Osun State Government has declared Thursday, September 21, a public holiday to mark this year’s Hijra, 1439 AH.
Congratulating all Nigerians and the people of Osun on the commencement of the new Islamic calendar, the state government urged Muslim faithful and other Nigerians to build good neighbourliness.
According to a statement issued by the aide to Governor Rauf Aregbesola on Media, Mr. Sola Fasure, “The government wishes all the people prosperity, peace and advancement in all areas of life.
“Muslims in particular, are urged to use the opportunity of the Islamic New Year as a new beginning in love, generosity of spirit, hard work, improved productivity and good neighbourliness.
“They should live in accordance with the dictates of the Holy Quran and make the nation and the larger world a better place to live.”
Also, in a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information, Mr. Lani Baderinwa, Governor Aregbesola enjoined Muslims in the state and across the world a happy New Year celebration and asked residents of the state to continue to live harmoniously and peacefully in tolerance and understanding.
The governor said as Muslims enter the New Year, they must not only celebrate but also strive, as part of what Allah commands them, to internalise the lessons and essence of the Hijrah as exemplified by uncommon patience and endurance of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in the face of hardship.
The Governor expressed the hope that the new year would usher the state into another era of economic prosperity, stability and peace.
Governor Aregbesola specifically charged Muslims and other people of the state to imbibe the lessons of the Hijrah by leaving sinful and malfeasance practices that have been constituting a stumbling block to the progress of the state and Nigeria for a new life and conduct that would add value to the state and the country.
The governor advised the people to use the new Islamic Year for their spiritual development.
Governor Aregbesola called on Muslim faithful to intensify prayers for the nation against all manners of afflictions that the country had been undergoing in terms of economic hardship, and insecurity, praying for Allah’s intervention.
