Islamic New Year: Kwara, Oyo , Kano Govts Announce Tuesday As ‘Free Day’, Congratulate Muslims

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State has approved Tuesday, June 16, 2026, as a public holiday in the state.

This was done in commemoration of the new Hijrah Year (Muharram) 1448 AH.  Muharram is the Muslim’s first lunar month.

In a statement issued in Ilorin on Monday and made available to Team@orientactualmags.com by Hon Bolanle Olukoju , the Commissioner for Communications, the state government urged Muslims to reflect on the significance of the month for not just the Muslim community but also the entire human community. 

‘Hijrah (the migration of the Holy Prophet Muhammad) reminds the world of the evergreen value of tolerance, common humanity, and the right of every person to their legitimate aspirations — either in matters of faith or mundane matters as long as they do not hurt others.

As we commemorate the new Hijrah Year, His Excellency Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, prays that God blesses every home, restores peace to our land, and gives us the strength to do right by everyone’ the statement added.

 Oyo State government has also declared Tuesday a work-free day to commemorate and celebrate the new Islamic year.

 Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, submitted that the state government recognizes the importance of the Hijrah in the lives of ‘our Muslim brothers and sisters’.

‘The Hijrah marks the migration of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622AD, and it is considered a significant event in Islamic history.

As a gesture of respect and solidarity with the Muslim community, we have declared tomorrow, Tuesday, 16th June, 2026, a work-free day in the state’ the statement said.

Oyo State government urged all residents to use the occasion to pray for peace, unity, and prosperity in the state and the country as a whole.

Hon Oyelade also said everyone should use the opportunity to reflect on the teachings of the Hijrah, pray for ‘the well-being of our state and our nation, and 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.

In the northwest, Kano State Government has also declared Tuesday, June 16, 2026, as public holiday to mark the beginning of the new Islamic Year.

Safiyya Ali Suleiman, Director of Administration and General Services, in a circular issued on behalf of the Head of Civil Service noted that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has approved the holiday in recognition of the significance of the Islamic calendar and Kano’s longstanding tradition of observing the commencement of the New Year.

‘His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano State, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, has granted approval for tomorrow, Tuesday, 16th June, 2026 (1st Muharram, 1448AH), which marks the commencement of the Islamic New Year, to serve as a public holiday for all workers in the state’ the statement said.

The state government also urged civil servants and residents to use the occasion for sober reflection and pray for continued peace, stability, progress, and prosperity of Kano State and Nigeria-Team@orientactualmags.com  Do you have any information you wish to share with us? Do you want us to cover your event or programme? Kindly send SMS to 08035023079,  08059100286, 09094171980 or get in touch via orientactualmag@gmail.com.  Thank you