The Federal Government has declared Monday, December 27, Tuesday, December 28 and Monday, January 3, 2022 as public holidays to mark Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year celebrations.
The Minister of Interior, Mr Rauf Aregbesola stated this in Abuja on Wednesday.
The development was contained in a statement made available to journalists on Wednesday by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Shuaib Belgore.
Aregbesola, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, also felicitated with Christians and all Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora.
The minister also urged Christians to practice the doctrines of Christ, which include but not limited to faith, hope and love.
He said, “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.”
But Aregbesola reminded Nigerians that peace and security were two critical conditions for economic development and prosperity.
He, therefore, urged Christians and Nigerians to make the best use of the festive period to pray for the total eradication of insecurity bedevilling the country.
Aregbesola further urged Nigerians not to be lulled into a false sense of security on COVID-19 pandemic but to note that it was increasingly assuming a very dangerous and harmful dimension with the emergence of Omicron variant.
He said, “This calls for deliberate responsibility and discipline on the part of all.”
