Muslim leaders in Oyo State have called upon President Tinubu to emulate Governor Seyi Makinde by declaring Hijrah a national public holiday.
This move they said would engender inclusivity and commemorate significant Islamic events within the Muslim calendar.
Speaking at a Luncheon organized by the Oyo state government to commemorate Hijrah 1446 which marks the beginning of a new Islamic calendar on Wednesday, a foremost Islamic scholar, Professor Kamil Olosho commended Makinde for being the first and only governor in the entire South West to have declared Hijrah as public holiday in the state.
The event, held at the State Government House, Agodi, Ibadan witnessed various Islamic scholars from various geopolitical zones of the state, leaders and various organizations in attendance.
According to Prof Olosho, Hijrah marks the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina, making it a notable event in Islamic history adding that It signifies a new beginning and serves as a time for reflection, renewal, and spiritual growth for Muslims nationwide.
The Oyo state Muslim community, through various speakers at the event expressed appreciation for Governor Makinde’s gesture and believe that extending such Hijrah holiday nationwide would further promote due recognition of the Islamic calendar and deepen their sense of inclusivity.
Professors Kamil Olosho, Musliudeen Yahya, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu and others in their separate remarks emphasize that such a declaration would demonstrate Nigeria’s commitment to respecting and celebrating its diverse religious heritage.
They highlighted the importance of recognizing Hijrah as a national holiday, urging Governor Makinde to use his office to convey their message to the president while expressing optimism that the federal government would acceede to their request.
President Tinubu, whose administration has been keen on promoting national unity and religious tolerance, has been urged to consider the Oyo State example and extend the public holiday status to the federal level.
This move, according to Islamic leaders and scholars in the state, would not only honor the religious sentiments of Nigerian Muslims but also symbolize the government’s commitment to upholding the rights and freedoms of all religious groups in the state.
Speaking, Governor Makinde expressed appreciation to the Muslim community for their support for his administration assuring that before the end of his tenure, Hajj pilgrims would be airlifted from Ibadan Airport to the Holy Land of Saudi Arabia.
The governor equally called on the people of the state to strive to attain a new Oyo State where love, unity and peace will reign, irrespective of religious differences, stressing that his administration will continue to do things in the interest of the people and the development of the state.
Acknowledging the enomousity of the task ahead and the challenges faced by both state and federal government, Governor Makinde assured that with people’s support, the challenges would be surmounted.
“We thank God for sustaining our lives till today. We appreciate him for a new beginning. The significance of a new year means we should also, as humans, begin new things. Today is a day for celebration, because we already observed the Hijrah holiday before now.
“Part of the things we want you to be doing is to wipe the slate clean and start a new beginning, especially in Oyo State.
There are a lot of challenges we are facing as a nation and as a state but I have the assurance that we will surmount those challenges.
“Please, support this government. I came to you to beg to apply and you made up your mind to give me the opportunity to serve the state. I will forever remain grateful for the opportunity. Many people wanted the same opportunity but could not get it. They had the money to buy it but you didn’t sell it. You all came together irrespective of religious leanings to give us this opportunity and I will, forever, cherish it.
“This is a responsible government and it is your government and we will always do things in the best interest of Oyo State. “Before the end of this week, I will make announcement on the committee that will champion the upgrade of the Ibadan Airport. I am more than confident now that before my tenure ends, those going for Hajj operation would take off from Ibadan to Mecca and Medina.
“When I make the announcement on or before Friday, I will give them 18 months to complete everything, because we have the money to make it happen. So, my message for us is to strive for a new Oyo State where love, unity and peace will reign supreme.”
The governor, who used the opportunity to commend the chairman of the Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Sheik Hashim Olamide Ateere, on the 2024 Hajj operations, said the smoothness of the operations was remarkable.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Deputy Governor of the state, Barr. Bayo Lawal acknowledged the total support of Governor Makinde to the Muslim Ummah, saying this has ensured peace and development in the state.
In his lecture at the event, the guest lecturer, Sheik Najimudeen Alkubroh, extolled the uncommon virtues of Governor Makinde.
He noted that with his style of leadership, he has proven to be the kind of “worthy leader that Nigeria needs.”
The chairman on the occasion, Chief Bayo Oyero, called on Muslims and Islamic scholars to always remember the new calendar year and teach their followers the importance of Hijrah.
Also, in his speech earlier, the chairman, Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Sheikh Atere, appreciated Governor Makinde for his support towards the 2024 Hajj exercise.
The event had in attendance former Deputy Governors of Oyo State, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi and Engr Hamid Gbadamosi; wife of a former governor, Chief Mrs Mutiat Ladoja; and Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin.
Others were the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Honourable Justice Iyabo Yerima, represented by Honourable Justice M.A. Adegbola and the President of the Oyo State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice T.M. Abdulganiyu.
Also in attendance were Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni; Chief Imam of Ibadanland and Grand Imam of Oyo State, Alhaji Abdulganiyu Agbotomokekere; members of the League of Imams and Alfas and other top government functionaries.
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