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By Emmanuel Adeleke
The Federal Government has declared Friday, April 21, and Monday, April 24, as public holidays for Muslims in the country to mark the end of Ramadan.
Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Shuaib Belgore.
He congratulated all Muslims for the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan, calling on them to imbibe and practise the virtues of kindness, love, tolerance, peace, self-denial, sacrifice and good neighbourliness, as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
“The self-restraint, self-denial, sacrifice and deep spiritual consciousness that accompanied the fasting period should not end but be maintained and improved upon, in order to be a better person and true worshipper,” the minister said.
He also commended all security agencies for the successes recorded in the fight against criminals across the country.
Aregbesola urged Nigerians to be part of the nation’s security architecture by being vigilant and reporting suspicious individuals and activities to law enforcement agencies nearest to them, noting that security is everybody’s responsibility.
He further admonished Nigerians to report suspicious activities and persons to the N-Alert application.
The minister wished all Muslims a happy Eid-el-Fitr celebration and prayed that the peace, blessings and favour of Allah be with them all.