s competitiveness and expand our reach beyond our borders.”
BUA Foods, a subsidiary of BUA Group, maintains a strong footprint in flour, pasta, spaghetti, sugar, and rice production, serving millions of consumers within Nigeria and across neighbouring African markets. The Managing Director of BUA Foods, Engr. Abioye Ayodele, representing the Executive Chairman, is attending the event at the Nigeria Pavilion, engaging industry stakeholders and showcasing the company’s manufacturing capabilities.
Also speaking at the show, Engr. Ayodele stated, “BUA Foods has built scale across key staple categories that are central to household consumption. Our participation at this Show allows us to demonstrate the quality, consistency, and operational strength behind our products. We are also engaging global stakeholders with a clear message that Nigerian manufacturing can meet international standards while serving both domestic and regional markets efficiently.”
The Show provides BUA Group with an opportunity to deepen trade relationships, explore new export pathways, and reinforce Nigeria’s growing relevance within the global agricultural and food ecosystem.
BUA Group remains focused on building enduring institutions, expanding productive capacity, and positioning African enterprise competitively within global markets.
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