President Bola Tinubu has extended greetings to Muslims in Nigeria and across the world on the occasion of the Islamic New Year, 1st Muharram 1448AH, urging citizens to embrace patriotism and good citizenship.
In a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President congratulated the Muslim Ummah as they marked the beginning of a new Hijri year, which coincides with June 16, 2026.
Tinubu said the Islamic New Year offers an opportunity for reflection on the virtues of the Hijrah, including the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Madina.
According to him, the lessons of the Hijrah, including sacrifice, renewal, patience and faith in Allah’s divine plan, remain relevant to efforts aimed at building a peaceful, just and prosperous nation.
“As Muslims mark the beginning of a new Hijri year, President Tinubu reflects on the virtues of the Hijrah, the migration from Mecca to Madina that marks the commencement of the Hijri calendar.
“He said the lessons, which include sacrifice, renewal, patience, and faith in Allah’s divine plan, remain central to building a peaceful, just, and prosperous nation,” the statement said.
It added, “The President admonishes all Nigerians, particularly the Muslim faithful, to embrace the spirit of the new year by rededicating themselves to the ideals of good citizenship.
“He urges acts of kindness, tolerance, honesty, and devotion to duty as necessary contributions to national unity, security, and development.”
Tinubu also prayed for peace, prosperity and divine guidance for Nigeria in the new Islamic year.
“The President prays that the new Islamic year brings blessings, peace and prosperity to every household, and that Allah continues to guide our nation on the path of progress,” the statement added.
The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, on Monday declared Tuesday, June 16, as the first day of Muharram 1448AH in Nigeria.
