The Nigerian government has declared public holidays to mark this year’s Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year Day celebrations.
The dates respectively declared as work-free are Monday 27, Tuesday 28 December 2021; and Monday, 3 January 2022.
Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, announced the holidays on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement on Wednesday.
Aregbesola said the Nigerian government felicitates with Christians and all Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora on this year’s Christmas and New Year celebrations.
“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,” Aregbesola said.
“This will be the best way to portray Christ and celebrate his birth.”
Aregbesola said that peace and security are two critical conditions for economic development and prosperity and urged Christians and Nigerians to make the best use of this festive period to pray for the total eradication of insecurity bedeviling the country.
The interior minister enjoined all Nigerians to adhere strictly to and observe all the stipulated non-pharmaceutical COVID-19 protocols and guidelines such as wearing of facemasks, frequent washing of hands with soap and water, using of hand sanitiser and avoidance of large groups.
“Moderately celebrate the festival without large groupings and observe all the protocols stipulated by medical authorities. Take it as a point of personal responsibility to prevent the spread of the virus,” Aregbesola said.
Aregbesola said this Yuletide calls for spartan discipline in order to prevent the spread of the virus in our community and the nation as a whole.
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 2022 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.
