The Governor of Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, on Friday, 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.
Governor Abdulrazaq, in a statement released through his spokesman, Rafiu Ajakaye, in Ilorin, said the first day of the Muharram 1446 falls on Sunday, July 7, 2024, according to many calculations.
He said, “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 to Allah to accord everyone its blessings and uphold the community upon goodness.
In a related development, Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has officially declared Monday, July 8, a public holiday to celebrate the commencement of the new Islamic year, 1st Muharram 1446AH.
Naija News reports that the announcement was made by the State Commissioner for Establishment, Auwal Dogondaji, in a statement released to the press in Birnin Kebbi on Friday.
Dogondaji emphasized that July 7 marks the beginning of Muharram, underscoring the government’s decision to reschedule the public holiday to July 8 to honour the significance of the Islamic new year.
In his message, Dogondaji extended warm congratulations to the global Muslim community on the occasion of the new Islamic calendar, urging them to continue praying fervently for peace, security, and prosperity in Kebbi State and across Nigeria.