By joshua KOGI STATE COUNCIL OF ULAMA’U DECLARES HIJRAH A CONTINUOUS CALL TO MORAL RENEWAL, UNVEILS 1448H ISLAMIC CALENDAR.
Lokoja, Kogi State | June 21, 2026
The Kogi State Council of Ulama’u has called on Muslims and Nigerians at large to embrace the lessons of Hijrah by migrating from corruption, greed, indecency, injustice, and societal vices towards righteousness, integrity, peace, and service to humanity.
The call was made during the grand celebration of the 1448H Hijrah Islamic New Year and the official unveiling of the 1448 Hijrah Calendar held at the President Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre (Muhammadu Buhari Square), Lokoja.
The event attracted a large gathering of Islamic scholars, jurists, traditional rulers, government officials, politicians, security personnels, members of Islamic Organisations, students, community leaders, and members of the Muslim Ummah from across Kogi State and beyond.
Opening Ceremony.
The ceremony commenced with an opening prayer offered on behalf of the Chief Imam of Lokoja, Sheikh Aminu Shaban, by Sheikh Abubakar Adam, followed by the recitation of verses from the Holy Qur’an. Special prayers for Nigeria, Kogi State, Muslim Ummah and Islamic Organisations were offered by the Chairman of the Kogi State Council of Ulama’u and Chief Imam of Ankpa, Sheikh Salman Adam, Sheikh Muhammad Salihu Abere, Chief Imam of Ebiraland and Zonal Chairman of the Council and Sheikh Aremu, Chairman, Council of Ulama’u Okunland.
Hijrah: A Daily Journey of Transformation.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Council, Sheikh Salman Adam, represented by the Vice Chairman of the Council and a Judge of the Kogi State Sharia Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Sae’ed Isah Okino, described Hijrah as more than a historical event commemorating the migration of Prophet Muhammad Salallahu Alayhi was Sallam from Makkah to Madinah.
According to him, Hijrah remains a timeless lesson and a continuous journey of personal and societal transformation.
He noted that Hijrah symbolizes a deliberate movement away from wrongdoing, corruption, greed, selfishness, indecency, lawlessness, and injustice towards righteousness, honesty, modesty, compassion, charity, and obedience to Allah and lawful authority.
He stated:
“Let our Hijrah this year be a migration from indifference to active responsibility, from disunity to solidarity, and from complacency to purposeful action.”
The Council Chairman urged Muslims to enter the new Islamic year with renewed faith and commitment to Islamic values. He called on citizens to reject indecent dressing and speech, cultivate good character, promote justice and equity, and show greater concern for the poor, widows, orphans, the sick, and the elderly.
A Call for Support for Security and National Unity.
Addressing the nation’s security challenges, Sheikh Salman Adam urged Nigerians to complement the efforts of security agencies through vigilance, cooperation, and timely reporting of suspicious activities.
He emphasized the need for prayers for peace and Divine intervention while cautioning against rumours, misinformation, and actions capable of creating division among citizens.
“We must intensify our prayers for peace, remain security-conscious in our communities, cooperate fully with legitimate security agencies, and reject all forms of division,” he said.
The Islamic scholar further called for prayers for victims of insecurity, displaced persons, widows, orphans, and affected communities across the country.
He stressed that Islam does not condone violence or unlawful killing, noting that the preservation of human life remains one of the cardinal objectives of Islamic law.
Royal Fathers Advocate Brotherhood and Unity.
The Chairman of the Occasion, Alhaji Dr. Saleh Ahmadu, OON, Madaki of Lokoja and Makama of Kakanda Kingdom, represented by HRH Engr. Faruq Muhammed Kakanda, Agankyu of Kakanda Kingdom, commended the Council for sustaining the annual Hijrah celebration and promoting Islamic values in the society.
Reflecting on the sacrifices of the early Muslims, he recalled the courage demonstrated during the formative years of Islam and the hospitality extended to Prophet Muhammad Salallahu Alayhi was Sallam by the Ansar upon his arrival in Madinah.
He challenged Muslims to revive the spirit of brotherhood, mutual support, and unity that characterized the early Muslim community.
The Royal Father of the Day, His Royal Majesty Alhaji Dr. Muhammad Ahmed Tijani Anaje, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, represented by HRH Alhaji Dr. Isah Mamman Okatahi, the Ohi of Okene, urged the faithful to remain steadfast in promoting peace, tolerance, and national development.
He praised the Council of Ulama’u for its commitment to religious enlightenment, peaceful coexistence, and unity among Muslims.
Guest Lecturer Charged the Ulama’u on Poverty alleviation, Morality and Unity.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Hon. Justice Yakubu Abbas, Kadi of the Kogi State Sharia Court of Appeal, spoke extensively on the contemporary relevance of Hijrah and the responsibilities of Muslims in addressing societal challenges.
He identified poverty, insecurity, moral decadence, youth restiveness, and disunity as major challenges confronting the society.
