Christmas and New Year fall weekends. National holidays have been extended to weekdays as Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus.
Since this year’s Christmas falls on Saturday, the Federal Government has declared Monday 27th, Tuesday 28th December 2021 as public holidays.
Also, Monday, 3rd January 2022 has been declared as a public holiday to mark New Year’s Day celebration.
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Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, felicitates with Christians and all Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora on this year’s Christmas and New Year celebrations.
This was contained in a statement on Wednesday signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Shuaib Belgore. It was titled, ‘FG declares Monday, 27th, Tuesday 28th, 2021 and Monday, January 3rd, 2022 public holidays for Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year.
The minister 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,” the minister says.
The minister stressed that 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 bedevilling our dear nation.
Aregbesola also enjoined all Nigerians to adhere strictly to and observe all the stipulated non-pharmaceutical COVID-19 protocols and guidelines such as wearing of facemasks, frequent washing of hands with soap and water, using of hand sanitiser and avoidance of large groups as they celebrate Christmas.
“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.