- The Sokoto state government has declared Friday as public holiday
- The state government said the public holiday is to mark the Islamic New Year
- Also Kano and Osun state have declared different days as public holidays to mark the Islamic New Year
The Sokoto State government has declared Friday, September 22, as public holiday to mark the Islamic New year 1439.
The state government said residents in Sokoto are expected to use the holiday period to pray for Nigeria and President Muhammadu Buhari.
Kano and Osun state government also declared public holidays for the Islamic New year.
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While the Kano state government declared its own holiday for Friday, Osun state announced Thursday as a public holiday for the New year.
A statement issued by Imam Imam, the spokesperson to the Sokoto government Aminu Tambuwal, on Thursday, September 21, urged Muslim faithfuls to and all Nigerians to engage in acts that would solidify the unity of Nigeria.
Imam said: "This period of the Islamic New Year should remind all people of the countless favours bestowed on them by the Almighty God. As such, the people are enjoined to intensify prayers and engage in acts that will solidify the unity of the nation.
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“On a personal level, the government urges all Nigerians to show care, and to love one another. The recent tension in some parts of the country occasioned by activities of some youths should not deter us from caring for one another,” Imam added.
He also wished all Nigerians especially the Muslim faithfuls a happy and peaceful New Year.
The state governments assured the people of government’s determination to find lasting solutions to the challenges in Nigeria.
NAIJ.com earlier reported that a group asked the federal government to declare the first day of the Islamic year as a public holiday.
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The group, the Muslim Media Watch Group said the work free day would give Nigerian Muslims a sense of belonging.
The group also warned all Muslims to refrain from making provocative statements capable of creating bad blood between them and other Nigerians in the country.
Watch this NAIJ.com TV video about a former driver of Bishop Adeboye who converted to Islam:
Source: Naij.com
ROSY CREST
Thursday, 21 September 2017