3 more states declare Monday public holiday

A few hours after the government of Kebbi State declared July 8, 2024, as a public holiday, three more states have followed the same path  by announcing same Monday as work-free day to commemorate the new Islamic Year (Muharram) 1446.

Muharram is the Muslim’s first lunar month in the Islamic calendar.

The states are Kwara, Oyo and Osun states.

A statement by spokesman to Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq of Kwara, Rafiu Ajakaye in Ilorin on Friday, said the first day of the Muharram 1446 falls on Sunday, July 7, 2024, according to many calculations.

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“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.”

He said the governor wished the community a blessed new Hijrah year and prayed Allah to accord everyone its blessings and uphold the community upon goodness.

In a related development, Governor Seyi Makinnde of Oyo State, has also declared Monday July 8, 2024 as a work-free day to commemorate and celebrate the new Islamic calendar year, Hijrah 1446AH.

A press release signed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade on Friday, revealed that the state government recognises the importance of the Hijrah in the lives of our Muslim brothers and sisters.

The statement added, “The Commissioner said that the Hijrah marks the migration of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD, and is considered a significant event in Islamic history.

“As a gesture of respect and solidarity with the Muslim community, we have declared Monday 8th July 2024 a work-free day in the state,” he said.

Also, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has declared same Monday, July 8, 2024 as public holiday to commemorate the new Islamic year.

A statement issued by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr Rasheed Aderibigbe which was published on the 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.

“The public holiday graciously approved by His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke is to allow Muslim faithful to celebrate and pray for peace, progress and development of the state and Nigeria as a whole.

“Governor Adeleke wishes all Muslim faithful a happy celebration of the new Islamic year, Hijrah 1446 AH,” it stated.