According to him, the Qur’an and Sunnah remain the ultimate sources of guidance capable of addressing contemporary problems and challenges.
Justice Abbas emphasized that the strength of any community lies not in its wealth or population but in its commitment to justice, compassion, unity, and the fear of Allah.
“The Prophet Salallahu Alayhi was Sallam built a society where different tribes and cultures coexisted peacefully and respected one another. That should remain our model today,” he stated.
He reminded Islamic scholars that they are the inheritors of the Prophets and must continue to guide the society towards righteousness and away from the influences of Shaytan.
Unveiling of the 1448 Hijrah Calendar.
One of the major highlights of the celebration was the official unveiling and launching of the 1448 Hijrah Calendar by the Chairman of the Occasion alongside eminent Islamic scholars, royal fathers, jurists, and distinguished personalities.
The ceremony symbolized the commencement of the new 1448H Islamic calendar year and reinforced the significance of Islamic history, heritage, and time consciousness among Muslims.
The event also featured colourful match-pasts by students from various Islamic schools across Kogi State, showcasing discipline, unity, and enthusiasm among the younger generation.
Dignitaries in Attendance.
Among the dignitaries present were:
– Hon. Justice AbdulKareem A. Aruwa, PhD, Grand Kadi of the Kogi State Sharia Court of Appeal and Chief Host;
– Hon. Justice Siyaka Usman Momohjimoh, President of the Customary Court of Appeal;
– Hon. Justice Estu Umar of the High Court of Justice;
– Hon. Justice Danladi Yakubu of Sharia Court of Appeal.
– Hon. Justice Suleiman B. Muhammad of Sharia Court of Appeal.
– Hon. Justice Ridwan Shaibu of Sharia Court of Appeal.
– Prof. Abdulrahman Ozovehe, CMD, Federal Teaching Hospital;
– CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, Commissioner of Police, Kogi State Command;
– Princess Nana Hawa Yusuf Shuaibu, Director-General, Radio Kogi;
– Senior government officials;
– Representatives of security agencies;
– Islamic scholars and jurists;
– Amirs and Amiras of various Islamic organizations;
– Political leaders; and
– Community stakeholders.
The event also attracted several First-Class Royal Fathers and traditional rulers, including:
– HRM Alhaji Dr. Muhammad Ahmed Tijani Anaje, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland, represented by HRH Alhaji Dr. Isah Mamman Okatahi, the Ohi of Okene;
– HRM Dr. Saidu Akawu Salihu, the Ohimegye Igu of Koton-Karfi;
– HRH Alhaji Ibrahim Muhammad Kabir Maikarfi IV, the Maigari of Lokoja, represented by the Waziri of Lokoja.
HRH Engr. Dr. Faruq Muhammad Kakanda, Agankyu of Kakanda Kingdom;
– HRH Alhaji Dr. Usman Obaje, OON, the Ejeh of Dekina; ably Represented.
– HRH Alhaji Shuaib Muhammad Ayegbajeje, the Olukotun of Ife-Olukotun, represented by Alhaji Isah Adeboye, Secretary of JNI, Kogi State;
– HRH Alhaji Salihu Adaji, the Onu Itobe; and
– Other eminent traditional rulers from across the state.
Commendation for Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Sheikh Salman Adam commended the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for its support for religious organizations and efforts aimed at maintaining peace and security in Kogi State.
He prayed for Divine Guidance, wisdom, and success for the Governor and all leaders entrusted with public responsibilities.
Closing Remarks.
The closing remarks were delivered by Hon. Justice Danladi Yakubu, Kadi of the Kogi State Sharia Court of Appeal, on behalf of the Chief Host, Hon. Justice AbdulKareem A. Aruwa, PhD, Grand Kadi of the Kogi State Sharia Court of Appeal.
He expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the success of the programme and appreciated all dignitaries, scholars, traditional rulers, government officials, guests, and participants whose presence contributed to the successful celebration.
Justice Danladi congratulated the Muslim Ummah on witnessing the commencement of another Islamic year and urged Muslims to remain steadfast in their devotion to Almighty Allah, uphold Islamic values, and continue working towards peace, unity, and societal development.
Conclusion.
The 1448 Hijrah Celebration ended with special prayers for peace, security, unity, progress, and prosperity in Kogi State and Nigeria.
Participants were reminded that the true essence of Hijrah lies not merely in commemorating a historical event but in making a continuous commitment to personal reform, social responsibility, justice, unity, and obedience to Allah.
As Muslims across the world begin the 1448H Islamic Calendar Year, the Kogi State Council of Ulama’u urged the faithful to make the lessons of Hijrah a guiding principle for building stronger families, peaceful communities, and a more prosperous nation.
The Council reiterated that Hijrah remains a timeless call to moral renewal, spiritual growth, responsible citizenship, and unwavering dedication to the values of Islam. It further encouraged Muslims to translate the lessons of Hijrah into practical actions that promote peace, development, compassion, and national cohesion for the benefit of present and future generations.
Signed:
Council Secretariat,
Lokoja.