The Kano State Government has declared Tuesday, June 16, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate the beginning of the Islamic New Year, 1448 After Hijrah.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Kano State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya.
According to the statement, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf congratulated Muslims in Kano State and across the world on witnessing the commencement of the new Islamic calendar, which begins with the month of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar year.
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The governor described the occasion as an important moment for reflection, spiritual renewal and renewed commitment to the values of faith, peace, justice and compassion as taught by Islam.
Governor Yusuf called on the people of Kano State, particularly the Muslim Ummah, to use the occasion to reflect on their actions and accomplishments over the past year while seeking Allah’s guidance and blessings in the new year.
He urged residents to offer special prayers for lasting peace, unity, stability and prosperity in Kano State and Nigeria as a whole.
The governor emphasized the need for citizens to continue promoting peaceful coexistence, mutual understanding and tolerance among people of different backgrounds in order to strengthen social harmony and development.
“As we enter the New Islamic Year, I urge all citizens to reflect on the lessons of the past year and pray for continued peace, unity and progress in our dear state and country,” the governor said.
Governor Yusuf also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the living conditions of the people through policies and programmes designed to enhance socio-economic development and public welfare.
He assured residents that his government would continue to implement people-oriented projects and initiatives aimed at delivering the dividends of democracy across all sectors of the state’s economy.
The governor noted that his administration remains focused on improving education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, youth empowerment and social welfare under the Kano First development agenda.
He therefore called on the people of the state to continue supporting government efforts toward building a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive society.
The declaration of the public holiday will enable Muslims across the state to mark the beginning of the year 1448 AH through prayers, religious activities and reflection on the significance of the Hijrah, the historic migration of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) from Makkah to Madinah, which marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
Residents are expected to observe the holiday across the state while normal government activities resume thereafter.