Eid-ul-Fitr: FG declares public holiday

As Muslims mark the end of 30 days fasting, the Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Wednesday and Thursday this week as public holiday.

Nigeria’s Minister of Interior,
Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, on Monday gave the declaration through a statement in Abuja.

The statement which was signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, congratulated muslims across the country on the ocassion.

The minister called on Nigerians at home and in Diaspora to use the Eid-ul-Fitr to pray for peace and stability of the country particularly at its trying times.

Aregbesola, who believes that development cannot thrive in a rancorous atmosphere, urged all “Nigerians to be law-abiding and embrace the spirit of love, self-discipline, kindness, and tolerance, as taught by the Holy Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him)”.

The minister also called on all security agencies in the country to “be more courageous and patriotic to surmount the ongoing battle against resurging insecurity and activities of criminal elements in Nigeria”.

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, and the holiday begins according to the sighting of the new moon.