Iran is set to hold a multi-day farewell ceremony for its late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, beginning Wednesday night in the capital, Tehran, according to state media.

Hojjatoleslam Mahmoudi, head of the Islamic Propagation Council, announced that the public memorial will last three days, while details of the funeral procession will be disclosed at a later time.

Citizens will be allowed to pay their respects at the Imam Khomeini Prayer Hall, also known as the Mosalla, starting from 10 p.m. (1830 GMT). Officials encouraged large public participation, describing the ceremony as an opportunity for Iranians to once again demonstrate unity and national presence.

Khamenei, who led Iran for decades and anchored his leadership on strong opposition to the United States and Israel, was reportedly killed on Saturday at the age of 86 in airstrikes carried out by Israeli and U.S. forces, according to Iranian state media.

His death marks a significant turning point in Iran’s political and religious leadership, with authorities yet to formally announce further details regarding succession and burial arrangements.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate suspension of the newly introduced cashless payment system at Nigerian airports following widespread complaints of traffic congestion and missed flights.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, announced the directive on Wednesday while briefing State House correspondents after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja.

According to Keyamo, the cashless policy  introduced by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN)  was designed to curb corruption and boost government revenue by ending decades of cash collections at airport toll gates and parking points.

However, within days of its rollout, the system triggered severe traffic build-up around major airports, particularly in Lagos and Abuja, leaving many travellers stranded and causing several to miss their flights.

“The President was very concerned about the welfare of Nigerians,” Keyamo said. “Many passengers were missing their flights due to the gridlock created by the new system.”

He explained that Tinubu directed the immediate suspension of the policy to ease the hardship faced by airport users.

Under the new directive, FAAN will temporarily revert to the previous payment arrangement while authorities work on a more efficient electronic platform.

A hybrid system will also be introduced in the interim, allowing cash payments alongside the use of prepaid FAAN cards already purchased by motorists.

“For those who have bought FAAN cards, we will allow them to continue using them. At the same time, we will temporarily accept cash to reduce congestion,” the minister stated.

Keyamo stressed that the suspension does not signal a permanent return to cash transactions. Instead, it is a temporary measure aimed at restoring order and ensuring smoother access to airports.

The Federal Government, he added, will collaborate with private sector partners to redesign the electronic payment framework to eliminate delays while maintaining transparency and accountability. He noted that private operators may be engaged to manage the system, even if commissions must be paid.

“If we have to pay commission, we will. The priority is to create a system that works efficiently without causing gridlock,” he said.

Tinubu, according to the minister, remains committed to a fully cashless revenue collection system  but one that does not inconvenience Nigerians.

“The major reason for this decision is to eliminate the current gridlock, especially at the Lagos and Abuja airport toll gates,” Keyamo said.

The ministry is expected to hold further consultations with FAAN and provide updates as work begins on a seamless and more reliable electronic payment solution for airport users.

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, on Wednesday described Bayelsa State as home, expressing deep nostalgia during his first official visit to the state since his appointment by President Bola Tinubu in 2025.

Aneke, who previously served as Air Officer Commanding (AOC), Nigerian Air Force Mobility Command, Yenagoa, said the visit felt like a homecoming as he led top officers of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on a courtesy call to Governor Douye Diri at Government House, Yenagoa.

Speaking during the visit, the Air Chief likened his return to that of a son who went out to earn laurels and returned home to celebrate with his people.

“As a son of Bayelsa, I am in the state to pay homage where I got promoted to Chief of the Air Staff,” he said.

Aneke noted that Bayelsa holds strategic national importance and also occupies a special place in his heart, having served there and experienced the hospitality and patriotism of its people firsthand.

“This state has been privileged to produce service chiefs. In the Air Force, three or four former AOCs here have risen to the top position,” he stated.

“Bayelsa is not only a strategic location of national importance, but it also has a special meaning for me. Returning here in my present capacity feels deeply personal — a reunion with a community and family I hold in very high esteem.”

He explained that the visit formed part of his ongoing operational tour of NAF units and operational theatres across the country to assess personnel readiness, evaluate security operations, strengthen civil-military relations, and ensure the protection of lives and critical national assets.

The CAS also disclosed that he was in the state for the inauguration and formal handover of a training facility built by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) for the Nigerian Air Force.

Aneke expressed appreciation to Governor Diri for his administration’s continued support and cooperation with the Air Force and other security agencies in the state.

In his response, Governor Diri commended the Air Chief for his integrity and synergy with the state government during his tenure as AOC, expressing confidence that he would continue to serve as a worthy ambassador of Bayelsa.

“You served in partnership with the government and the good people of Bayelsa State. We have no doubt that you are indeed our own and an ambassador of Bayelsa,” Diri said.

“Biologically, you may be from another state, but we see you as a gentleman from Bayelsa. This is a fertile ground for promotion, particularly in the military.”

The governor further assured that his administration would sustain cordial relations with the Air Force and other military formations, noting that their contributions have enhanced peace and security in the state.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting all military commands operating within Bayelsa.