By Sharon Fatogun
The Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has declared, Tuesday, September 11th, 2018, as public holiday to commemorate the Islamic New Year, in the state.
According to a statement signed by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr Adebisi Obawale, he said the public holiday is observed to mark the Islamic new year which started counting in 622 AD after the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in Saudi Arabia.
The government wishes Muslims in the state and across the world a happy New Year celebration and enjoin residents of the state to continue living harmoniously and peacefully with religious tolerance and understanding.
”As we enter the Islamic New Year, we must not only celebrate but also strive, as part of what Allah commands us, 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.
”We pray, and there is no doubt that the new year would usher the state into another era of economic prosperity, stability and peace and continuation of good governance.
The state Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola finally enjoins all Muslims to use the occasion to pray for peaceful conduct of the forthcoming gubernatorial election scheduled for 22nd September, 2018.
”While commending the Islamic faithful for their unalloyed support for the present administration since inception, Aregbesola further appeals for that support during and after the gubernatorial election.