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monday, january 16, 2017
QUOTABLE QUOTE
“Senator Ahmed Makarfi and Senator Ali Modu Sheriff have successfully, to our delight, caused a division in the PDP. We are always praying that their power tussle will continue. While I pray for Makarfi to have the upper hand, I am also praying for Sheriff to have the power and ability to sustain the fight, so that we (APC) will be taking their senators one by one.” -Senator Kabir Marafa
SPORTS As Hajj Operation Goes Digital latest
Lookman scores as Everton demolishs City 4-0
Lookman
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verton produced a brilliant performance to stun Manchester City and deliver a serious blow to Pep Guardiola’s Premier League title hopes. The Toffees willingly soaked up 71% of City possession but restricted Guardiola’s side to few chances and scored with four of just six attempts at goal. Romelu Lukaku coolly sidefooted in a Kevin Mirallas cut-back and the Belgium internationals combined again after the break, Mirallas drilling Lukaku’s throughball across the keeper. Tom Davies sent Goodison Park into raptures on just his second league start by dinking a third over Claudio Bravo and £11m debutant Ademola Lookman fired between the legs of the keeper in injury time. Goals from the two teenagers left Everton boss Ronald Koeman visibly elated, while Guardiola cut a frustrated figure, remonstrating with the fourth official late on in what is his heaviest ever league defeat as a manager.
Suarez gets brace as Barca beats Las Palmas 5-0
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uis Suarez scored twice as FC Barcelona cut Real Madrid’s La Liga lead to two points by thrashing Las Palmas. Suarez turned in an Andre Gomes cut-back for the only goal of the first half, but hosts Barca then scored three quick goals after the break. Lionel Messi tapped in and Suarez then steered a lovely shot into the corner, before Arda Turan made it 4-0. The striker timed his run into the middle perfectly, anticipating that goalkeeper Javi Varas might spill a driven Rafinha cross.
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he revolution brought about by information communication technology has reached the inner room of hajj operation. The religious tourism industry in which hajj belongs can only be enhanced by the integration of technology into service models; this would also improve the services offered to pilgrims. ICT’s impact on hajj cannot be underestimated as it offers new tools and facilitates new distribution channels towards effective hajj services delivery. Hajj agents and Hajj missions now focused on information c o m m u n i c a t i o n technology, expecting direct and task-specific benefits from its use to complete the Hajj requirements and procedures for pilgrims. The introduction of E-track platform by Saudi Hajj Ministry platform has simplified online hajj management. According to Saudi Ministry of Hajj, the E-tracking project is an “electronic system that seeks to achieve a great turnabout in the procedures of the arrival and departure of pilgrims and to follow up the services provided to them during their stay in the Kingdom. This is achieved by linking the Hajj visa of every pilgrim to a package of services consisting of specific elements, such as housing, transportation, and food service, which should be clearly stated and announced via this electronic system, so that the pilgrim can identify these elements in advance before his/her arrival at the Kingdom. In addition, the monitorial authorities will be able to follow up how the services registered in the system match the services that are actually provided.” Currently, the top ten countries with highest numbers of pilgrims are
0806 564 8620 0704 385 9705 0814 292 9046 08074420617
Monday Column Ibrahim Muhammed National Coordinator, Independent Hajj Reporters 08037024356 as follows: Indonesia 168, 000, Pakistan 143, 368, India 136, 020, Bangladesh 101, 758, Nigeria 76, 000, Egypt 63, 000, Iran 61, 000, Turkey 60, 000, Algeria 40, 000 and Morocco with 32, 300 pilgrims. Nigeria occupy the fifth position with 76, 000 pilgrims. Interestingly, other countries within this group have since migrated to e-services; while Nigeria the fifth highest numbers of pilgrims is still struggling to cope. If we are to justify our position above, NAHCON must fast track its process of migrating to e-services to manage its huge numbers of pilgrims through information communication technology oriented services. For example, the proposed unified online pilgrims’ registration portal, electronic wristband, Pilgrims medical biometric database, command and control unit, and the integrated online visa request process. Its proposed partnership with Pakistan hajj authority is a good idea – owing to their record achievements in online hajj management system.
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The unified online pilgrim’s registration portal will address discrepancies arising from the current mode of registration where each states charges different rates for pilgrims registration form. Remember that India has just launched online pilgrims’ registration portal for all India pilgrims. It will create a click away Nigeria database. The electronic wrist bands have SOS, tracking and a wrist watch facilities in it. It is a desirable device for pilgrims. However, there are peculiar challenges that may hamper the smooth implementation of the above listed e-hajj advancements. About 75% of Nigerian pilgrims came from rural areas. The low literacy level of those 75% and even their understanding of what electronic services is all about may define the success or otherwise. For example, a rural based farmer who wants to access e-track, online registrations or utilize electronic enlightments materials will have to seek the help of those who are computer literate. Because
the applications will provide information and facilitate e-payments for the pilgrimage, which gives a digital push to the Haj application process for the first time. Applying for Haj, enquiry and information, news and updates and e-payment are the main features of the applications”
studies reveal that, in order to create better e-services, they need to be delivered in a multi-lingual, multi platform user-friendly. Therefore, to ensure that pilgrims’ diverse needs are met, e-hajj systems must be developed and modified based on Nigerian peculiar needs. Recently, Hajj committee of India launched an online registration platform and developed mobile handset applications towards streamlining services for its pilgrims. According to India Minister of State for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi “the applications will provide information and facilitate e-payments for the pilgrimage, which gives a digital push to the Haj application process for the first time. Applying for Haj, enquiry and information, news and updates and e-payment are the main features of the applications” Therefore, to ensure that the pilgrims’ diverse needs are met, Nahcon needs to collaborate with State Muslims Pilgrims Boards and agencies to create a multi- task platform that will incorporate the states pilgrims’ boards’ activities. Nigeria as the fifth countries with largest numbers of pilgrims cannot affords to be left behinds in e-hajj services.
DAN GAYE
50 companies bid for NNPC boat supply contract – News
I am sure it’s very lucrative.
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