President Bola Tinubu has proposed Amb. Ismail Abba Yusuf to be the new Chairman and CEO of the National Hajj Commission, or NAHCON. His Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanugu, made this announcement on Wednesday. According to the statement, the Senate must approve the appointment in line with section 3(2) of the NAHCON Act of 2026. Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, received a letter from President Tinubu today, requesting the swift confirmation of Ambassador Yusuf to succeed Professor Abdullahi Usman, who resigned this week after serving in the position for approximately 14 months.

Ron Kenoly, a well-known American gospel musician, pastor, and worship leader, passed away at the age of 81. Following the confirmation of his death on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, Christian music communities and worship leaders worldwide showered him with honours. Kenoly was well-known throughout the world for his stirring live worship records and his significant contribution to the development of modern praise and worship music. Churches in Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas heard his music and ministry, and his songs became a staple of contemporary worship services. His influence extended well beyond the United States.

The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Prof. Abdullahi Usman, has reiterated the commission’s dedication to making early preparations for the 2026 Hajj pilgrimage. This was disclosed in a statement on Sunday in Abuja by his Technical Assistant on Media, Ahmad Muazu.

The Lagos State Government has announced the cancellation of the 2025 edition of the Greater Lagos Fiesta, also known as Countdown, citing the challenges confronting the nation. Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu decided to call off the event, which was supposed to take place on December 31, 2025, and encouraged locals to utilize the time for private prayers for the country, the state, and the people of Lagos. Gboyega Akosile, the governor's special adviser on media and publicity, made the announcement on Tuesday.

On Thursday, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) released new operational guidelines for the 2026 Hajj exercise, in a directive issued by the Deputy Director, Information and Public Relations, Fatima Sanda Usara, on behalf of the Commission’s Chairman.

The Kano State Hisbah Board has apprehended seven young persons accused of cross-dressing and engaging in immoral behavior at a popular site on Zoo Road in Kano Municipal. Radio Nigeria received confirmation of the arrest from the Deputy Commander General of the board, Sheikh Mujahid Aminudeen Abubakar. He added that all the suspects are under the age of 23 and were apprehended after a good Samaritan reported suspicious activity at the scene to Hisbah. According to him, the informant reported that young males frequently gathered at the joint, and that various automobiles regularly arrived to pick them up.