MAIDUGURI — The Borno State Government has declared Tuesday, June 16, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate the inception of the new Islamic calendar year, 1448 After Hijira (AH).
The announcement marks the official observance of the 1st day of Muharram, the opening month of the lunar-based Hijri calendar. Because the Islamic calendar tracks closer to lunar cycles, it remains 11 to 12 days shorter than the conventional Gregorian format, causing the newly ushered year of 1448 AH to straddle parts of both 2026 and 2027.
In an official statement released on Sunday by the State Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Professor Usman Tar, the administration noted that Executive Governor Babagana Umara Zulum authorized the holiday to give citizens the opportunity to reflect on the spiritual significance of the date.
”This is to inform the general public that His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, CON, mni, FNSE, has declared Tuesday 1st Day of Muharram 1448 After Hijira (AH), which is equivalent to Tuesday 16th June 2026, as a Public Holiday to commemorate the first day of the Islamic Calendar Year 1448 (AH),” the statement read.
Professor Tar explained that the state government is utilizing this window to advocate for deeper communal integration and national progress. He extended the Governor’s call for citizens to embrace core values of solidarity, tolerance, mercy, and multiculturalism—principles he described as essential pillars for sustaining harmony within a pluralistic society.
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”All citizens are therefore enjoined to be faithful and reflect on this important date and rededicate themselves to peaceful co-existence and service to humanity and development of our dear state,” Tar added.
The declaration comes amid ongoing regional efforts to bolster peace and internal security. The commissioner reiterated Borno State’s unalloyed dedication to the sovereign prosperity of Nigeria, calling on all religious and community groups across the state to partner with the government through continuous prayers for institutional stability, democratic growth, and lasting peace.
