The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Friday 25th, Monday 28th of December 2020 and Friday, 1st of January 2021 as public holidays to mark the Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year celebrations respectively.
The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, made the declaration on behalf of the federal government in a statement signed on Wednesday by the permanent secretary of the ministry, Dr Shuaib Belgore.
While felicitating with Christians and all Nigerians both at home and abroad on this year’s Christmas and New Year Celebrations, Aregbesola urged Christians to 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.
The Minister also advised Nigerians, and Christians in particular, to strictly follow the 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 who reiterated 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, Aregbesola expressed confidence 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 wished all Nigerians and Christians in particular, a happy Christmas and New Year Celebrations”, the statement added.
