By Deborah Hassan
365Daily – The Federal Government has declared Monday 27th, Tuesday 28th December 2021 and Monday, 3rd January 2022 as public holidays to mark Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day celebrations respectively.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government on Tuesday, December 22, 2021, in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr. Shuaib M.L. Belgore.
Aregbesola felicitated Christians and all Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora on this year’s Christmas and New Year celebrations.
He enjoined Christians to practice the doctrines of Christ, which include but not limited to these – faith, hope and love.
“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”, he noted.
The Minister emphasised that peace and security are two critical conditions for economic development and prosperity. He urges Christians and Nigerians to make the best use of this festive period to pray for the total eradication of insecurity bedevilling our dear nation.
He charged Nigerians not to be lulled into a false sense of security on COVID-19 pandemic but to note that it is increasingly assuming a very dangerous and harmful dimension with the emergence of a virulent variant, Omicron.
“This calls for deliberate responsibility and discipline on the part of all”, the Minister stressed.
While urging Nigerians to observe COVID-19 protocols, he assured that the Government has put in place effective measures for the security of lives and property and expects Nigerians to support the efforts of security agencies by providing useful information that will assist them in the performance of their duties.
He further admonished all citizens to remain focused and expresses confidence that the year 2022 would be a better year for us all.