The public holiday was announced in commemoration of this year’s Hijrah 1443.

Makinde announced this on Sunday.

Makinde while announcing the public holiday, noted that the holiday would be used to celebrate the new Islamic calender year, 1st Muharram (Hijrah) 1443 AH.

The announcement was contained in a circular letter from the Office of the Secretary to the state government.

The circular was signed by the Secretary to the state government, Olubamiwo Adeosun and titled “Declaration of work-free day to mark Hijrah 1443 AH.”

“Gov. Seyi Makinde, enjoined all and sundry to use the occasion to pray for the peace, unity and sustainability of the state in particular and the country in general.”

The Muslim Media Practitioners of Nigeria (MMPN) in the state, in its reaction to the declaration of the public holiday, lauded Makinde for the declaration of the holiday.

MMPN Chairman, Alhaji Ridwan Fasasi, commended Makinde for his magnanimity and also in redeeming his pledge that Hijrah holiday will henceforth be declared in the state.

Fasasi enjoined other states to emulate the gesture.

He urged Makinde to ensure that the holiday is gazetted so that successive administrations will follow suit.