By John Ikani
The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Friday, April 15 and Monday, April 18, 2022, as public holidays to mark the celebration of Easter.
The declaration was made on behalf of the federal government by the minister of interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.
The Minister who felicitated with Christians and Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora on this year’s Easter celebration, advised Christians to emulate the attributes of sacrifice, togetherness, forgiveness, kindness, love, peace and patience, which were the attributes and practices of Jesus Christ, as exemplified by His ministry on earth.
“Aregbesola, therefore, called on Christians and all Nigerians alike to use the occasion of this year’s Easter Celebration to pray for an end to all security challenges bedevilling every part of the country,” the statement signed by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Shuaib Belgore, said.
He assured Nigerians that the federal government will leave no stone unturned to ensure that the recent attacks by undesirable elements on the highways, airport and the railway are timely brought to an end.
The statement went on to quote the minister as saying: “Security is everybody’s business. I, therefore, urge Nigerians and foreigners resident in our country to display a high sense of citizenship and public-spiritedness at this critical time in the history of our country, by supporting the efforts of all security agencies in bringing peace and security of lives and property of the citizenry.
“While wishing Christians at home and in the Diaspora a happy and peaceful Easter celebration, we also call on Nigerians to join hands with the President, Major General, Muhammadu Buhari (retd) led regime in its determination to bring sustainable development and usher in prosperity for all.”
The minister assured Nigerians that the nation is inexorably on the path to greatness, despite the present challenges confronting her.
