FG declares Friday, Monday Public Holiday

BY Victoria Ogunrinde

As the world celebrate the Christmas Season, the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has declared Friday 25 and Monday 28 December 2020 as well as Friday, January 1, 2021 as public holidays to mark the Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year Celebrations respectively.

According to a press statement by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Shuaib M.L Belgore on Wednesday in Abuja, the Minister who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, felicitated with Christians and all Nigerians urging Christians to adopt the creed of Christ on faith, hope and love.

“We must emulate the life of humility, service, compassion, patience, peace and righteousness that the birth and Ministry of Jesus Christ signified, that will be the best way to know Christ and celebrate his birth”, he said.

Aregbesola noted that peace and security are critical factors needed to enable Government accomplish its mission of revitalizing the economy, improving Foreign Direct Investments as well as generating employment opportunities for over 100 million Nigerian youths in the next 10 years.

Similarly, he advised Nigerians and Christians in particular, to adhere strictly to the COVID-19 protocols and guidelines, as stipulated by relevant authorities, during and after the yuletide, especially with the second wave of the outbreak of the disease.

“The Minister who reiterated Federal Government’s avowed commitment to the fight against armed banditry, kidnappings and other crimes and criminalities in the country, called on Nigerians to support the efforts of the security agencies by providing them with information that will enhance intelligence gathering.

Furthermore, Aregbesola while expressing confidence that the year 2021 would be a better year for all Nigerians however implore Christians to pray for Nigeria.