FG declares public holidays for Christmas, New Year celebrations

The federal government has declared December 26 and 27 as well as January 2, 2023, as public holidays.

The ministry of interior announced the festive season holidays in a statement signed by Belgore Shuaib, the permanent secretary, on Friday.

The public holidays are to mark Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day celebrations respectively.

Rauf Aregbesola, the minister of interior, asked Christians to emulate the doctrines of Jesus, noting that “we must imbibe the life of Jesus Christ in His practice and teachings on humility, service, compassion, patience, peace and righteousness”.

The minister called on Christians to use the festive period to pray for the total eradication of the insecurity bedevilling Nigeria.

He said peace and security are two critical conditions for economic development and prosperity.

Aregbesola asked Nigerians not to be swayed by “criminal elements” who intend “to create anarchy in the country”.

“Moderately celebrate the festival, avoid the spread of fake news and be responsible,” he added.

The minister said the federal government has put in place measures to secure lives and property while he encouraged Nigerians to support security agencies by providing useful information.

He urged Nigerians to be security conscious and advised them to report suspicious activities through the N-Alert application on Android and IOS.