Abuja, Nigeria – The Federal Government has declared Monday, June 17, and Tuesday, June 18, 2024, as public holidays to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festival.
This announcement was made in a statement on Friday by the Ministry of Interior’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Aishetu Ndayako.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, conveyed his congratulations to all Muslim faithful both in Nigeria and abroad on this significant occasion. Tunji-Ojo urged the Muslim Ummah to embody the spirit of peace, kindness, and sacrifice as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon Him) and to use this period to pray for the unity, prosperity, and stability of the country.
“The minister reiterated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is committed to safeguarding the lives and property of all Nigerians,” the statement read. Tunji-Ojo also encouraged all Nigerians, especially the Muslim faithful, to support and cooperate with President Tinubu in his ongoing efforts to diversify the economy and accelerate the nation’s economic recovery.
“While wishing the Muslim Ummah a happy Eid-el-Kabir celebration, the minister advised all Nigerians to take responsibility in the resolve to hand over a prosperous Nigeria to the nation’s children,” the statement added.
In related news, President Bola Tinubu is set to depart Abuja for Lagos State on Friday ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir festival. According to a statement by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, President Tinubu will observe Eid-el-Kabir in Lagos and spend the Sallah holidays there.
“The President will mark the occasion with prayers and reflection on advancing the transformation of Nigeria in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda,” Ngelale stated.
Additionally, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, has declared Sunday, June 16, as Eid-el-Kabir day, following the confirmation that Friday is the first day of Dhul Hijjah. This announcement was made in a statement by Sambo Junaid, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs to the Sultanate Council in Sokoto State.
“His Eminence, the Sultan felicitates with Nigeria’s Muslim Ummah and wishes them Allah’s guidance and blessings. The Sultan, while urging the Muslim Ummah to continue to pray for peace, progress, and development of the country, also wishes all Muslims a Happy Eid-el-Kabir. May Allah (SWT) accept our religious deeds, amen,” the statement read.
