The federal government has declared Wednesday and Thursday as public holidays to mark this year's Eid-el-Kabir celebration. The announcement was made by the Minister of interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, and conveyed in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by the permanent secretary of the Ministry of interior, Magdalene Ajani.
According to the statement, the minister declared the holidays on behalf of the federal government, describing the move as a demonstration of the government's respect for the Islamic faith and the spiritual values associated with the celebration.
Tunji-Ojo called on Nigerians to take advantage of the festive period to pray for the nation's continued peace, security, and prosperity, stressing the need for divine guidance as the country pursues national development.
He said, “Eid-ul-Adha is a festival of deep spiritual significance, grounded in the values of sacrifice, obedience to God and compassion for one’s fellow man.”
The minister also extended the federal government's goodwill message to Muslim faithful across the country and beyond.
“I send warm felicitations of the federal government to all Muslim faithful in Nigeria and in the diaspora,” Mr. Tunji-Ojo said.