To commemorate the celebrations of Christmas and Boxing Day, the Federal Government has declared Monday, December 26 and Tuesday, December 27, 2022 as holidays.
Additionally, January 2, 2023, was declared a holiday from work to celebrate the new year.
In a statement released on Thursday by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Shuaib Belgore, the interior minister, Rauf Aregbesola, implored Nigerians to pray for an end to the nation’s insecurity.
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The statement partly read, “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.
“Peace and security are two critical conditions for economic development and prosperity. We urge Christians and Nigerians to make the best use of this festive period to pray for the total eradication of any vestige of insecurity in our dear nation.
“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.”
The Minister urged Nigerians to avoid anything capable of disrupting the 2023 elections.