Christmas: FG declares Friday, Monday, public holidays
The Federal Government has declared Friday (Christmas Day), Monday (December 28) and next Friday (January 1, 2021) as public holidays to mark the Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year Celebrations respectively.
This is contained in a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Interior, Mohammed Manga, on Wednesday.
The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, felicitated with Christians and all Nigerians both at home and abroad on this year’s Christmas and New Year Celebrations.
According to Aregbesola, Christians must adopt the creed of Christ on faith, hope and love.
“We must emulate the life of humility, service, compassion, patience, peace and righteousness that the birth and ministry of Jesus Christ signified, that will be the best way to know Christ and celebrate his birth”, he said.
He noted that peace and security are critical factors needed to enable government to accomplish its mission of revitalizing the economy, improving Foreign Direct Investment as well as generating employment opportunities for over 100 million Nigerian youth in the next 10 years.
Aregbesola advised Nigerians and Christians, in particular, to adhere strictly to the COVID-19 protocols and guidelines as stipulated by relevant authorities, during and after the yuletide, especially with the second wave of the outbreak of the disease.
The Minister the Federal Government’s avowed commitment to the fight against armed banditry, kidnappings and other crimes and criminalities in the country.
He called on Nigerians to support the efforts of the security agencies by providing them with information that will enhance intelligence gathering.
Aregbesola urged all Nigerians to remain focused, determined, patient and patriotic, and expressed confidence that the year 2021 would be a better year for all Nigerians.
The Interior Minister, therefore, urged Christians to use the period to pray for Nigeria.
Aregbesola wished all Nigerians and Christians in particular, a happy Christmas and New Year Celebrations.
==========