The Federal Government has declared Thursday, July 30 and Friday, July 31, 2020 as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir (sallah) celebrations.
The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola announced this in a statement issued Tuesday, and signed on his behalf by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Georgina Ehuriah.
The minister while making the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated Muslim faithful and all Nigerians both at home and abroad on the occasion.
He called on Muslims to continue to imbibe the spirit of love, peace, kindness and sacrifice, as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) and to also use the period to pray for peace, unity, prosperity and the stability of the country especially as the world is witnessing global health challenges caused by Covid-19 pandemic.
The minister, who assured Nigerians that the administration of the President Muhammadu Buhari is “committed to battling the scourge with the cooperation of all Nigerians, emphasised that the government would continue to foster peaceful coexistence, national cohesion and stability in its march towards actualizing the full potentials of the country”.
He called on all Nigerians to join hands with the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in its avowed determination to build a peaceful, harmonious and prosperous country, where the rights of every citizen, are protected and guaranteed, as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Aregbesola, while wishing Muslim faithful happy celebrations, advised all Nigerians to take responsibility against the spread of the virus by observing social distancing, personal and respiratory hygiene, as well as other regulations issued by relevant authorities.
KanyiDaily had also reported that the upcoming Sallah festivities forced the Federal Government to extend the phase two of eased COVID-19 lockdown in the country by one week.