The Federal Government has declared Tuesday and Wednesday, April 9 and 10, 2024, as public holidays to mark the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Aishetu Ndayako.
The minister congratulated all Muslim Ummah for the successful completion of the fast in the holy month of Ramadan.
Tunji-Ojo called on Muslims to imbibe and practise the virtues of kindness, love, tolerance, peace, good neighbourliness, and compassion as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him).
The statement read, “The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Tuesday, 9th, and Wednesday, 10th April 2024 as public holidays to mark the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
“The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, congratulates all Muslim Ummah for the successful completion of the fasting in the holy month of Ramadan.”
The minister urged Nigerians to continue in the spirit of unity to improve and achieve peace and oneness in the country.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu arrived Lagos in on Sunday ahead the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
Tinubu was welcomed at the presidential wing of Murtala Muhammed International Airport by the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, among other top officials in government.
The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, had in a Saturday statement disclosed Tinubu would mark the end of Ramadan fasting in Lagos.
Ngelale said, “In deference to the solemn occasion, which marks the end of Ramadan, the President will observe the moment in prayers for Nigeria and with family.”
Ngelale who did not specify the date of Tinubu’s return said the Nigerian leader would “continue official duties during and after the Eid-el-Fitr holidays.”
Also, the Vice-President, Kashim Shettima, on Sunday, arrived in Maiduguri ahead of the Eid-El-Fitr celebration.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that on arrival at the Muhammadu Buhari International Airport, Maiduguri, Shettima was received by the Borno Deputy Governor, Alhaji Umar Kadafur, members of the State Executive Council, and party chieftains.
Meanwhile, security has been beefed up in Maiduguri and environs as usual during such festive periods.
The Eid-El-Fitr celebration marking the end of Ramadan fasting is expected to hold either Tuesday or Wednesday depending on the Lunar calendar heralding the new Islamic month of Shawwal.