The Federal Government has declared December 27 and 28, 2021, and January 3, 2022, as public holidays to mark Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day celebrations respectively.
Minister of interior Rauf Aregbesola announced this in a release on Wednesday signed by the ministry’s permanent secretary Shuaib Belgore.
“Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, felicitated with Christians and all Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora on this year’s Christmas and New Year celebrations,” the statement read.
Aregbesola enjoined Christians “to practice the doctrine of Christ, which includes but is 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 added.
The minister emphasised that peace and security are two critical conditions for economic development and prosperity, urging Christians and Nigerians to make the best use of this festive period to pray for the total eradication of insecurity bedevilling the country.
Aregbesola also 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,” he said.
Aregbesola admonished all citizens to remain focused and expresses confidence that the year 2022 would be a better year for all.
