Following the declaration of Sunday as the beginning of Hijrah 1446 by the leadership of the Muslim community in Nigeria, some Northern and Southern States have declared Monday, July 8, 2024, a work-free day in commemoration of the Islamic New Year.
KEBBI
Kebbi Governor, Nasir Idris has declared monday as a public holiday to mark the beginning of the new Islamic calendar, lst muharram 1446AH.
Alhaji Auwal Manu-Dogondaji, the state Commissioner for Establishment, said this in a statement in Birnin Kebbi on Friday.
According to him, the 1st of Muharram is on a sunday, due to the importance of the Islamic new year, the government decided to shift the public holiday to Monday.
Manu-Dogondaji congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the advent of the new Islamic calendar, urging the Muslims to sustain fervent prayers for peace, security and prosperity of kebbi and the nation as a whole.
“I extend the congratulation of the governor to the entire Muslim Ummah across the globe,” the commissioner said.
KWARA
Similarly, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State, has approved Monday, July 8, 2024, as a public holiday in the state in commemoration of the new Hijrah Year (Muharram) 1446.
Muharram is the Muslim’s first lunar month in the Islamic calendar.
A statement by his spokesman, Rafiu Ajakaye in Ilorin on Friday, said the first day of the Muharram 1446 falls on Sunday, July 7, 2024, according to many calculations.
“The Governor shares in the mixed memories that this occasion brings to the Muslims annually, and calls for deeper introspection on the journey of the community and its duty to be the light bearers for tolerance, mutual respect, and justice.”
The Governor wished the community a blessed new Hijrah year and prayed Allah to accord everyone its blessings and uphold the community upon goodness.
JIGAWA
Also, the Jigawa State Government has declared Monday 8 July as work free day to mark the new Islamic Year 1446AH.
This is contained in a statement signed by the State Head of Civil Service, Muhammad K Dagaceri.
It advised workers and citizens of the State to pray for continued peace and prosperity of Jigawa State.
The Government urged the people of the State to reflect and live their lives based on the teachings of Islam and practice of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
It also urged the people to continue to be law abiding and shun acts that could cause breach of the peace in the State.
OSUN
In the same vein, Osun and Oyo State Governors – Ademola Adeleke and Seyi Makinde have also declared Monday, July 8, 2024 as public holiday to commemorate the new Islamic year, Hijrah 1446.
A statement issued by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr. Rasheed Aderibigbe which was published on the Osun State Ministry of Information bulletin on Friday, stated that the holiday is to allow Muslims in the state celebrate the new Islamic year.
The Statement added that Governor Ademola Adeleke would preside over a special parade/March session as part of the activities to celebrate the new year.
While wishing Muslims a happy celebration, the governor charged them to use the period to pray for the unity and peaceful development of the state and Nigeria in general.
OYO
Also speaking on behalf of Gov Seyi Makinde, the State Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, said, “Monday, July 8, 2024, has been declared a work-free day to mark the Hijrah, which signifies Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Makkah to Madinah in 622 AD,” Oyelade said.
The commissioner emphasised that this day is a gesture of respect and solidarity with the Muslim community. He called on all residents to use the occasion to pray for peace, unity, and prosperity in Oyo State and Nigeria.
Oyelade urged everyone to reflect on the teachings of Hijrah and to come together in the spirit of solidarity and brotherhood.
“The Hijrah is a time for reflection, prayer, and community spirit. Let us come together on this day to pray for peace, unity, and prosperity in our state and our nation,” he added.
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