President Bola Tinubu has felicitated with Muslims in Nigeria and around the world on the commencement of the Islamic New Year, 1 Muharram 1448AH, calling on citizens to embrace patriotism, tolerance and responsible citizenship.
The President’s message was conveyed in a statement released on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, to commemorate the beginning of the new Hijri year, which falls on June 16, 2026.
Tinubu described the Islamic New Year as a period for reflection on the enduring lessons of the Hijrah—the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Madina—which marks the beginning of the Islamic calendar.
According to the President, the values embodied in the Hijrah, including sacrifice, patience, renewal and unwavering faith in Allah’s divine guidance, remain relevant to Nigeria’s quest for peace, justice and sustainable development.
“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,” the statement 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 President urged Nigerians, particularly members of the Muslim community, to use the occasion as an opportunity to recommit themselves to the principles of good citizenship and national service.
He encouraged citizens to promote values such as honesty, kindness, tolerance, dedication to duty and mutual respect, noting that these qualities are essential for strengthening national unity, security and development.
“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,” the statement added.
“He urges acts of kindness, tolerance, honesty, and devotion to duty as necessary contributions to national unity, security, and development.”
Tinubu also offered prayers for Nigeria, asking for divine guidance, peace and prosperity for the nation and its people 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 concluded.
The message comes a day after the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, officially declared Tuesday, June 16, 2026, as the first day of Muharram 1448AH in Nigeria.
