Nigeria, June 15 -- The Kwara State Government has declared Tuesday, June 16, 2026, a public holiday to mark the beginning of the Islamic New Year, 1448 AH.

The declaration follows the commencement of Muharram, the first month in the Islamic lunar calendar, which begins on Tuesday.

Announcing the holiday in a statement issued on Monday by the Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, the state government called on Muslims to reflect on the significance of the Hijrah and its enduring lessons for humanity.

The government said the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Madinah remains a symbol of tolerance, peaceful coexistence and the right of individuals to pursue their legitimate aspirations without infringing on the rig...