Tinubu Approves Return of NEMA, Hajj Commission to Vice President’s Office

•Two Nigerian pilgrims die in Saudi Arabia

Deji Elumoye in Abuja and Hammed Shittu in Makkah

President Bola Tinubu has approved the return of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to the Office of the Vice President for supervision, in compliance with their various establishment Acts.

Prior to now, NEMA was under the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development while NAHCON fell within the purview of the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

According to a statement yesterday, by the Director of Information in the office of the Vice President, Mr. Olusola Abiola, the president also approved a formal structure for the Office of the Vice President as well as an appropriate number of technical and administrative aides that would work with the Vice President in the discharge of his duties.

Meanwhile, two Nigerian pilgrims currently participating in the 2023 Hajj exercise in Saudi Arabia have been confirmed dead.

Similarly, another pilgrim was amputated while three women had miscarriages.

Confirming the incident to journalists in Makkah, yesterday, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria’s (NAHCON) Head of Medical Team in Saudi Arabia, Dr. Usman Galadima, said male and a female pilgrims died in Makkah.

The deceased female pilgrim, Rabiatu Aliyu, with registration number KD 149 TR, was from Igabi Local Government in Kaduna State.

Galadima, disclosed that six NAHCON medical clinics in Saudi Arabiab have attended to over 11, 000 patients since the beginning of the operation.

He said common ailments found among them were respiratory tract infections, typhoid, cough, sour throats, pains in the legs and joints, malaria, fever, vomiting and diarrhea.

According to him, “Since we started the operation, we have treated about 11,000 patients in both Makkah and Medinah.

“We have had severally cases with some requiring emergency visitation and referral to Saudi Arabia Hospitals” he said.

Galadima, explained that most of them don’t come to the clinic to complain as quickly as possible, adding that when that happens, they come with complications.

Galadima also lamented the high number of pregnant women in Saudi Arabia for the 2023 pilgrimage.