The Federal Government has declared the following dates as public holidays for Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year’s Day celebrations, respectively: Monday, December 26, Tuesday, December 27, and Monday, January 2, 2023.
Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the interior minister, made the announcement on behalf of the federal government and congratulated Christians and other Nigerians, both at home and abroad, on the celebrations of this year’s Christmas and New Year.
Ogbeni Aregbesola enjoins Christians to emulate the doctrines of Christ in faith, hope and love. “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”, he noted.
He highlights the importance of security and peace as prerequisites for prosperity and economic growth. He exhorts Nigerians and Christians to make the most of this festive season by praying for the complete eradication of the insecurity that afflicts our beloved country.
Aregbesola strongly charges Nigerians not to be lulled into insensitive crisis by criminally minded elements that wants to create anarchy in the country “This calls for deliberate responsibility and discipline on the part of all”, the Minister stresses.
The Minister urges Nigerians to be security conscious, asking them to report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest security agency through the N-Alert application on Android and IOS, saying “when you see something do N-Alert, as this would elicit prompt response from security agents”.
Speaking further, the Minister said this Yuletide calls for spartan discipline in order to protect lives and properties of everyone in our community and the nation as a whole.
Aregbesola advised “Moderately celebrate the festival avoid the spread of fake news and be responsible. Take it as a point of duty you own your father land ”.
The Minister also assures 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.
Aregbesola admonishes all citizens to remain focused and expresses confidence that the year 2023 would be a better year for us all.
He wishes all Christians in particular a happy Christmas and all Nigerians a peaceful and prosperous New Year celebration.
