Easter: FG declares Friday, Monday public holidays

The federal government has declared Friday, March 29, and Monday, April 1, 2024, as public holidays to commemorate 2024 Good Friday and Easter Monday.

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the minister of interior, made the announcement on behalf of the federal government, according to a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Aishetu Ndayako, on Wednesday.

Tunji-Ojo challenged Christians and all Nigerians to emulate Jesus Christ’s sacrifice and love in dying for humanity’s redemption.

The statement partly reads, “Easter, beyond religious significance, promotes values of love, forgiveness, and compassion, which are essential for social cohesion and harmony.

“The minister called on Christians to imbibe these virtues, as they are capable of impacting positively on the socio-economic development of Nigeria by fostering unity, reducing conflicts, and encouraging cooperation among Nigerians.”

Furthermore, he urged Nigerians to show acts of charity and generosity to help alleviate the material conditions of the less privileged among them.

Tunji-Ojo also stated that this was in tandem with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“While wishing Christians at home and abroad a happy and blissful Easter celebration, the Minister also called on Nigerians to join hands with the President Tinubu-led administration in its determination to bring sustainable development and usher in prosperity for all,” the statement added.