Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has declared Tuesday, June 16, as a public holiday in the state to commemorate the Islamic New Year. The announcement allows the people of Kebbi, especially civil servants, to observe the Islamic New Year 1448 AH celebration.
The governor approved the declaration, which was announced in a statement by the permanent secretary on establishment, Hajiya Hafsat Tune, on Monday, June 15. The statement also indicated that government offices in the state will be closed on that day, with normal official activities resuming on Wednesday, June 17, as reported by The Punch.
What is Hijrah All About?
Hijrah, also known as the Islamic New Year, marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the Prophet Muhammad's migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, a significant event in Islamic history. The Hijrah calendar is based on the lunar cycle, with each month beginning on the new moon.
The Hijrah New Year is a time for reflection, introspection, and renewal for Muslims. It offers an opportunity to seek forgiveness, make new resolutions, and strive for spiritual growth. Muslims around the world mark the occasion with prayers, charity, and acts of kindness. It is also a time to remember the early Muslim community's struggles and sacrifices and draw inspiration from their courage and perseverance.
The new year, Hijrah 1446, will commence on Sunday, July 7, the first day of Muharram, the first month of the Hijrah calendar. Governors who declared public holidays in their states announced Monday because Sunday is the usual work-free day in Nigeria.
Nigerians React as Kebbi Declares Hijrah Holiday
Kebbi's declaration of a public holiday for the Islamic New Year has generated reactions from Nigerians. Below are some comments:
- Olushola Oriyemi Adebanjo alleged that terrorists always strike on public holidays: "Those Boko boys go strike tonight, anything Muslim celebration like this, them dey always strike."
- Alilu Ebiloma recounted his days as a corps member in Northern Nigeria: "Serving in the North as a corps member is a very big flex. Public holiday upon public holiday. I'm not sure I served for 6 months out of the 11 months that I was to serve. During fasting, no school."
- Kayblinks Blinks criticized the holiday: "Islamic new year, nothing wey aboki no go show us for dis country called Nigeria."
- Shedrack Gani criticized the holiday: "See misplaced priorities nawa oo for this AREWA government."
More comments on the announcement can be found on Facebook.
Author: Bada Yusuf (Politics and Current Affairs Editor). Yusuf Amoo Bada is an accomplished writer with over 5 years of experience in journalism and writing, and is the politics and current affairs editor with Legit.ng. He holds a B.A in Literature from OAU and a Diploma in Mass Comm. He has obtained certificates in Google's Advance Digital Reporting and News Lab workshop. He previously worked as an Editor with OperaNews. Best Editor of the Year for Politics and Current Affairs Desk (2023) by Legit.ng. Contact: bada.yusuf.amoo@corp.legit.ng.
