The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Tuesday, June 16, as the first day of Muharram 1448AH in Nigeria, being the start of a new Islamic calendar year.

The declaration was contained in a statement issued in Sokoto by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs of the Sultanate Council, Prof. Sambo Junaidu.

Meanwhile, several state governments have announced Tuesday as a public holiday in their respective states to mark the new Islamic calendar year, including Sokoto, Niger, Kano, Katsina, Kwara, Borno, Oyo, and Osun.

Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, in a statement issued by his Director-General of Media and Publicity, Abubakar Bawa, declared the public holiday and called on residents to use the occasion to pray fervently for lasting peace and an end to insecurity affecting parts of the state and the country at large.

The governor described insecurity as a major challenge hindering national development and stressed the need for collective efforts to address the menace.

In Oyo State, Governor Seyi Makinde declared Tuesday a work-free day and congratulated the Muslim Ummah on witnessing the new Islamic year.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the governor urged Muslims to pray for the peace, unity and prosperity of Oyo State and Nigeria.

Makinde also called on residents to remain security-conscious during the celebrations and report suspicious activities to security agencies through the state’s emergency number, 615.

In Kano State, Governor Abba Yusuf approved a public holiday to mark the commencement of the Islamic New Year.

A circular issued by the Office of the Head of Civil Service stated that the holiday was granted in recognition of the significance of the Islamic calendar and Kano’s longstanding tradition of observing the beginning of the Hijrah year.

The government urged civil servants and residents to use the occasion for sober reflection and prayers for continued peace, stability and prosperity in Kano State and Nigeria.

Kwara State Government also declared Tuesday a public holiday in commemoration of the 1448AH Hijrah New Year.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, the government urged Muslims to reflect on the significance of the month, noting that the Hijrah symbolises tolerance, common humanity and the right of every individual to pursue legitimate aspirations without infringing on the rights of others.

In Katsina State, Governor Dikko Radda declared Tuesday a work-free day to mark the first day of Muharram 1448AH.

A statement by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Bala Salisu Zango, said the governor encouraged residents to use the period for reflection and prayers for the growth, peace and prosperity of Katsina State and Nigeria.