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By Emmanuel Adeleke
The Federal Government, on Friday, declared December 26 and 27, as well as January 2, 2023, as public holidays.
A statement issued by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Shuaib Belgore, said the public holidays are to mark Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day celebrations respectively.
Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, urged Christians to emulate the doctrines of Jesus, noting that “we must imbibe the life of Jesus Christ in His practice and teachings on humility, service, compassion, patience, peace and righteousness.”
Aregbesola also called on Christians to use the festive period to pray for the total eradication of the insecurity bedeviling the country.
He said peace and security are two critical conditions for economic development and prosperity.
The minister asked Nigerians not to be swayed by criminal elements who intend to create anarchy in the country.
“Moderately celebrate the festival, avoid the spread of fake news and be responsible,” he added.
Aregbesola said Federal Government has put in place measures to secure lives and property and encouraged Nigerians to support security agencies by providing useful information.
He urged Nigerians to be security conscious, adding that suspicious activities should be reported through the N-Alert application on Android and IOS stores.
