The Federal Government has declared Monday 27th, Tuesday 28th December 2021 as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day.
The government also declared Monday 3rd January 2022 as holiday for New Year’s Day celebration.
Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday in a statement signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary Shuaib Belgore.
The minister felicitates with Christians and all Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora on this year’s Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Aregbesola was quoted as saying, “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 said peace and security are two critical conditions for economic development and prosperity and urged Christians and Nigerians to make the best use of this festive period to pray for the total eradication of insecurity bedeviling our dear nation.
The minister urged all Nigerians to adhere strictly to and observe all the stipulated non-pharmaceutical COVID-19 protocols and guidelines such as wearing of face masks, frequent washing of hands with soap and water, using of hand sanitiser and avoidance of large groups.
“Moderately celebrate the festival without large groupings and observe all the protocols stipulated by medical authorities. Take it as a point of personal responsibility to prevent the spread of the virus,” the minister said.
