The Muslim Community of Oyo State, south west Nigeria, has praised the state governor, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, FNSE, for declaring Wednesday, 19th July, 2023 (1st of Muharram, 1445), as public holiday.

The group in a statement signed by the Chairman Alhaji Ishaq Kunle Sanni and Alhaji Murisiku Abidemi Siyanbade, Secretary-General and made available to i-News Nigeria, lauded the governor for the move even without any prompting or reminder.

The Muslim Community emphasised the need for equity between the two major religions in all spheres in the affairs of Oyo State.

They prayed to Almighty Allah to continue to guide him in all his activities in the equitable governance of the pace-setter state.

Oyo State joined Kwara, Osun, Kebbi, Jigawa and Sokoto governments to declare a public holiday to mark the new Islamic Year, Hijrah.

Muharram is the first of 12 months on the Islamic calendar.

It is one of four sanctified months that are of particular reverence – the others are Rajab (7th), Dhu Al Qaeda (11th) and Dhu Al Hijjah (12th).

Unlike Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha, no religious observances are specified on Al Hijra, and it is primarily seen as a day of reflection rather than celebration.