Three northern States, Jigawa, Kano, and Kebbi have joined the state of Osun to declare Monday a work-free day for Muslims to mark the Hijrah 1443 AH (Islamic New Year).
Gov. Muhammad Badaru announced this in a statement signed by the state Head of the Civil Service, Alhaji Hussaini Kila, on Saturday in Dutse.
The Jigawa State governor urged civil servants and residents to on this day engage in prayers for the state and the country at large.
“The period of the Islamic New Year should remind all people of the countless favours bestowed on them by the Almighty God.”
Similarly, Gov. Ganduje of Kano congratulated the Muslims on the dawn of the new Islamic year, which calls for thanksgiving and sober reflection.
A statement signed by the state commissioner for information, Mallam Muhammad Garba, explained that the holiday was in commemoration of the new Islamic calendar 1443 AH.
The governor, therefore, urged workers to use the work-free day to pray for the country to be delivered from the prevailing security challenges.
Kebbi State acting Head of Service, Sufyanu Garba Bena, in a statement said the gesture by Bagudu is to enable the Muslim Ummah to join other faithful across the world to mark the commencement of the Islamic New Year.