Several Nigerian states have declared Monday, July 8, 2024, a public holiday in observance of the Islamic New Year.
Dockaysworld reports that this day marks the beginning of the new lunar Hijri year and is celebrated on the first day of Muharram.
The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, also declared Sunday, July 7, 2024, as the first day of Muharram, marking the beginning of the Islamic year 1446 after Hijrah.
The Islamic New Year is significant for Muslims worldwide as it marks the year of the Hijrah, the migration of Prophet Muhammad and his followers from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE.
The Islamic calendar, which is lunar, is used to determine the dates of religious duties and significant events in the Islamic faith.
The governors who have declared this holiday are:
1. Governor Umar Namadi – Jigawa State
2. Governor Nasir Idris – Kebbi State
3. Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq – Kwara State
4. Governor Ademola Adeleke – Osun State
5. Governor Seyi Makinde – Oyo State
6. Governor Abba Yusuf – Kano State
7. Governor Ahmad Aliyu – Sokoto State
8. Governor Babagana Zulum – Borno State
9. Governor Bala Muhammed – Bauchi State
10. Governor Dikko Umaru Radda – Katsina State
11. Governor Mai Mala Buni – Yobe State
