By Jabiru Hassan
The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) will hold its annual public lecture and awards ceremony on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at the auditorium of the National Mosque in Abuja.
The civil society organization has hosted this event for the past 15 years after every Hajj operation. According to a statement released on Monday by the national coordinator of the group, Ibrahim Mohammed, the event will begin at 10 a.m. Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected to be the Special Guest of Honour, while the National Leader of Jama’atu Izalatul Bid’ah Wa Iqamatis Sunnah, Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau, will serve as the chairman of the event.
A key highlight of the event will be a public lecture titled “Strategic Time Management for Effective Hajj 2025,” delivered by Professor Wasiu O. Gabadeen, the Deputy Rector of the Hajj Institute of Nigeria, Abuja.
Additionally, awards will be presented to states, service providers, and officials for their exemplary services during Hajj 2024. “IHR instituted these awards about 15 years ago after every Hajj operation to honor those who stood out in the service of pilgrims. The goal is to encourage them to continue to do more and to motivate others to give their best,” the IHR coordinator, Ibrahim Mohammed, stated.
He also noted that the theme of this year’s public lecture was carefully chosen to highlight the importance of adhering to the Hajj calendar for 2025 and the risks associated with failing to do so. “Most of the issues and challenges faced during this year’s Hajj were due to the failure to do the right thing at the right time, which eventually took its toll on the operations,” the statement added.
Also expected to serve as guests of honour at the event are the Hon. Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmood Bunkure, and the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Nigeria, Faisal Al Ibraheem Al-Ghamdi. The Chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) will be the Chief Host.
