From.Abuja
The Federal Government has declared Thursday, Oct. 29, as Public Holiday to mark Eidel-Maulud Celebration in commemoration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him).
The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement signed by the Director of Press/Public Relations, Ministry of Interior, Mohammed Manga in Abuja on Tuesday.
The minister congratulated Muslim faithful,home and abroad for witnessing the occasion.
Aregbesola enjoined the Muslims to imbibe the spirit of love, patience and perseverance which he noted were the virtues of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), reminding that doing so would guarantee peace and security in the country.
The minister admonished Muslims to follow the teachings of the Holy Quran in Chapter 4 Verse 59 which says: “O you who believe, Obey God and His Messenger, and those from among you vested with authority.
“And if you are to dispute among yourselves about anything, refer it to God and the Messenger, if indeed you believe in God and the Last Day.This is the best (for you), and fairest in the end.”
Aregbesola also enjoined Nigerians, particularly the Muslims, at this moment to abhor violence, lawlessness, wantonness and daylight robbery as witnessed across the country in recent time.
He, however, stressed that Nigeria was the pride of the black race, adding that the country should provide responsible leadership for the greatness and development of the African continent and all black race.
The Minister called for a stop to all divisive tendencies across the country and urged Nigerians, the youth in particular, to embrace peace and cooperate with the Federal Government in its efforts to build a virile nation that all citizens would be proud of.
Aregbesola, who described the youth as the hope and future of the nation, advised them to deepen democracy rather than dampen it.
“With democracy in place, we can overcome our challenges. The challenges of nationhood that we face are surmountable if we work through the democratic process,”he said
He wished Muslims a happy Eidel- Maulud Celebration and all Nigerians, a happy holiday.
