Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has enjoined Nigerians to use the period of Hijrah 1446 to pray for the unity and peace of the country.
Makinde made this declaration via a statement made available to Media on Monday.
The statement was signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaiman Olanrewaju.
Correspondent reports that the new Islamic calendar, Hijrah 1446 started on Sunday.
The governor had earlier declared today (Monday) as a public holiday in the state.
He prayed that the new calendar year would be filled with the mercies and blessings of Almighty Allah.
Makinde said, “As we commence Hijrah 1446, I urge Muslims and all citizens of Oyo State to imbibe the lessons of hard work, determination, perseverance, love, harmony, positivity and spreading goodness, which the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Makkah to Madinah symbolizes.
“These are values and virtues which, if imbibed by every one of us, irrespective of our station in life, would transform us and our society.
“I want to urge every one of us, Muslims and non-Muslims alike, to seize the opportunity of this season to reflect on these values and apply them to our lives as necessary.
“It is my candid opinion that doing so would profit us individually and collectively. I also implore everyone to use this Hijrah celebration to pray for the peace, unity and progress of our dear country, Nigeria.”