In honor of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad, the Federal Government has announced Tuesday, Oct. 19 as a public holiday.
The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, made the proclamation on behalf of the Federal Government on Friday in Abuja, according to a statement published by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Shuaib Belgore.
On the occasion of Eid-ul-Mawlud, Aregbesola congratulated all Nigerian Muslim faithful, both at home and abroad.
He urged Nigerians to imbibe the Holy Prophet’s values of love, patience, and perseverance, saying that doing so would ensure the country’s peace and stability.
Nigerians, particularly Muslims, were urged by the minister to desist from acts of violence, lawlessness, and other criminality.
“We (Nigerians) must show responsible leadership in Africa as the undeniable leader of our race,” he remarked.
Aregbesola urged Nigerians to avoid any divisive tendencies that could lead to a crisis in the country.
He also exhorted Nigerians, particularly the youth, to embrace the principles of hard work and a peaceful attitude toward one’s fellow man.
“Irrespective of faith, ideology, social class and ethnicity I urge you to cooperate with President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in its effort to build a progressive and enviable nation that all citizens would be proud of,” he said.
