The Governor of the State of Osun, Alhaji Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola has declared Monday, August 9, as public holiday in the state to commemorate the commencement of the Islamic New Year — Hijrah 1443 AH.
The directive was contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Tajudeen Lawal, on Friday in Osogbo.
The Governor, who continued with the annual policy first introduced by his predecessor, enjoined both Muslims and adherents of other religious persuasions to use the holiday to pray for the growth and development of the state in particular and Nigeria in general.
In the same vein, the Oyo Muslim community will join their brethren in the State of Osun to mark the Hijrah 1443 AH for the first time since the emergence of Mr. Seyi Makinde as Governor of the State in May 2019.
The Governor, who cancelled the yearly holiday for two consecutive years (2019, 2020) made a U-turn this year to announce Tuesday, August 10, as a public holiday to commemorate the new Islamic year.
The announcement was contained in a circular signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun, in Ibadan on Friday.
According to the circular, Governor Seyi Makinde, enjoined Muslims and people of other religions to use the holiday to pray for the peace, unity and growth of the state and the country.
Muslims in the two neighboring States are happy about the development, but have, however, called on the men at the helms of affairs to harmonise their thoughts by picking a single date for the Hijrah Holiday, Muslim News findings revealed.
Alhaji Amin Ayobami Hamzat said; “Osun State declared Monday and Oyo State declared Tuesday! Two neighbouring/sister states should be able to harmonise things like this.
“On issue that concerns Islamic Religion, State governments should come down from their high horses to consult religious institutions, in our own case, MUSWEN for Islamic guidance in South West. We should tell Muslim political advisers of these governors the way to go,” he added.
Muharram first, which marks the beginning of the New Year could be Monday or Tuesday, depending on whether or not the new crescent is sighted on Sunday, August 8 (29th of Dhul-Hijjah 1442AH) evening, Muslim News has learnt.