The Osun and Kano state governments have declared today, Thursday, as public holiday to commemorate Hijrah, the beginning of a new Islamic year – 1442 AH, and also for traditional worshippers to celebrate “Isese Day”.

In Osun, this was contained in separate statements by Mrs Funke Egbemode, the Information Commissioner and Mr Obawale Adebisi, the Commissioner For Culture and Tourism, on Wednesday in Osogbo.

Egbemode said the public holiday was declared for Muslim faithful to commemorate the beginning of a new Islamic year – 1442 AH, and afford the Muslim Community in the state the opportunity of celebrating the 2020 Hijrah.

She, however, said that the public holiday was not an approval for large gatherings or unauthorised meetings under any guise.

Egbemode enjoined residents to observe the safety guidelines against COVID-19 as outlined by the government and the Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC).

The commissioner said all workers in the state were expected to resume work on Friday.

On his part, Obawale said the public holiday was declared to enable traditional worshippers celebrate the “Isese” festival, which he said had been the tradition in the state.

The commissioner said Gov. Gboyega Oyetola felicitated with the Traditional Worshippers Association (TRWASO) for their cooperation and understanding with the state government in the practice of their religion since emergence of the Coronavirus pandemic.

Obawale said that in the view of the sensitivity of the COVID-19 in the state, the traditional Worshippers were urged to celebrate the grand finale of the festival at their various temples, devoid of social activities.

“We seize this opportunity to remind you not to relent in your prayers for the state to overcome coronavirus.

“We also urge you to strictly comply with the state government COVID-19 protocols during and after the celebration.

“It is our belief that next year “Isese” festival shall be better celebrated at the exit of the current pandemic,” Obawale said.

In Kano, Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, urged Muslims in the state to use the occasion for sober reflection and to offer prayers for continued peace, prosperity and general development of the state.

“I pray for Allah’s intervention over the current economic hardship being experienced by the people and the ravaging Covid-19 pandemic as well as a new year full of happiness and prosperity.”

“I call on the citizenry to always fear Allah in all their dealings, be tolerant and live peacefully with one another as always preached by Islam,” said Ganduje.

The Governor gave assurance of his administration’s commitment to the improvement of their wellbeing and general development of Kano State.

The Governor’s message was contained in a press statement issued by the Kano State Commissioner of Information Malam Muhammad Garba.

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