FG declares public holidays for Christmas, New Year celebrations

The federal government has declared December 27, 28 and January 3, 2022 as public holidays to mark Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year Day.

Rauf Aregbesola, minister of interior, made the announcement in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja.

The statement was signed by Shuaib Belgore, permanent secretary of the interior ministry.

Aregbesola felicitated with Christians and Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, adding that Christians should adhere to the practice of Christ’s doctrines, which include faith, hope and love.

The statement reads: “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.”

Aregbesola urged Nigerians to observe all the non-pharmaceutical protocols and guidelines, such as the wearing of facemasks, for protection against COVID-19.

He said Nigerians should frequently wash their hands with soap and water, use hand sanitisers, and avoid large gatherings.

The minister urged Nigerians to be conscious of the dangerous and harmful dimension of the Omicron variant.

“This calls for deliberate responsibility and discipline on the part of all,” he said.

Aregbesola called on Nigerians to quickly report any respiratory illness observed in themselves and others to medical authorities.

“Moderately celebrate the festival without large groupings and observe all the protocols stipulated by medical authorities,” he said.

“Take it as a point of personal responsibility to prevent the spread of the virus.”

The minister also assured that the federal government had put in place effective measures for the security of lives and property.