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Saudi Arabia Cracks Down on Social Media Shenanigans: Nigerian Pilgrims, others May Face Punishment for Filming During Hajj/Umrah
Saudi authorities have issued a stern warning to all pilgrims, including Nigerians, against filming and sharing content on social media during Hajj and Umrah, signaling potential severe consequences for violators!
This comes after a flood of videos from Nigerian pilgrims in Mecca went viral, sparking outrage over their behavior at the holy sites. Some clips showed pilgrims making bizarre demands, including a man shouting at the Kaaba: “I want money like Dangote!” Others filmed themselves chanting requests for a Lamborghini instead of engaging in solemn worship.
The backlash has been swift, with many condemning the trend as disrespectful and disgraceful, warning that such conduct could lead to Saudi Arabia imposing harsh restrictions on Nigerian pilgrims. Social media erupted with calls for a total phone ban at the holy sites to curb distractions and prevent further embarrassment.
In response, Saudi authorities have doubled down, releasing an official statement:
“Dear Pilgrim, as you experience these sacred moments, we kindly ask you to put your phone away during worship. Let your heart capture the moment instead. Filming or photographing women is strictly prohibited. Let’s all do our part to respect each other.”
With the Saudi government tightening its grip, Nigerian pilgrims may soon find themselves facing strict penalties, travel restrictions, or even deportation if caught violating the new directive.
Is this the end of social media spectacle at the holiest sites in Islam? Or will pilgrims find new ways to bypass the rules? Stay tuned as the drama unfolds!
The Federal Government has declared a state of emergency on the construction of the Suleja-Minna road. Minister of Works, David Umahi, announced the declaration on Saturday following an inspection of the road. He stated that the project, initially awarded to Salini Nigeria Limited, had been poorly executed or abandoned.
Umahi explained that despite repeated attempts to have Salini repair the road over the past year and a half, progress had been unsatisfactory. Niger Governor Mohammed Bago raised concerns with President Bola Tinubu, prompting the Ministry of Works to intervene. The road, described as being “in a very terrible situation delaying travel time by seven hours instead of an hour and half hours and vehicles are falling and killing people,” has been designated an emergency project.
The contract with Salini has been irrevocably terminated due to substandard work. Umahi has directed his ministry to recover funds owed by Salini, potentially involving the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Two contractors are now engaged in the project. CCCC International Engineering Nigeria Ltd. has been contracted to handle part of the road, with 60km already completed under the Governor’s urban renewal agenda. CCCC has been given 10 days to mobilize and commence work on a critical 7km stretch. Umahi emphasized that work will begin immediately under emergency procurement guidelines, with pricing to be verified subsequently.
The Nigerian film industry is in mourning following the death of Kayode Peters, a renowned filmmaker and producer. The news was announced by his family on his official Instagram page, stating that he passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Toronto, Canada, after a long illness.
Peters, fondly known as KP, was celebrated for his contributions as a filmmaker, actor, and producer. He was known for his role as Koko in the popular sitcoms “Twilight Zone” and “Flatmates” in the early 2000s. His work also extended to stage plays and sitcoms like “Extended Family” and “Being Farouk,” significantly impacting Nigeria’s contemporary theatre and television landscape.
He is survived by his wife, Alexander, and their children. Funeral arrangements are underway, and further details will be shared by the family in due course. The industry and fans alike will deeply miss his warmth, generosity, and contributions to Nollywood.
President Bola Tinubu arrived in Vieux Fort, Saint Lucia, on Saturday, marking the commencement of a two-nation tour encompassing the Caribbean and South America. Upon arrival at Hewanorra International Airport, he was received with full military honors by Governor-General Errol Melchiades Charles and Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre.
The President’s itinerary includes courtesy visits to the Governor-General and Prime Minister, followed by an address to a joint session of the Senate and the House of Assembly of Saint Lucia. Discussions will focus on deepening cooperation between Nigeria and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), with emphasis on economic partnerships and cultural solidarity. A visit to the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College is also planned to strengthen educational ties.
Following his engagements in Saint Lucia, President Tinubu will proceed to Brazil to participate in the 2025 BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, attending at the invitation of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil. Nigeria’s participation as a ‘partner country’ underscores its commitment to strengthening diplomatic and economic relations on a global scale.
A Special Birthday Tribute to Mrs. Linda Aronu C.
A Special Birthday Message to Dike Christopher Nnamdi.
