To commemorate this year’s Eid-ul-Mawlid, the Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Tuesday, October 19, as a public holiday.
Eid-ul-Mawlid is an Islamic celebration that marks the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who congratulated all Muslim faithful home and abroad.
Aregbesola urged Nigerians to use the oppotunity to spread the spirit of love, patience and perseverance which are the virtues of the Holy Prophet, adding that doing so would guarantee peace and security in the country.
The minister tasked Nigerians, especially muslims to shun all forms of violence and other criminal acts.
While calling for a stop to all divisive tendencies across the country, the Minister urged all Nigerians and the youth in particular, to embrace the virtues of hard work and peaceful disposition to fellow humans, irrespective of faith, ideology, social class and ethnicity.
He said Nigerians should cooperate with the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Administration in its effort to build a progressive and enviable nation that all citizens would be proud of.