The Federal Government on Thursday declared Dec. 25 and Dec. 26 as well as Jan. 1, 2020 as public holidays for Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year celebrations.
According to Dailypost, the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, announced this in Abuja through a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Mrs. Georgina Ehuriah.
The Minister felicitated with Christians and all Nigerians both at home and abroad on the 2019 Christmas and New Year celebrations. He enjoined all Christians to live by the virtues and teachings of Jesus Christ.
According to him, those virtues hinge on compassion, patience, peace, humility, righteousness and love for one another.
The minister said that living by them would guarantee an atmosphere of peace and security in the country.
The minister urged Christians to use the period to pray for Nigeria and admonished all citizens to remain focused and determined as well as to continue to persist in displaying love for one another.
He said that with patience and perseverance the current security challenges would be overcome.
“With love for one another, hard work, selfless service, patience and patriotism, Nigeria will sooner than later join the league of developed nations,’’ Aregbesola said.
He wished Nigerians a happy and peaceful Christmas and a prosperous New Year celebration.
