Lagos — As the Muslim world herald the New Year 1430 today, December 28, 2008, The Criterion, an association of Muslim women in business, has called on government at various levels to give recognition to the Hijrah calendar and use it side-by-side with the Gregorian.

In a statement signed by the association's Amirah (president), Hajia Sherifah Joke Yussuf, and made available to LEADERSHIP SUNDAY in Lagos at the weekend, The Criterion that said such recognition would go a long way to portray government as unbiased against Islam.

The group, used the opportunity to send its goodwill message to the entire Muslim world on the sighting of the new moon to herald the 1430 Hijrah year.

"While congratulating the Ummah on this occasion, we enjoin them to reflect on their deeds during the past year, resolve to improve upon the good ones and strive to move away from the unworthy ones. The occasion does not call for any form of merry making, but calls for a sober reflection over the past year's deeds and misdeeds. Hijrah connotes dropping the unworthy characters for the pleasant ones.

"We equally seize this opportunity to call on government at various levels to give recognition to the Hijrah calendar and use it side by side with the Gregorian.

The Criterion also added its voice to the condemnation of the unfortunate killer syrup, (My Pikin) which has resulted in the death of several children within the country. "While doing this, we call on the National Agency for Food, Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC), to be alive to its responsibilities and stem up acts at ensuring the security of lives of our innocent babies and the populace at large.

"As we herald the new year, we call on the federal government to initiate and implement people-friendly programmes, especially in ensuring food security, economic empowerment, power generation and supply, promoting healthy living and the security of lives and property.

"We renew our call on the need to bring all those involved in the recent Jos riot and killings to book while praying fervently to Almighty Allah to console and compensate the families of those who lost their lives and property in the riot," it stated.