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Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has declared Monday, October 3 as public holiday to mark the Islamic New Year, 1438 AH, which begins on Monday.
He made the declaration on Sunday at the 1438 Hijrah Grand Rally organised by the National Council of Muslim Youth Organisations (NACOMYO) at Ibadan.
October 3 is the lunar month of Muharram, which is the first month of the Islamic calendar. The Islamic year calendar had started counting in 622 AD after the emigration of Prophet Muhammed from Mecca to Medina in Saudi-Arabia.
Ajimobi said that Hijrah, the beginning of the new year in the Islamic calendar was another opportunity for Muslims worldwide to reflect on their past and channel a new way of life.
He said “Hijrah symbolises a new beginning. It is the state of improving on the past into a new status. Hijrah began when the holy Prophet Muhammed migrated from Mecca to Medina”.
He enjoined Muslims to exhibit good character towards their neighbours, saying it was the only way their prayers could be answered by God.
The governor commended the Muslim community in the state for their unflinching support at all times.
Dr Sakariyau Babalola, the Deputy President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), urged Muslims to use the occasion of Hijrah to reflect on their past deeds.
Babalola, who was represented by Alhaji Afeez Timehin, his Personal Assistant said that reflecting on their past deeds would enable them to improve on their attitudes in line with the virtues of the holy prophet.
The event featured match past by Islamic schools across the state.
In attendance was the Minister of Communications, Mr Adebayo Shittu, Secretary to Oyo State Government, Alhaji Ishmael Alli, Sen. Adesoji Akanbi, and a former Deputy Governor of the state, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi.
Others are; Alhaji Kunle Sanni, Chairman, Muslim Community of Oyo, Prof. Kamil Oloso, Alhaja Sekinat Adekola, Iya Adini of Yorubaland, Alhaja Segilola Badmus and hosts of other dignitaries.