State Governor Declares September Public Holiday
The Kano State Government has declared Tuesday, September 1, 2026, a public holiday for civil servants across the state to allow residents to observe the annual Takutaha celebration.
The decision was approved by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and communicated to commissioners, permanent secretaries and heads of government agencies through an official circular.
The directive was contained in Circular No. 7/2026, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Establishment Directorate in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service, Abba A. Danguguwa, on behalf of the Head of Service.
The holiday falls on the 19th day of Rabi’ul Awwal in the Islamic calendar and is observed in Kano as part of a long-standing religious and cultural tradition.
Takutaha is held every year to mark the seventh-day naming ceremony associated with the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The event attracts residents and visitors who take part in religious activities and traditional processions across parts of the ancient city of Kano.
During the celebration, participants often appear in traditional clothing and move through the city in groups while offering praises and prayers. Some participants also travel to areas around Twin Dala and Goron Dutse hills, where they gather for meals, religious activities and other forms of celebration.
The state government urged workers to use the holiday for prayers and personal reflection while seeking peace and prosperity for Kano State and Nigeria.
Despite the declaration, essential government services are expected to remain operational during the public holiday. Workers involved in such services will continue to perform their duties where necessary.
The September 1 holiday comes after other religious and cultural observances scheduled across Nigeria in August. Isese Day was observed on August 20 in some South-West states, while Eid-el-Maulud is also being marked around the period, subject to the Islamic lunar calendar and official confirmation.
The Kano government has continued to recognise Takutaha as an important annual event for communities in the state, with the celebration bringing together people for religious observance and traditional activities.
The latest declaration means government offices covered by the directive will not conduct their normal activities on Tuesday, September 1, while essential services will continue to operate.
