The Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) has concluded arrangements for its annual lecture and awards series for Hajj 2022 on September 22.

The Civil Society Organisation (CSO), whose membership consists of practicing journalists covering Hajj and Umrah activities in Nigeria and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, says this year’s event will take place at the auditorium of the National Mosque, Abuja, from 10 in the morning.

A statement by the National Coordinator of IHR, Malam Ibrahim Mohammed, issued on Thursday in Abuja said the Governor of Kano State, Dr Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, will be the Special Guest of Honour.

It also said that "their Excellencies, Governors Abdullahi A. Sule of Nasarawa State and Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State as well as the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Pilgrimage, Hon. Abubakar Nalaraba, would serve as Special Guests of Honour."

The statement added that the former Director General of the Voice Of Nigeria (VON), Alhaji Ibrahim Bobboi Jijiwa, Sardaunan Ribadu, will be the Chairman of the occasion. It also said the Chairman of the National Hajj commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Zikirullah Kunle Hassan, is the Chief Host of the event.

“This year’s lecture will be presented by Distinguished Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, Chairman Senate Committee on Air Force and Vice Chairman Senate Committee on Aviation.

Senator Na'Allah will speak on "NAHCON Act 2016 and its implementation in the country,” the statement said.

It added that “the annual event is holding after a two year hiatus occasioned by the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic”.

Highlight of the event will be the presentation of awards to service providers and regulators “who despite the challenges and failures of Hajj 2022 did their best and served the pilgrims of Ar-Rahman diligently and with the fear of God”.

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