Eid-el-Kabir: FG declares Monday 17, Tuesday 18, public holidays
By Emma Ogbuehi
The federal government has declared Monday, June 17, and Tuesday, June 18, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Adha (Sallah) celebration.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on Friday, June 14, on behalf of the federal government.
Tunji-Ojo congratulated all Muslim Ummah both at home and in the Diaspora on this occasion.
He called on the Muslim Ummah to continue to imbibe the spirit of peace, kindness and sacrifice, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon Him) and to also use the period to pray for unity, prosperity and the stability of the country.
The Minister, in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Aishetu Ndayako, assured that the administration of President Bola Tinubu was committed to safeguarding the lives and property of all Nigerians.
While wishing the Muslim Ummah a happy Eid-ul- Adha celebration, the Minister advised all Nigerians to take responsibility in the resolve to hand over a prosperous Nigeria to the younger ones.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu will celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir festival in Lagos.
A statement on Friday by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, said Tinubu will observe Eid-el-Kabir in Lagos, where he will also spend the Sallah holidays.
It added: “The President will mark the occasion with prayers and reflection on advancing the transformation of Nigeria in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda.”
The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, earlier declared Sunday, June 16, as Eid-el-Kabir day after affirming that Friday is the first day of Dhul Hijjah.
Sultan disclosed this in a statement on Friday by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs to the Sultanate Council, Sambo Junaid, in Sokoto State.
“His Eminence, the Sultan felicitates with Nigeria’s Muslim Ummah and wishes them Allah’s guidance and blessings.
“The Sultan, while urging the Muslim Ummah to continue to pray for peace, progress and development of the country, also wishes all Muslims a Happy Eid-El-Kabir. May Allah (SWT) accept our religious deeds, amen,” the Sultanate council said in the statement.