The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Friday the 25th and Monday the 28th of December, as well as Friday, January 1, 2021 as public holidays. This is to mark the Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year holidays respectively.
Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement on Wednesday through the ministry’s permanent secretary Shuib Belgore, felicitated with Christians and all Nigerians both at home and abroad on this year’s Christmas and New Year Celebrations.
Aregbesola called on Christians to adopt the creed of Christ on faith, hope and love and urged Nigerians to adhere strictly to the COVID-19 protocols and guidelines, as stipulated by relevant authorities, during and after the festivities to curb the spreads of the virus, as the nation moves into the second wave of pandemic.
According to him, “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”.
Aregbesola noted that peace and security are critical factors needed to enable Government accomplish its mission of revitalizing the economy, improving Foreign Direct Investments as well as generating employment opportunities for over 100 million Nigerian youths in the next 10 years.
“The Federal Government’s avowed commitment to the fight against armed banditry, kidnappings and other crimes and criminalities in the country, called on Nigerians to support the efforts of the security agencies by providing them with information that will enhance intelligence gathering.
“While admonishing all Nigerians to remain focused, determined, patient and patriotic, I believe that the year 2021 would be a better year for all Nigerians and therefore urged Christians to use the period to pray for Nigeria”, he added.
He wished all Nigerians and Christians in particular, a happy Christmas and New Year Celebrations.
