In line with the Sultan of Sokoto Muhammad Saad Abubakar declaration of today as the first day of Muharram 1444 After Hijra, Sokoto state has joined the league of states, declaring today as public holiday.

The chief press secretary to the governor Malam Bawa Abubakar, in a statement, said the declaration was in line with the state governor's pledge to promotimg Islamic affairs which is one of his nine-point agenda for the state.

The chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs Sultanate Council, Professor Sambo Wali Junaidu, had earlier declared today as the first day of Muharram 1444 After Hijra, in a statement.

The statement explained that July 17 equivalent to the twenty ninth of Dhul-Hijjah 1444 AH, the committee didn't receive any report from the various Moon sighting committees across the country confirming the sighting of the crescent of Muharram.

It noted that yesterday, Tuesday, being the 13th of Dhul Hijjah equivalent to 18 of July, the Sultan has accepted the report and accordingly declared today as the first day of Muharram.

Also, Kebbi State government has declared today public holiday to mark the commencement of the Islamic new year, 1445AH.

This was contained in a statement signed by the head of service, Sufiyanu Garba Bena and made available to Government House reporters in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital.

The statement however indicated that Governor Nasir Idris approved the public holiday following the sighting of the new moon of Muharram yesterday which was equivalent to the Islamic calendar30th of Zulhajj, 1444AH.

The governor, who congratulated Muslims in the state, said the government declared the public holiday to enable the Muslim Ummah to celebrate the Islamic New Year.

Also, the Jigawa State government has declared today work free to mark the Hijrah 1445 (Islamic New Year).

Also, head of service on the state, Alhaji Hussaini Ali Kila, he urged the civil servants and residents to use the day to pray for the State and the country at large to have a prosperous new year..

�The period of the Islamic new year should be used for sober reflection of the countless favours bestowed on us by the Almighty God. Thank God for the favour, also to prepare ourselves for redoubling our efforts and commitment in serving God and Humanity��

�People should use the period to reflect and live their lives based on the teachings of Islam and practice of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

�During the occasion, it is expected that all public servants and the entire people of the State will also pray to Almighty Allah for continued protection and guidance of our leaders,� it said.

According to the statement, Governor Umar Namadi congratulated Muslims around the world on the occasion of the new Islamic Year (1445AH).

Meanwhile, Kwara and Osun State governments have also declared public holiday to mark the new Islamic Year, Hijrah.