The Federal Government has declared December 24, 25 and 28 as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-El-Maulud, Christmas and Boxing Day, respectively.
The minister of interior, Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd) made the declaration on behalf of the federal government Tuesday in a statement by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Mr Bassey Akpanyung.
The statement reads, “The federal government has declared Thursday, 24th December, 2015 as a public holiday to mark Eid-El-Maulud celebration and Friday, 25th and Monday, 28th December, 2015 have also been declared as public holidays to mark Christmas and Boxing Day celebration.’’
According to the statement, Dambazau enjoined Muslim and Christian faithful to use the unique occasion to pray for the peace and unity of Nigeria.
The minister also advised Nigerians to cooperate with President Muhammadu Buhari in his efforts to build a peaceful, united and virile nation.
He prayed fervently for the peace and progress of the nation and wished Nigerians at home and abroad, happy celebrations as they march towards a warm and bright 2016.
Eid-el-Maulud is the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammed in Islam, while Christmas is celebrated by Christians to mark the birth of Jesus Christ.