Kwara govt declares Tuesday holiday for Hijrah, urges solemn reflection

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

Kwara State Government has declared Tuesday, June 16, a public holiday in the state to mark the beginning of the 1448 Islamic New Year (Hijrah).

The announcement was made in a statement on Monday signed by the Commissioner for Communication, Bolanle Olukoju.

According to the statement, Tuesday has been declared as the first day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

The government therefore called on Muslims to reflect on the spiritual and moral significance of the Hijrah, not only for the Muslim community but for humanity as a whole.

It noted that Hijrah, which marks the migration of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, serves as a reminder of the values of tolerance, shared humanity, and respect for individual aspirations.

The statement emphasized that people are free to pursue their legitimate goals in matters of faith and life, provided such pursuits do not harm others.

Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq was quoted as praying for blessings upon every home, peace across the state, and the strength for citizens to act righteously toward one another.

The government also extended goodwill messages to Muslims in the state, wishing them a peaceful and blessed celebration of the 1448 Hijrah year.