State government declares June 16 public holiday

The Borno State Government has declared Tuesday, June 16, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate the commencement of the Islamic calendar year 1448 After Hijira (AH).

The Hijri calendar, which is based on lunar cycles, is shorter than the Gregorian calendar by approximately 11 to 12 days. Consequently, the year 1448 AH spans portions of both the 2026 and 2027 Gregorian calendar years.

Announcing the holiday in a statement issued on Sunday, the Commissioner for Information and Internal Security, Usman Tar, called on residents to use the occasion for reflection and renewed commitment to peaceful coexistence, service to humanity and the development of the state.

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).

“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” he stated.

Tar further urged residents to uphold values such as unity, solidarity, tolerance, justice, mercy, togetherness and multiculturalism, noting that these principles remain vital for fostering harmony among diverse communities.

“The Government and good people of Borno are 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” he noted.

According to the commissioner, Governor Zulum also encouraged citizens to offer prayers for a peaceful and inclusive democratic society, while urging communities and religious groups across the state to continue living together in peace and mutual understanding.