Breaking: Govt declares Friday public holiday to mark Islamic new year

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has declared Friday, June 27, 2025, as a public holiday across the state in honour of the Islamic New Year, Hijrah 1447AH.

The announcement was made in a circular signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo. According to the statement, the work-free day is to allow Muslim faithful and residents to observe the spiritual significance of the beginning of the new Islamic calendar year.

Governor Makinde encouraged residents to use the occasion to reflect on the values of peace, unity, and spiritual renewal, and to offer prayers for the continued progress of Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.

“The governor enjoined all and sundry to use the occasion to pray for the peace, unity, and prosperity of the state in particular, and the country in general,” the statement read.

The directive affects all public offices, ministries, departments, agencies, and institutions in the state. The government also urged media outlets and relevant authorities to ensure wide publicity of the announcement.

The Islamic New Year, also known as Hijrah, commemorates the migration of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) from Mecca to Medina—an event that marks the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar.