The Oyo State government has declared Monday, August 1, 2022 a work-free day to mark the beginning of new Islamic calendar, 1st Muharam (Hijrah) 1444 AH.

This was disclosed in a circular signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun, dated July 29, 2022 and communicated to heads of the legislature, Judiciary and various Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

The circular reads: “The Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde (FNSE) has declared Monday, 1st of August, 2022 as a work-free day in the State, to commemorate and celebrate the new Islamic Calendar Year of 1st Muharram (Hijrah) 1444 AH.

“His Excellency, the Executive Governor has also enjoined all and sundry to use the occasion to pray for the peace, unity and progress of the State in particular and the country in general.”

In a similar development, the Jigawa state government has also declared Monday, 1st August 2022 a work-free day to mark the Islamic New Year.

The Head of the Civil Service, Hussaini Ali Kila disclosed this on behalf of the state governor, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar.

The Governor urged civil servants and residents in the state to use the day to pray for the state and the country at large for God’s intervention to salvage the nation from the lingering security challenges.