The Borno State Government has officially designated Tuesday, June 16, 2026, as a public holiday to mark the beginning of the Islamic New Year, 1448 After Hijira (AH).
Because the Islamic calendar follows lunar cycles and is roughly 11 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, the year 1448 AH spans across both 2026 and 2027.
In a statement released on Sunday, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, conveyed that Governor Babagana Umara Zulum declared the holiday to honor the first day of Muharram.
The statement reads, “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 commerate the first day of the Islamic Calender Year 1448 (AH).”
Tar encouraged residents to use this time to “rededicate themselves to peaceful co-existance and service to humanity and development of our dear state in particular” while urging them to embrace values such as unity, justice, mercy, and tolerance.
The commissioner further shared that the government remains “committed to the unity, prosperity and existence of Nigeria, and to projecting Nigeria’s good image among the comity of nations in a globalised universe.”
Concluding the announcement, Tar noted, “All citizens are therefore enjoined to be faithful and reflect on this important date and rededicate themselves to peaceful co-existance and service to humanity and development of our dear state in particular,” as Governor Zulum called for prayers for a peaceful, plural democratic nation and harmony among all faith groups.
