Nigerian government has declared Monday, 26th and Tuesday 27th December 2022 as public holidays to mark this year’s Christmas and Boxing Day .
The government also declared Monday January 2nd ,2023 a public holiday for New Year’s Day celebration, even though the New Year falls on Sunday January 1st,2023.
In a statement signed by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Shuaib M.L. Belgore, on behalf of Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, announced the holidays.
It stated that the Federal Government, felicitated Christians and all Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora on this year’s Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Ogbeni Aregbesola enjoined Christians to emulate the doctrines of Christ in faith, hope and love.
“We must imbibe 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,” he noted.
He emphasized that peace and security were two critical conditions for economic development and prosperity.
Aregbesola strongly charged Nigerians not to be lured into insensitive crisis by criminally minded elements that wanted to create anarchy in the country.