Kwara Governor Celebrates Islamic New Year, Declares Thursday Public Holiday for Hijrah 1447
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has officially declared Thursday, June 26, 2025, as a public holiday in celebration of the beginning of the Islamic New Year 1447 AH (Hijrah). The announcement was made in a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, and comes as Muslims across Nigeria and the world mark the start of a new Islamic calendar year.
Governor AbdulRazaq extended warm congratulations to the people of Kwara, particularly the Muslim community, in honour of the Hijrah commemoration, which signifies the migration of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) from Makkah to Madinah — an event that marked the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
“The Governor has approved that Thursday, the first day of Muharram 1447, be observed as a statewide holiday in commemoration of the new Islamic calendar,” the statement read.
The governor encouraged Muslims to take the occasion as a time for deep reflection and spiritual renewal, highlighting the profound lessons that the Hijrah event holds for society today.
“He urges the Muslim community to reflect on the significance of the Hijrah in the life of the community and the larger human society,” the statement added. “It calls for renewed commitment to excellent human relations, peaceful coexistence, dialogue, and mutual respect among people of all faiths.”
Governor AbdulRazaq further emphasized the values that Hijrah teaches — sacrifice, unity, peace, and social justice — encouraging citizens to strive toward fostering a more harmonious and inclusive society.
“Hijrah teaches personal and collective sacrifice for good causes and abandonment of everything that is antithetical to peace, harmony, and social justice,” the statement noted.
He concluded by offering prayers for a new Islamic year filled with goodness, peace, abundance, security, and enduring happiness for all families in Kwara State.
The holiday declaration has been met with praise from religious leaders and community members across the state, who see it as a gesture of respect for Islamic heritage and a step toward promoting religious inclusivity.
As the Islamic year 1447 begins, Kwara joins other states in recognizing the importance of cultural and religious milestones, reaffirming its commitment to religious freedom and peaceful coexistence.
