Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has declared Thursday, September 21, 2017, public holiday to commemorate the Islamic New Year.

Thursday, September 21, 2017 is the New Islamic Year 1439 AH.

The Islamic year started counting in 622 AD after the emigration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in Saudi Arabia. Governor Aregbesola had adopted the day as official public holiday in the state on November 15, 2012.

Aregbesola wished Muslims in the state and across the world a happy New Year celebration and enjoined residents of the state to continue living harmoniously and peacefully with tolerance and understanding.

The governor said as Muslims enter a New Year, they must not only celebrate but also strive, as part of what Allah commands them, to internalise the lessons and essence of the Hijrah as exemplified by uncommon patience and endurance of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in the face of hardship.

The Governor expressed the hope that the new year would usher the state into another era of economic prosperity, stability and peace.

Aregbesola specifically charges Muslims and other people of the state to imbibe the lessons of the Hijrah by leaving sinful and malfeasance practices that have been constituting stumbling block to the progress of the state and Nigeria for a new life and conduct that will add value to the state and the country.

The governor advised the people to use the new Islamic Year for their spiritual development.

Aregbesola called on the Muslim faithful to intensify prayers for the nation against all manners of afflictions that we seem to be currently undergoing in term of economic hardship, and insecurity, praying for Allah’s intervention.

Similarly, the Kano State Government has declared Friday, Sept. 22, as public holiday to mark the new Islamic year.

This is contained in a statement signed by the state commissioner for Information, Malam Muhammad Garba, and issued to newsmen in Kano on Wednesday.

The Islamic New Year, which is first month in the lunar Islamic calendar, coincides with activities marking the nation’s 57th anniversary celebration.

Garba quoted the acting governor, Prof Hafiz Abubakar as congratulating the people of the state and Muslims the world over, for witnessing the new year.

He said Abubakar had appealed to Kano citizens to utilise the public holiday to offer prayers for peace and prosperity of the country.

He said the acting governor had reassured the people of the state government’s determination to work hard towards improving their living standards.

He also called on Nigerians to join hands with the government of President Muhammadu Buhari in its determination to build a peaceful and harmonious country.

Update news