As Muslims celebrate Eid-el Fitir, the governor of Gombe State, Inuwa Yahaya has approved the extension of public holiday to Friday 12th April.
The federal government had declared Tuesday 9th, Wednesday 10th and Thursday 11th as public holidays for Sallah celebrations.
However, Governor Inuwa has added one more day as a work-free day to enable the residents of the state to celebrate ‘more comfortably.’
The governor’s approval was conveyed by the office of the head of civil service of the state on Wednesday evening.
The extension of the holiday might not be unconnected with the fact that the state usually marks the Sallah festival for three consecutive days via horse riding led by the emir of Gombe, Abubakar Shehu Abubakar.
On the Eid day, a Durbar (horse riding) known as “Hawan Sallah” takes place immediately after Eid prayer is observed, then “Hawan Gidan Gwamnati” on the second day and “Hawan Tudun Wada” on the third day respectively.
“I am directed to inform you that the Governor of Gombe State Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya (Dan Majen Gombe) has approved the extension of the public holiday to Thursday, April 11 and Friday, April 12, 2024 to enable civil servants in the state continue with the celebration of this year’s Eid-el-Fitir”, a press release from the office of the head of civil service says.
Meanwhile, the governor asked workers on essential services to remain active throughout the public holiday adding that all other workers should resume their normal duties on Monday, 15th April, 2024.