TheCable

Jigawa, Kebbi, Oyo, Osun states have declared Monday as a public holiday to mark the start of Islamic new year First Muharram Hijra 1443AH.

Muhammad Badaru, governor of Jigawa, in a statement urged residents to pray for the state and the country.

“The period of the Islamic New Year should remind all people of the countless favours bestowed on them by the Almighty God,” the statement reads.

“As such, the people are enjoined to intensify prayers against the outbreak of cholera in some parts of the state that had claimed some lives, as well as for the country to overcome security challenges.

“People should also use the period to reflect and live their lives based on the teachings of Islam and practice of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).”

Abubakar Bagudu, governor of Kebbi, in a statement signed by Sufyanu Garba-Bena, acting head of service, on Friday, said, the noble gesture is to enable the Muslim ummah in the state to join other faithful across the world to mark the commencement of the Islamic new year.

Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, in a statement signed by Olubamiwo Adeosun, secretary to the state government, asked Muslims and people of other religions to use the holiday to pray for the peace, unity and growth of the state and the country.

Gboyega Oyetola, governor of Osun, in a statement signed by Tajudeen Lawal, commissioner for home affairs, on Friday in Osogbo, enjoined both Muslims and people of other religions to use the holiday to pray for the growth and development of the state and Nigeria as a whole.