Osun, Kano, Niger Declare Monday As Public Holiday

Osun, Kano and Niger states have declared today, Monday 4th Nov. 2013 a work free day to commemorate the new Islamic calendar as the first day of Muharam 1435 AH.
In a statement released by the Head of Service, Barrister Abbas Bello, Niger State Governor Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu urged the Muslim Ummah and the entire citizens of the state to pray for peace and sustainable development of the state.
He also urged Civil Servants to reflect on their commitment to duty while reiterating on his administration resolve to the promotion of religious peace and social harmony.
Osun State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Sunday Akere, in a statement said Governor Rauf Aregbesola enjoined Muslims to pray for peace and development of the state during the celebration of the Islamic Lunar year.
He congratulated Muslim faithfuls for witnessing the beginning of another year, urging them to celebrate it with moderation and live in harmony with one another.
Last year, Governor Aregbesola declared a Hijrah Day as public holiday with a promise to institutionalise the holiday.
Hijrah according to Islamic teaching is the beginning of a new year marking the movement of the Holy Prophet from Makkah to Medinah.
In celebrating this year’s Hijirah Day, an Islamic cleric, who is the President of the Muslim Community in Osun State, Sheikh Salahudeen Olayiwola, has preached peace and harmony among religious bodies in the state.
Speaking at a press conference in Osogbo, he commended Governor Aregbesola for recognizing the peoples’ rights of association and worship.
Olayiwola said that the state could only record progress in an atmosphere of unity and oneness, calling on all religious bodies to work together to make the state socio-economically viable and investment attractive.
He said: “What Islamic religion preaches is peace and those practising it are always for peace. I know also that the same thing goes for Christianity. If we can now live in peace and harmony, remarkable achievements will be achieved in the state.”
WORLDSTAGE