Osun State Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, on Saturday joined other Muslims to celebrate the beginning of a new Islamic year- Hijra 1436.

The governor who joined Muslim leaders and adherents of the religion at the Osogbo township stadium at a ceremony to usher in the new year which started on Saturday declared Monday as a public holiday in the state.

He said this would give them the opportunity to reflect on the lessons of Hijra.

The governor called on all Muslims to use the occasion to move closer to God and be at peace with their neighbours.

He said, “There is no basis for anybody or groups to hide under Islam to perpetrate evil.

“Islam is not a religion of violence, any person, group or sects who indulge in violence or its associated vices are not followers of Islam, they are wicked and not good examples of Islam.