The Federal Government has declared Dec. 25 and 26 and Jan. 1, 2020, as public holidays for the Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year celebrations.
This was announced on Thursday by the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, through a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Mrs. Georgina Ehuriah in Abuja.
Felicitating with Christians and all Nigerians both at home and abroad on the 2019 Christmas and New Year celebrations, Aregbesola enjoined them to live by the virtues and teachings of Jesus Christ.
Those virtues, he said, hinged on compassion, patience, peace, humility, righteousness and love for one another, adding that living by them would guarantee an atmosphere of peace and security in the country.
The minister expressed confidence that 2020 would be a breakthrough year for all Nigerians and assured that the Federal Government, under the “visionary leadership’’ of President Muhammadu Buhari, would make life more meaningful for all Nigerians.
Aregbesola urged Christians to use the period to pray for the country even as he called on all citizens to remain focused and determined as well as continue to persist in displaying love for one another.
“With love for one another, hard work, selfless service, patience and patriotism, Nigeria will sooner than later join the league of developed nations,’’ he said.
The Minister wished Nigerians a happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year celebrations.
