IHR: Applauds for Annual Lecture Ceremony
By Abdullahi Yusuf
The 2024 Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) Annual Public Lecture and Awards Ceremony took place at the National Mosque in Abuja.
This annual event, held after each Hajj season, brought together key stakeholders from across the country to discuss the challenges and successes of Hajj management and to honor outstanding participants.
A key highlight was the lecture delivered by Professor Wasiu O. Gabadeen, Deputy Rector of the Hajj Institute of Nigeria, on Strategic Time Management for Effective Hajj 2025. In his presentation, Professor Gabadeen emphasized the need for efficient time management, foresight, and adaptability in Hajj operations, given the complex logistics of organizing the pilgrimage for thousands of Nigerian pilgrims.
Representing the National Chairman of JIBWIS, Sheikh Bala Lau, Sheikh Tajjudeen Oyegbanji expressed gratitude for the success of the event despite initial challenges. He emphasized IHR’s crucial role in overseeing Hajj management through platforms such as HajjReporters. com and Hajj Reporters Magazine. Oyegbanji noted that the IHR Annual Lecture and Awards aim to reward excellence and foster competitiveness among Hajj administrators while promoting discussions on strategies to improve pilgrimage operations. He also mentioned that preparations for pre-2025 Hajj activities had already begun, ensuring a thorough assessment of the state Muslim Pilgrim Welfare Boards and other agencies involved in the Hajj process.
Speaking on behalf of NAHCON, Prince Anofi Olarenwaju Elegushi, Commissioner for Operations, Inspectorate & Licensing, and Aliu Abdulrazaq, Commissioner for Policy, Personnel Management & Finance, praised Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) for providing a valuable platform to discuss and review the challenges of the previous Hajj. NAHCON commended IHR for fostering open dialogue and invited them to participate in broader stakeholder meetings to further enhance Hajj operations.
Honorable Bala Ibrahim, representing the Jigawa State Governor, extended his appreciation on behalf of the Governor. He praised the success of the 2024 Hajj operations in Jigawa, highlighting it as one of the best in recent years due to the dedication of local operators and state government interventions. Ibrahim commended the event for facilitating discussions on Hajj activities and emphasized the importance of continuous improvement through such platforms. He acknowledged that every Muslim has a stake in the Hajj process, underscoring the value of collective efforts in enhancing pilgrimage operations.
In a historic moment, Hajia Rabi Umar, Managing Director of Alkhautar Travels and Tours, became the first female to chair the high table among dignitaries at the Independent Hajj Reporters event, a milestone in the 15-year history of the gathering. During her goodwill message, she candidly addressed the challenges faced during the 2024 Hajj, emphasizing her company’s efforts to provide refunds and meet customer expectations. Despite the difficulties, she noted that the 2024 Hajj delivered quality services, particularly in transportation, feeding, and Arafat provisions. She also expressed gratitude to NAHCON, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, and their service providers for their ongoing support.
Sheikh Ghazali Ismail Adam, Chief Imam of Jos, representing Governor Caleb Muftwang of Plateau State, spoke about the governor’s efforts to enhance the pilgrimage experience for Plateau State pilgrims. He detailed how Governor Muftwang allocated millions of naira for pilgrimage support and approved a loan to secure all pilgrimage slots. Additionally, millions were also set aside for operational vehicles. Sheikh Ghazali praised the governor’s commitment, highlighting his determination to ease the pilgrimage process for the state’s pilgrims despite challenges upon assuming office. He concluded by thanking the organizers for recognizing Governor Muftwang’s efforts with an award.
Earlier in his remarks, Ibrahim Muhammed, National Coordinator of Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), underscored IHR’s critical role in providing oversight on Hajj operations and promoting accountability among stakeholders. He noted the importance of time management as Nigeria faces pressing deadlines for the 2025 Hajj and urged the Senate to expedite the approval of the new NAHCON chairman. Muhammed also highlighted Nigeria’s significant contribution to the global Hajj pilgrimage and praised the Saudi government for its commitment to serving pilgrims. He emphasized the need to address negative media coverage by identifying individual failings in Hajj administration rather than criticizing institutions as a whole.
The closing events of the award ceremony were attended by notable figures, including:
– Mallam Idris Almakura, Executive Secretary of Nasarawa State Pilgrim Welfare Board, represented by Mallam Ibrahim Abba, Director of Welfare and Orientation.
– Abdulrazaq Muhammad, PRO NSMPWB.
– Honorable Shehu Wadaji, Special Adviser representing the Bauchi State Governor.
– Honorable Bala Ibrahim, SSG, representing the Jigawa State Governor.
– Dr. Ibrahim Sodangi (FCIA), Director of Admin and Human Resources.
– Dr. Adam Abdullahi, Chief Imam of NSCDC.
– Alh. Laborious Muhammad Panda, Director of Operations, Kano State Pilgrims Welfare Board.
– Honorable Ibrahim Layode, Commissioner for Home Affairs, Lagos State (Amir Hajj 2024).
– The Deputy Director of the Hajj Institute of Nigeria.
– Representatives from Oyo State Pilgrims Board.
– The Director of the FCT Pilgrims Board.
– The Executive Chairman of Yobe State Pilgrims Commission.
The event underscored the critical importance of strategic planning and resource allocation in ensuring a seamless Hajj experience for Nigerian pilgrims while honoring key stakeholders dedicated to improving Hajj operations.
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