Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) has enjoined President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to give recognition to the new Islamic year. The association urged the federal government led by Tinubu to declare Muharram 1, the first day of the Islamic Hijrah Calendar 1445 A.H, as a public holiday.
July 19 has been declared as the first day of the new Islamic year by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammed Saad Abubakar.
National President of MMPN, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun, has urged the federal government to recognise the first day of Islamic year as a public holiday.
Balogun urged the Federal Government to give recognition to Muslim New Year in the interest of fairness as benefitted by the Christian brethren on every January 1.
He added that such a gesture would give Muslims a sense of belonging in the polity.
Balogun while speaking, further implored Muslims to rededicate themselves to the cause of building an egalitarian society.
Balogun, commended state governors who had declared public holiday for Islamic New Year especially in the Northern part of the country as well as Oyo and Osun states in South West and urged others to emulate them.
He said, “Muharram 1, is the Islamic calendar equivalent of January 1, which is observed as a public holiday in Nigeria. Muslims worldwide will usher in the new Islamic year Hijrah 1445 A.H. on Wednesday July 19, 2023.
