Oyo, Kebbi Declare Public Holiday To Mark Islamic New Year
The governments of Oyo and Kebbi states have declared Tuesday, June 16, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate the commencement of the Islamic New Year, Hijrah 1448 AH.
The separate announcements were made on Monday, with both state governments urging residents to use the occasion to pray for peace, unity and national development.
In Oyo State, the declaration was conveyed in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, who said the decision was taken in recognition of the significance of the Hijrah in the lives of Muslim faithful.
According to him, the Islamic New Year marks a pivotal moment in Islamic history, commemorating the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622 AD.
“The Hijrah marks the migration of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in 622AD, and is considered a significant event in Islamic history,” Oyelade said.
“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 commissioner called on residents across the state to reflect on the lessons of the Hijrah and embrace the values of unity, tolerance and peaceful coexistence.
He also urged citizens to dedicate the day to prayers for the continued peace and progress of Oyo State and Nigeria.
“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.
Similarly, the Kebbi State Government announced a one-day public holiday to enable civil servants and other residents to celebrate the beginning of the new Islamic calendar year.
The approval was granted by Governor Nasir Idris and communicated through a statement issued in Birnin Kebbi by the Permanent Secretary, Establishment, Hajiya Hafsat Tune.
“This is to inform the general public and civil servants that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kebbi State, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris, has approved the declaration of Tuesday, June 16, 2026, as a work-free day,” the statement read.
The state government explained that government offices across Kebbi would remain closed throughout Tuesday, while official activities would resume on Wednesday, June 17.
“This is to enable public servants to celebrate the commencement of the Islamic New Year, 1448 AH,” the statement added.
Governor Idris congratulated Muslims on witnessing the new Islamic year and encouraged residents to imbibe the virtues associated with the Hijrah, including sacrifice, devotion, perseverance and tolerance.
The Kebbi government also urged citizens to use the occasion to offer prayers for sustained peace, unity and development in the state and across the country.
The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijrah, marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a period of reflection, spiritual renewal and remembrance of the Prophet Muhammad’s migration from Mecca to Medina.