Lokoja — The Osun State Muslim community yesterday appealed to Governor Rauf Aregbesola to approve the use of hijab for female Muslim students in public secondary schools.

The president of the community, Sheikh Salaudeen Olayiwola made the appeal while addressing newsmen in Osogbo yesterday on the activities lined up for the celebration of the new Hijirah. He also asked the government to declare the first day of the new Hijirah year a work-free day to enable Muslims in the state to celebrate it with their friends and relations.

The state's Commissioner for Special Duties, Ajibnola Basiru, who represented the governor at the press conference, said allowing the use of hijab would not affect academic studies, but would add value to it.