In a statement on Monday by its National Coordinator, Ibrahim Muhammed, and Organizing Secretary, Muhammed Garba, the CSO said the awards is in continuation of the organisation’s policy of appreciating and motivating hajj service providers that rendered excellence services to Nigerian pilgrims.

The statement said it will honour individuals, diplomats, hajj administrators, hajj officials, and hajj service providers.

“2019 Hajj Excellence award will takes place on January 23 in Abuja. Foreign dignitaries are expected to attend the event,” the statement said.

Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) is a registered non-profit comprising of Muslim journalists who seek to enlighten Nigerian pilgrims on how to perform this most important pillar of Islam. It also publishes Hajj Reporters (www.hajjreporters.com), an online newspaper dedicated to hajj and Umrah reporting.

The Hajj Excellence awards is aimed at boosting the morale and to encourage hajj administrators, service providers and regulatory agencies to offer their best by giving pilgrims excellent service.

Some of the categories of the award include best state Muslims pilgrim’s welfare board in terms of organisation, best State Pilgrims Boards Head of Operations, Best Leader of State Delegation, Hajj Personality of the Year, Best State in Pilgrim’s Enlightenments and Education and feeding, Most Organised State Pilgrims, best service oriented tour operators, best hajj air carriers and others.