The Federal Government has declared Monday December 27, Tuesday 28th 2021, and Monday, 3rd January 2022 as public holidays to mark Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day celebrations respectively.
The declaration was contained in a statement issued Wednesday in Abuja and signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Dr Shuaib Belgore.
“Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, felicitated with Christians and all Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora on this year’s Christmas and New Year celebrations,” he said.
Aregbesola enjoined Christians “to practice the doctrine of Christ, which includes but is not limited to these – faith, hope, and love.
“We must emulate the life of Jesus Christ in His practice and teachings on Humility, Service, Compassion, Patience, Peace, and Righteousness, that His birth signifies. This will be the best way to portray Christ and celebrate his birth”, he added.
He emphasised that peace and security are two critical conditions for economic development and prosperity, urging Christians and Nigerians to make the best use of this festive period to pray for the total eradication of insecurity bedeviling our dear nation.
Aregbesola also charged Nigerians not to be lulled into a false sense of security on COVID-19 pandemic but to note that it is increasingly assuming a very dangerous and harmful dimension with the emergence of a virulent variant, Omicron.
“This calls for deliberate responsibility and discipline on the part of all,” the Minister added.
He urged everyone to observe all the stipulated non-pharmaceutical protocols and guidelines such as wearing of facemasks, frequent washing of hands with soap and water, using hand sanitizers, and avoidance of large groups.