The Osun State Government has declared Wednesday, June 17, 2026, a public holiday in observance of the Islamic New Year, Hijri 1448 AH.
The announcement was made in a statement issued by the state’s Commissioner for Home Affairs, Rasheed Aderibigbe, in Osogbo on Tuesday.
According to Aderibigbe, the holiday is intended to enable Muslim faithful and residents of the state to commemorate the beginning of a new Islamic calendar year.
“Osun State Government has approved Wednesday, June 17, 2026, as a public holiday to celebrate Hijira 1448AH, which marks the commencement of the Islamic New Year,” the commissioner stated.
He congratulated Muslims across the state on the occasion and prayed for continued peace and progress.
“On behalf of the state government, I extend warm greetings to our Muslim brothers and sisters. May this new year usher in peace, prosperity and unity for our state and its people,” he said.
The government also called on residents to embrace peaceful coexistence and use the celebration as an opportunity to strengthen social harmony.
Aderibigbe urged citizens to avoid actions capable of creating division, adding that the festivities should promote togetherness and mutual understanding among communities.
“Residents are encouraged to shun rancour and disharmony and instead participate in activities that foster unity, love and peaceful coexistence,” he added.
Hijira 1448AH began on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, following the sighting of the crescent moon that signals the start of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic calendar.
The Islamic lunar year is expected to run from June 16, 2026, to around June 5, 2027.
