The governments of Osun and Oyo State have declared Tuesday as work-free day in commemoration of the new Islamic Calendar year, Muharram 1, (Hijrah) 1440 AH.
In Oyo, the declaration was made through a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Olalekan Alli, on Monday.
It reads, “free day in the state, to commemorate and celebrate the new Islamic Calendar year 1st Muharram, (Hijrah) 1440 AH.
“The governor has enjoined all and sundry to use the occasion to pray for the peace, unity and sustainability of the state in particular and country in general.”
The Islamic New Year is on the first day of Muharram, which is the first month of the Islamic calendar, being observed by Muslims across the globe as a holy month.
In Osun State, the government said it “wishes Muslims in the state and across the world a happy New Year celebration and enjoins residents of the state to continue living harmoniously and peacefully with religious tolerance and understanding.
“As we enter the Islamic New Year, we must not only celebrate but also strive, as part of what Allah commands us, 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.
“We pray, and there is no doubt that the new year would usher the state into another era of economic prosperity, stability and peace and continuation of good governance.
“The government urges all the muslims and people of different faiths to imbibe the lessons of the Hijrah by leaving sinful and malfeasance practices for a new life and conduct that will add value to the state and the country at large.”
The state Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola enjoined all Muslims to use the occasion to pray for peaceful conduct of the forthcoming gubernatorial election coming up on 22nd September, 2018.
Packaged by Rahman Salami
