List of states that have declared work-free day to mark new Islamic calendar year, Hijrah 1444AH

Some states in Nigeria have declared a work-free day to mark the new Islamic calendar year, 1st Muharam (Hijrah) 1444 AH.

Oyo state

Oyo State has declared Monday, Aug 1, a work-free day to mark the new Islamic calendar year, 1st Muharam (Hijrah) 1444 AH.

This is contained in a circular issued in Ibadan on Friday by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun.

“The governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde (FNSE) has declared Monday, August 1, 2022, as a work-free day in the state.

“It is to commemorate and celebrate the new Islamic calendar year of 1st Muharram (Hijrah) 1444 AH.

“He enjoined all and sundry to use the occasion to pray for the peace, unity and progress of the state in particular and the country in general,’’ the circular read.

Osun state

The Osun government declared Friday, July 29 a work-free day in commemoration of Hijrah 1444AH, the new Islamic year.

This is contained in a press statement by the  Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr Olalekan Badmus, who is also the Supervising Commissioner for the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The statement urged the  Muslim faithful and the entire people of the state to use the holiday in prayers for continued peace and progress of the state.

It equally enjoined all Muslims in the state not only to celebrate Hijrah, but to also engage in spiritual soul searching.

It urged them to do so in line with the essence of the occasion as exemplified by the virtues of the holy prophet of Allah, Muhammad, while on earth.

 The statement also called for continued support and cooperation of the entire citizens of the state for the Gov.    Adegboyega Oyetola-led administration.

Sokoto state

The Sokoto State Government declared Monday, August 1 as a work-free day to mark the commencement of the Islamic New Year.

Governor Aminu Tambuwal made the declaration in a statement he personally signed on Friday in Sokoto.

“After due consultation with the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, on the citing of the new moon which heralds the new Islamic month and year today, I hereby declare Monday, August 1, 2022, as a work-free day.

“Consequently, I enjoin our brethren to use the occasion as a moment of solemn reflection, charity and prayer for peace, prosperity and good governance.

He urged residents to bear in mind the divine lessons of the month as one of the four sacred months of the year when warfare is forbidden.

He urged the people to eschew bitterness, rancour, restiveness and wanton violence.

Borno state

Borno has declared Monday, August 1 as public holiday to commemorate the beginning of a new Islamic Year, 1444 AH.

The Head of the Borno Civil Service, Mr Simon Malgwi, stated on Sunday in Maiduguri that all Ministries, Departments, Agencies and institutions are to observe the public holiday.

“Governor of Borno, Prof. Babagana Zulum has approved Monday as public holiday to mark the new Islamic Year (Muharram 1, 1444) AH.

“To this end, all government Ministries, Departments and Agencies as well as all private establishments including financial institutions are directed to observe the public holiday.

“The governor wishes Muslim faithful happy new Islamic year and urges all to continue to pray for permanent peace to be restored to our dear state and to the nation at large,’’ Malgwi added.

Kebbi state

Governor of Kebbi State, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, has declared August 1, as public holiday to mark the commencement of Islamic New Year Muharram, 1444 Ah.

This was contained in a statement signed by the state acting head of civil service, Sufiyany Garba Bena, and made available to newsmen yesterday in Birnin Kebbi.

The statement indicated that this followed the declaration of the new moon on Saturday as 1st of Muharram by the Sultanate Council in the state.

It added that the public holiday is to enable the Muslim faithful in the state to celebrate the Islamic New Year.

Borno state

Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has approved Monday being 1st of August, 2022 as public holiday to mark the new Islamic Year (1st Muharram 1444) AH. 

This was contained in a press statement signed by the Head of Service (HoS), Barrister Simon Malgwi which was made available to Journalists on Sunday.

Accordingly, Malgwi said, all government Ministries, Departments and Agencies as well as all private establishments including financial Institutions are directed to observe the public holiday. 

The statement reads: “Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum has approved Monday being 1st of August, 2022 as a public holiday to mark the new Islamic Year(1st  Muharram 1444) AH. 

“To this end, all government Ministries, Departments and Agencies as well as all private establishments including financial Institutions are directed to observe the public holiday. 

“His Excellency wishes the Muslim Umma happy new Islamic year and urges all to continue to pray for permanent peace to be restored to our dear State and the nation at large.”

Yobe state

Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni has approved Monday, August 1, 2022, as public holiday to enable civil servants and other citizens of the State to commemorate the Islamic New Year 1444 after Hijrah.

The Governor, through his Special Adviser on Religious Affairs, Ustaz Babagana Malam Kyari congratulated Muslims on the dawn of yet another New Islamic Year and solicited for support and cooperation of the people in order for the State to attain greater height.

Gov. Buni equally enjoined people of the State to use the occasion to pray for peace to reign in the country, as well as for bumper harvest during this year’s farming season.

However, normal working hours resume on Tuesday, 2nd day of August, 2022.