Updated: List of States Where Workers Will Not Work on Monday and Why
About eight states in Nigeria have declared Monday, July 8, as a public holiday for the Hijrah 1446. The work-free day was to allow Muslims in their states to celebrate the Islamic new year, popularly referred to as Hijrah.
Hijrah, also known as the Islamic New Year, marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar. It commemorates the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, considered a significant event in Islamic history. The Hijrah calendar is based on the lunar cycle, with each month beginning on the new moon.
Source: Twitter
What Hijrah is all about?
The Hijrah New Year is a time for reflection, introspection, and renewal for Muslims. It is an opportunity to seek forgiveness, make new resolutions, and strive for spiritual growth.
Muslims around the world mark the occasion with prayers, charity, and acts of kindness. It is also a time to remember the early Muslim community's struggles and sacrifices and draw inspiration from their courage and perseverance.
PAY ATTENTION: Сheck out news that is picked exactly for YOU ➡️ find the “Recommended for you” block on the home page and enjoy!
The new year, Hijrah 1446, will commence on Sunday, July 7, the first day of Muharram, the first month of the Hijrah calendar. The governors who declared public holidays in their states announced Monday because Sunday is the usual work-free day in Nigeria.
Below is the list of states where workers will not work in honour of Hijrah 1446:
Adeleke of Osun declares public holiday
Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke, declared Monday a public holiday to commemorate the Islamic New Year, Hijrah1446. The holiday will enable Muslims in the state to celebrate the occasion.
In a statement released by the governor's office, Adeleke felicitated with the Muslim community in Osun state, urging them to use the occasion for reflection and prayer. He also called for unity and harmony among all residents of the state, regardless of their religious beliefs.
The governor's declaration of a public holiday is seen as a gesture of goodwill towards the Muslim community in the state and is expected to be widely welcomed.
During the holiday, government offices and schools are expected to remain closed, while the Muslim faithful will gather in mosques and prayer grounds to mark the occasion.
Seyi Makinde declares Monday as Hijrah holiday
Like his counterpart in Osun, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo also declared Monday a work-free day for the Hijrah celebration. The declaration recognises the significant occasion in the Islamic calendar and enables Muslims in the state to celebrate and observe the holiday.
Governor Makinde, in a statement, felicitated with the Muslim community in Oyo state, urging them to use the occasion to pray for peace, prosperity, and unity in the state and country at large. He also called on all residents to continue to live in harmony and respect each other's beliefs and traditions.
Nasir Idris of Kebbi declares Hijrah holiday
Kebbi state governor Nasir Idris has also declared Monday as a public holiday to commemorate the Hijrah. The declaration recognizes this significant occasion in the Islamic calendar and enables Muslims in the state to celebrate and observe it.
Governor Nasir Idris, in a statement, congratulated the Muslim community in Kebbi State on the occasion and urged them to use the holiday to pray for peace, prosperity, and unity in the state and country at large.
He also called on all residents to continue to live in harmony and respect each other's beliefs and traditions, promoting peace and understanding in the state.
Kwara declares a public holiday
Kwara is another state that will join others that have declared a public holiday to celebrate the beginning of the Islamic new year, Hijrah, as Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq declared Monday a work-free day.
Governor AbdulRazaq, in a statement, urged the Muslim community to use the occasion for introspection and to promote tolerance, mutual respect, and justice.
Hijrah: Jigawa joins public holiday list
Jigawa state governor Umar Namadi also joined his counterparts in Osun, Oyo, Kwara and Kebbi by declaring Monday as a public holiday to commemorate the Islamic new year, Hijrah 1446.
The governor announced the holiday in a statement. He congratulated the Muslim community in Jigawa State on the occasion. He urged them to use the holiday to pray for peace, prosperity, and unity in the state and country.
Kano declares a public holiday
In the same vein, the Kano state government declared Monday a public holiday and joined the list of others who celebrating the Islamic New Year.
According to The Punch, Governor Yusuf Abba encouraged citizens to use the holiday as a time to reflect on the past year and engage in positive activities.
He also urged the people of the state to reflect on the previous year and engage in activities that will benefit everyone.
The governor called on the Muslim community to pray for continuous peace and progress in the state and the country at large.
Mai Mala Buni declares public holiday
Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe also declared Monday a public holiday to celebrate the Islamic new year, Hijrah.
Buni, in a statement by the state's head of service, Hamidu Alhaji, urged the workers to use the period to pray for peace in the country and bumper farmers' harvests in the rainy season.
Bala Muhammad declares work-free day
Similarly, the governor of Bauchi state, Bala Muhammad, declared the second day of Muharram in the Islamic calendar as a work-free day to honour the advent of Hijrah.
He urged the Muslims in the state to engage in activities that promote peace, unity and understanding in the new Hijrah 1446.
Tinubu asked to declare holiday for Soyinka
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that the Alake of Egba Land Oba Adedotun Gbadebo asked President Bola Tinubu to honour Professor Wole Soyinka.
The monarch said the president should declare July 13 as Soyinka Day to celebrate the Nobel Prize winner's contribution to humanity.
Gbadebo also said the federal government should honour Soyinka with the Grand Commander of Order of Niger.
Proofreading by James Ojo Adakole, journalist and copy editor at Legit.ng.
PAY ATTENTION: Unlock the best of Legit.ng on Pinterest! Subscribe now and get your daily inspiration!
Source: Legit.ng
