The Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, and the Saudi Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef bin Mohammed Albalawi, are expected to grace the 10th edition of the annual Hajj Lecture organised by Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR) on Thursday, August 20, 2026, in Abuja.
The event, organised by IHR, a registered faith-based civil society organisation reporting on and promoting awareness within the Hajj and Umrah industry, will focus on opportunities within the pilgrimage sector.
In a statement issued on Monday, the National Coordinator of IHR, Ibrahim Muhammad, said the 2026 lecture is themed “Service to the Pilgrims,” with the topic “Exploring Business Opportunities within the Hajj and Umrah Ecosystem.”
Muhammad said the lecture would provide an opportunity for stakeholders to examine the economic and business potentials of the Hajj and Umrah ecosystem, while also highlighting the importance of quality service to pilgrims.
According to him, the event will also feature the presentation of awards to outstanding Hajj administrators and individuals who distinguished themselves through their contributions to the welfare and service of Nigerian pilgrims during the 2026 Hajj.
He added that state governors who supported the 2026 Hajj exercise would also be recognised for their contributions to the successful pilgrimage.
The National Coordinator disclosed that the lecture would be held at the auditorium of the National Mosque, Abuja, commencing at 10 a.m.
He said Vice President Shettima would attend as the Special Guest of Honour, while the Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory, Dr. Mahmoud Mariya Bunkure, would serve as the Chief Host.
The Saudi Ambassador to Nigeria, Yousef bin Mohammed Albalawi, is expected as the Guest of Honour, while the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Ambassador Ismail Abba Yusuf, will chair the occasion.
Muhammad further disclosed that the Managing Director of Quantum Microfinance Bank Ltd., Aliyu Buhari Ali, would deliver the lecture.
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Ali, he noted, previously served as Group Head, SMEs and Financial Inclusion at Jaiz Bank and Government Affairs Manager at Sterling Financial Holdings Company, bringing significant experience in finance, small and medium-sized enterprises and financial inclusion to the discussion.
The 10th edition of the IHR Hajj Lecture is expected to bring together Hajj administrators, government officials, private-sector operators, religious leaders and other stakeholders to discuss ways of strengthening services and unlocking sustainable business opportunities across Nigeria’s Hajj and Umrah ecosystem.
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