The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a Civil Society Organisation (CSO) promoting Hajj and Umrah activities globally, has expanded its scope of monitoring and annual awards.

The CSO normally monitors the performance of Hajj Service Providers and officials at home and in Saudi Arabia during Hajj operations and select those who performed excellently well for appreciation.

A statement on Sunday signed by its National Coordinator, Mallam Ibrahim Mohammed, said monitoring of the performance of all stakeholders will now begin from pre-Hajj activities.

“Our members across the world have been asked to monitor progress made by all concerned and forward their reports to the National Executive for consideration for recognition during the Hajj 2022 awards night,” the statement said.

It also said a new award, which will recognise Nigeria’s best pilgrim from among the country’s pilgrims will be awarded this year. An award of recognition will also be extended to cover the Best Saudi Arabia Hajj Service provider in this year's hajj.

“This new award will identify and honour any pilgrim who exhibited exemplary behaviour worthy of recognition. This is to encourage pilgrims to be at their best all the time. The awardees will be sponsored to any venue chosen for the award, In-shaa Allah,” the statement added.

IHR also said in recognising the best tour operator, consideration will be given to the performance of tour operators who did very well during Umrah operations.

“IHR will work with the NAHCON Umrah monitoring team to evaluate prospective awardees,” it explained.

The CSO therefore advised all involved in Hajj operations to always do their best in the service of pilgrims who deserve nothing but excellent service, saying “as you do your best to serve the guests of Allah, He will in His way reward you appropriately”.

The group organises an annual award in appreciation of outstanding service delivery at the end of each Hajj.

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