Hijrah 1448AH: Osun Declares Wednesday Public Holiday

OSOGBO — The Osun State Government has declared Wednesday, June 17, 2026, a public holiday across the state to commemorate the commencement of the new Islamic year, Hijrah 1448AH.

​The approval, granted by Governor Ademola Adeleke, was announced in a official statement issued in Osogbo by the State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Rasheed Aderibigbe. According to the administration, the holiday is intended to provide the state’s Muslim community with the opportunity to fully participate in marking the significant spiritual milestone.

​The New Year follows the recent sighting of the Muharram crescent moon, which officially ushers in the Islamic lunar calendar year of 1448 AH spanning until roughly early June 2027. Osun joins other states across the federation, including Kano, that have similarly declared holiday observances to honor the cultural and religious event.

​In the official statement, Commissioner Aderibigbe conveyed the governor’s festive well-wishes to the citizens:

ADVERTISEMENT

​“Osun State Government is pleased to announce that Wednesday, 17th June, 2026 will be observed as a Public Holiday to commemorate Hijira 1448AH. This celebration marks the beginning of the Islamic New Year. Consequently, on behalf of the Osun State Government, I extend warm greetings to our Muslim Brothers and Sisters. May this occasion bring peace, prosperity, and unity to our great State.”

​The government further seized the opportunity to admonish residents to remain peaceful, tasking the populace to shun rancor, promote social harmony, and celebrate the festivities with a shared sense of togetherness.

​For context on previous years and the ongoing advocacy surrounding this day, you can watch how the Osun Muslim Community urged the FG to declare a Hijrah public holiday, highlighting the long-standing significance of the lunar New Year celebration to local religious leaders.