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Extreme heat delays Hajj pilgrims from stoning the devil in Saudi Arabia

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The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has stopped pilgrims from proceeding to the Jamarat Bridge for the ritual of throwing stones from 11 am to 4 pm due to extreme heat.

The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, Dr Abdulfattah bin Sulaiman, issued the directive in a statement on Monday in Mina, Makkah, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

He said the measure became necessary in order to ensure the well-being of pilgrims amidst high temperatures and to prevent heat stress.

“Accordingly, the following measures have been implemented: pilgrims are prohibited from proceeding to the Jamarat Bridge for the ritual of throwing stones from 11 am to 4 pm.”

He said security personnel would be stationed at camps to enforce the restriction and prevent any pilgrim from departing before 4 pm. He urged the Office of Hajj Affairs and service providers to ensure compliance, adding that they they would be held responsible for any violations thereof.

“We pray for Allah’s protection over the pilgrims and the acceptance of their Hajj.”

Meanwhile, the official of the Nigeria’s Hajj Commission has intercepted two illegal migrants of Nigerian decent (Muhammed Umar and Nazifi Tasi’u Garba), over infiltration of pilgrims tents amidst concerns regarding overstretched accommodation and petty theft.

Consequently, the suspects were handed over to the Saudi Police, where their biometrics were obtained and a fine of 10,000 Saudi Riyals was imposed on them to be paid whenever they are leaving the country.

NAN reports that the Jamarat are three pillars located in Mecca and are an important part of the Hajj pilgrimage for Muslims.

As part of their pilgrimage to Mecca, pilgrims throw pebbles at the pillars to symbolically “stone the devil.”

The Stoning of the Devil—or rajm al-jamarat, translated as throwing pebbles—is a way for Muslims to reject temptation, affirm their faith in Allah, and honor the Prophet Ibrahim.

NAN reports that according to the Saudi Gazette, more than 1.83 million pilgrims performed this year’s hajj.

A total of 1,833,164 pilgrims came from within the Kingdom and abroad to perform the annual pilgrimage and they included 1,611,310 foreign pilgrims and 221,854 domestic pilgrims, both citizens and expatriates.

Religion

Pope Francis hospitalised with bronchitis

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Pope Francis was admitted to a hospital in Rome on Friday for tests and treatment for bronchitis, the Vatican announced.

The 88-year-old, who has been breathless in recent days and has delegated officials to read his speeches, was admitted following his morning audiences, the Vatican stated.

He was hospitalised at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital for “some necessary diagnostic tests and to continue treatment for ongoing bronchitis in a hospital setting,” it added.

The pope, who had part of one of his lungs removed as a young man, has been experiencing breathing difficulties for over a week and has repeatedly asked aides to read his speeches aloud on his behalf.

Francis was hospitalised for three nights in March 2023 with bronchitis, which was treated with antibiotics.

In December of that year, he had to cancel a visit to Dubai for the United Nations COP28 climate change conference due to another bout of bronchitis.

The Argentine pontiff has faced various health challenges in recent years, including knee and hip pain, an inflamed colon, and surgery for a hernia.

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Suspended RCCG pastor, Idowu Iluyomade, unveils new ministry in Lagos

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Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, the suspended pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, City of David Parish, has launched a new ministry in Lagos called The Family Fellowship.

In a video that went viral on Monday morning, Iluyomade was seen celebrating with members during their inaugural service held at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The service, which took place on Sunday morning, was marked by joyous dancing and jubilation.

Announcing the new ministry on Instagram, Iluyomade invited the public to attend the fellowship.

He wrote, “The Family Fellowship invites you specially. Join us tomorrow at the Civic Centre for a special time in the Lord’s presence. Promises to be a great experience.”

Iluyomade, formerly the senior pastor of City of David Parish, was suspended by RCCG in 2024 after his wife, Pastor Siju, hosted an elaborate 60th birthday celebration shortly after the tragic death of Herbert Wigwe, a prominent church member and former CEO of Access Bank, along with his wife and son.

Many criticised the timing of the celebration, which took place just weeks after Wigwe’s passing in a helicopter crash in the United States, viewing it as insensitive.

Wigwe had been a significant supporter of the church before his untimely death.

Following the backlash, the RCCG Governing Council convened a panel to investigate the matter.

In June 2024, Iluyomade and his wife were suspended for three months and reassigned to worship at the church’s headquarters in Ebute Metta.

The couple’s suspension drew further attention after they were disinvited from the Wigwe family’s funeral.

Now, the Iluyomades have established their own ministry to continue their spiritual mission.

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Catholic church suspends Delta priest over secret US wedding

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The Catholic Diocese of Warri, Delta State has suspended Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe from priestly duties following his alleged marriage sealed in the United States of America.

This was contained in a statement titled ‘Decree of Suspension’, dated Thursday, January 16, 2025, copies of which were made available to journalists in Warri on Sunday.

The statement which was jointly signed by the Bishop of Warri, Rt. Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido and the Chancellor/Notary, Very Rev. Fr. Clement Abobo alleged that “Fr. Oghenerukevwe entered into marriage with Ms. Dora Chichah on December 29, 2024, at the Streams of Joy Church in Dallas, USA.”

It was further gathered that a footage of the marriage reportedly circulated widely on social media had prompted the church to act.

“By this action, Rev. Fr. Daniel Okanatotor Oghenerukevwe has incurred a Latae Sententiae suspension in accordance with the provisions of Canon 1394 S1, and I, Most Rev. Anthony Ovayero Ewherido, Bishop of Warri, do hereby officially decree that he is suspended from the exercise of sacred ministry,” the statement read in part.

The Diocese revealed that Fr. Oghenerukevwe had requested on November 30, 2024, to be released from all canonical obligations associated with Holy Orders.

However, the Diocese said it reached out to him, “asking for the required documents to begin the process, but the priest went on to marry without completing the procedure.

“As such, he is prohibited from presenting himself as a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Warri in any capacity. All canonical implications associated with this suspension take immediate effect (cf. Can. 1333),” the statement posited.

The Diocese further stated that Fr. Oghenerukevwe retains the right to petition for the revocation or amendment of the decree but must demonstrate a willingness to reform.

“May God grant him the grace to reflect on this situation and guide him on the path of reconciliation,” the statement concluded.

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Bodex F. Hungbo, SPMIIM is a multiple award-winning Nigerian Digital Media Practitioner, Digital Strategist, PR consultant, Brand and Event Expert, Tv Presenter, Tier-A Blogger/Influencer, and a top cobbler in Nigeria.

She has widespread experiences across different professions and skills, which includes experiences in; Marketing, Media, Broadcasting, Brand and Event Management, Administration and Management with prior stints at MTN, NAPIMS-NNPC, GLOBAL FLEET OIL AND GAS, LTV, Silverbird and a host of others

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