Kwara Governor Declares Wednesday Public Holiday For Hijra, Urges Tolerance, Harmony
By Tunde Akanbi, Ilorin
The Kwara State Governor, North Central Nigeria, Mallam Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq has approved the observance of every Muharram 1 as a work-free day in the state.
This is a policy pronouncement that fulfils longstanding yearnings of the Muslim community in the state.
This is contained in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye.
“The Governor has thoroughly considered the longstanding requests from various quarters of the state. He has therefore approved that the day be observed henceforth (annually) as work-free in Kwara State, as is obtainable in many other states of the country. Consequently, Wednesday July 19, 2023, which is equivalent to the first day of Islamic lunar calendar (Muharram 1445), shall be observed as a public holiday in the state,” the statement stated.
“History says the first of Muharram heralded the migration of Prophet Muhammad, peace of God be upon him, from his birthplace Mecca in search of a peaceful and conducive atmosphere to practice Islam. This brings to mind the need for everyone to imbibe the lessons of patience, perseverance, tolerance, moderation, and compassion.
“The Governor congratulates the Muslim community on the occasion of another lunar calendar, Hijrah 1445, and urges everyone to reflect on the purport of the day in the hope that we are guided by its lessons and significance in our day-to-day living and interactions with others. He calls for religious tolerance, mutual respect, and compassion for everyone, irrespective of their beliefs.”
In his reaction to the development, the National Chairman, Hijra Islamic Organisation, Professor Badmas ‘Lanre Yusuf said the entire Muslim Ummah are so much happy and elated with the action and step taken by the state governor.
Professor Badmas declared that the governor has rewritten the wrong that the Muslim Ummah have been agitating for a very long time.
According to him, if the first of January can be declared as work free day annually, why can’t the first of Muharram of hijra year, first day of Islamic lunar calendar should not be declared as a work free day and therefore described the governor’s action as the right step in the right direction.
He added that the entire Muslim community are happy, as he praised the steps taken by the Kwara State Governor, Mallam Abdulrahman AbdulRazaq.
Lateefah Ibrahim
