The Federal Government has declared Monday, June 17, and Tuesday, June 18, 2024, as public holidays to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festival.
The announcement was made in a statement signed by Dr. Aishetu Ndayako, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, on Friday.
In the statement, Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo extended congratulations to the Muslim Ummah both within the country and abroad. He called upon Muslims to embody the spirit of peace, kindness, and sacrifice exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon Him), and encouraged them to use the festive period to pray for unity, prosperity, and the stability of Nigeria.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, Minister Tunji-Ojo urged all Nigerians to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s efforts in diversifying the economy and accelerating the nation’s economic recovery.
He emphasized personal responsibility in building a prosperous Nigeria for future generations, stating, “While wishing the Muslim Ummah a happy Eid-el-Kabir celebration, the Minister advised all Nigerians to take responsibility in the resolve to hand over a prosperous Nigeria to the nation’s children.”
Meanwhile, Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Sunday, June 16, as Eid-el-Kabir day following the confirmation of Friday as the first day of Dhul Hijjah. This declaration was made in a statement by Sambo Junaid, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs to the Sultanate Council in Sokoto State.
In his message, Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar urged the Muslim Ummah to continue praying for peace, progress, and development in Nigeria.
He extended warm wishes to all Muslims, saying, “May Allah (SWT) accept our religious deeds, amen.”
With the public holidays announced by the Federal Government, Nigerians are poised to observe Eid-el-Kabir with prayers, festivities, and acts of goodwill across the country.