Declare Hijrah Day work-free — Group charges Kwara Governor

By  SAKA Laaro, Ilorin.

As Muslims all over the World celebrate the commencement of  new Islamic calendar (Hijrah) on Monday, the Chairman of National Hijrah Ummatul Islamiyya in Kwara State, Prof Yusuf Badmos has called on the state government to declare the day work-free.

Badmus who addressed journalists in Ilorin on the preparations of the group towards the commemoration of Hijrah on Monday, said the day is very important to Muslims.

He urged Governor AbdulRahaman AbdulRazaq to  emulate his counterparts in some neighbouring states who had always declared the day work-free to enable Muslims public servants participate in the celebration.

Represented by his secretary, Malam Imam Abubakar, Badmus said arrangements had been concluded to commemorate the first day of Islamic calendar, not only in Ilorin, the state capital, but at the headquarters of all the 16 local government areas of the state.

He enjoined Muslim parents to inculcate the moral teachings of Islam in their children right from early age as well as the use of Islamic calendar, adding that: “The beginning of Islamic calendar is a landmark. Muslims should be conversant with Islamic calendar. They should also allow the teachings of Islam reflect in their conduct.”

The representative of the Emir of Ilorin, Alh Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari at the event, the Makama of Ilorin, Alh Ibrahim Oniye urged Muslims in the state to continue to live peacefully with their neighbours.

He urged all Nigerians to embrace peace, saying that development can  be achieved only in a peaceful atmosphere.