Islamic Calendar: Kano, Kebbi, Borno, Kwara Declare Public Holidays

The Kano, Kebbi, Borno, and Kwara State Governments have declared Tuesday, 16 June 2026, as a public holiday to commemorate the beginning of the Islamic New Year, 1448 AH.

In Kano, the holiday declaration was contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Ibrahim Waiya, on behalf of the state government.

The statement said Governor Abba Yusuf congratulated Muslim faithful across the State and beyond for witnessing the new Islamic year, which begins with the month of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

Governor Yusuf urged residents of the State and the Muslim Ummah to use the occasion to reflect on their activities in the outgoing year and seek divine guidance for a more peaceful and prosperous future.

He called on the people to offer special prayers for peace, unity and development in Kano State and Nigeria.

In Kebbi, the Government announced Tuesday, 16 June, as a public holiday to commemorate the new Islamic year 1448 AH.

The announcement was made by the Permanent Secretary, Establishment, Hajiya Hafsat Tune in a statement she issued to Journalists in Birnin Kebbi.

According to her, this is to enable Muslims in the State to celebrate the commencement of the new Islamic year.     She noted that normal work will be resumed immediately on Wednesday, 17 June.

The Kwara State government has also declared today a public holiday in commemoration of the 1448 New Hijra Year.

Tuesday has been declared as the first day of Muharram (1448), the first Islamic lunar month.

In a statement signed by the commissioner for Communications, Mrs Bolanle Olukoju, the state government urged Muslims to reflect on the significance of the month not just for the Muslim community but for the entire human community.

“Hijrah (the migration of the Holy Prophet Muhammad) reminds the world of the evergreen value of tolerance, common humanity, and the right of every person to their legitimate aspirations — either in matters of faith or mundane matters as long as they do not hurt others.

“As we commemorate the new Hijrah Year, His Excellency Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, prays that God bless every home, restore peace to our land, and give us the strength to do right by every person,” the statement added.

Also, Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has declared Tuesday, 16 June 2026, a public holiday to commemorate the beginning of the Islamic New Year, 1448 After Hijra (AH.

The announcement was made in a public statement issued by the Borno State Ministry of Information and Internal Security, urging residents to use the occasion for reflection, prayers, and renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence and service to humanity.

According to the statement, the holiday marks the 1st day of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar. It offers citizens an opportunity to embrace values that promote unity and social harmony.

Governor Zulum called on the people of Borno to rededicate themselves to the ideals of peace, justice, tolerance, mercy, solidarity, and mutual respect, stressing that these virtues remain essential for sustaining unity in a diverse society.

He further urged residents to strengthen bonds of brotherhood and work collectively toward the development of the State and the advancement of the nation.

The Governor reaffirmed the commitment of the Borno State Government and its people to Nigeria’s unity, prosperity, and continued existence, noting that peaceful coexistence among different communities and faith groups is crucial for national progress.

Zulum also encouraged citizens to offer prayers for lasting peace and stability in Borno State and across Nigeria, while calling on all communities to continue living in harmony and understanding.

The Islamic New Year, which begins with the month of Muharram, is one of the most significant periods in the Muslim calendar and commemorates the historic migration (Hijra) of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) from Makkah to Madinah.

The public holiday will allow Muslims and other residents of the State to observe the occasion and reflect on its spiritual significance.