Governors Declare Public Holiday For Islamic New Year

No fewer than five governors in Nigeria have declared a public holiday to commemorate the Islamic New Year 1447 A.H.

OSUN DEFENDER reports that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo, Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara, Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto and Governor Dikko Radda of Katsina declared the public holiday.

1. Oyo

Governor Seyi Makinde declared Friday, June 27, 2025, a work-free day across the state to commemorate the beginning of the new Islamic year, Hijrah 1447AH.

The announcement was contained in a circular issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo.

The governor said the day had been set aside to allow Muslims and residents of the state to celebrate the Islamic New Year and reflect on its spiritual significance.
Governor Makinde also urged all residents to use the occasion to pray for continued peace, unity, and prosperity in Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.

“The Governor enjoins all and sundry to use the occasion to pray for the peace, unity and prosperity of the state in particular, and the country in general,” the statement read.

The state government said the work-free day applies to all public offices and institutions across the state.

2. Kano

The Kano State government has declared Thursday, June 26, 2025, as public holiday to mark the Islamic calendar — 1447 After Hijrah (AH).

The announcement was made in a statement signed by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, on Tuesday, June 25, 2025.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, in a warm message to the Muslim faithful, congratulated the people of Kano and Muslims across the globe for witnessing the start of the sacred month of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic lunar year.

Describing the new year as a moment of spiritual reflection, Governor Yusuf encouraged citizens to look back on the past year with introspection and embrace the new one with hope, prayer, and renewed purpose.

He urged residents to take the time to pray for lasting peace, unity, and prosperity — both in Kano State and across Nigeria.

The statement added that Governor Abba “Called on the people of the state and the Muslim Ummah to reflect on their actions over the past year and to use the occasion to offer prayers for peace, unity, and prosperity in the state and the country at large.”

The governor also used the occasion to reaffirm his administration’s dedication to uplifting the lives of the people through policies and programs rooted in fairness, service, and compassion.

3. Kwara

Kwara State government has declared Thursday, June 26 as public holiday, to commemorate the islamic new year 1447 Hijrah.

This was revealed in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the state governor, Rafiu Ajakaye.

“Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq extends his congratulations to the people of the state, especially the Muslims, on the new Hijrah Year, 1447 AH.” The statement partly reads.

He called on residents to renew their commitment to peaceful coexistence and mutual respect amongst them in line with the teachings of the prophets’ migration that marks the commencement of a new islamic year.

“Hijrah teaches personal and collective sacrifice for good causes and abandonment of everything that is antithetical to peace, harmony, and social justice,” the governor was quoted as saying.

Govenor AbdulRazaq also prayed the new year brings abundance, peace and increased security to the state.

4. Sokoto

The Sokoto State Government has declared Thursday, June 26, 2025, corresponding with 1st Muharram, 1447 AH, as a public holiday to mark the beginning of the Islamic New Year.

The decision, announced through a statement on Thursday by the Press Secretary to the Governor, Abubakar Bawa, is aimed at allowing the Muslim faithful across the state to celebrate the commencement of the new Hijrah calendar year.

In a message, Governor Ahmed Aliyu called on the people of the state to use the occasion for deep spiritual reflection and a renewed commitment to their faith and personal growth.

“We should use the beginning of this new Islamic calendar year for sober reflection and self-assessment to recognise where we have done well and strive for improvement, and where we have fallen short, to make amends,” the governor said.

He stressed the importance of the Islamic New Year as a time for Muslims to reconnect with the values of piety, humility, and accountability, urging the faithful to embrace the spiritual and moral teachings of the Hijrah.

Aliyu further reiterated his administration’s commitment to promoting Islamic values and supporting religious propagation across Sokoto State.

He extended his best wishes to the Muslim Ummah for a peaceful, rewarding, and prosperous new year.

The holiday declaration is expected to be observed across the state, with various Islamic clerics and groups expected to organize prayers and sermons to mark the spiritual occasion.

5. Katsina

Katsina State Governor, Mallam Dikko Radda has declared Friday, as a work-free day to commemorate the New Islamic Year 1447AH.

In a statement issued by the Secretary to the Government of the State, Abdullahi Faskari on Thursday in Katsina, the Governor extended his heartfelt congratulations to all Muslims in the state and across the country on witnessing the new Islamic Calendar.

The declaration of the holiday is to enable civil servants and residents to join other faithful in celebrating the year, and to reflect on its spiritual significance.

According to the statement, “Governor Radda called on the good people of Katsina State to continue to live in peace and harmony with one another, emphasising that no meaningful development could take place without peace and stability.

 

“The Governor reassured the administration’s commitment to delivering people oriented projects that would improve the lives of the people.

“Furthermore, Mallam Dikko Umar Radda reiterated his call on farmers and beneficiaries of government agricultural support to make judicious use of the fertilizers, tractors, and other farming implements distributed to enhance food security during the ongoing rainy season.

“Similarly, he urged farmers to desist from illegal encroachment of all cattle routes, forest and grazing reserves. The Governor prayed for continued peace, unity, and prosperity in Katsina State and Nigeria at large.”