- The Federal government declared Monday and Tuesday as public holidays to celebrate Eid-Ul-Adha
- The declaration was made following the confirmation of Sunday, June 16, as Eid-el-Kabir
- President Bola Ahmed Tinubu restated his commitment towards safeguarding Nigerians
The Eid-Ul-Adha, which is also called Eid-el-Kabir, is a major Islamic celebration. It signifies the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage and a recognition of Prophet Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God.
This was disclosed in a statement made on Friday, June 14, 2024, by Dr Aishetu Gogo Ndayako, The Permanent Secretary of The Ministry of Interior. He had done that on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
On behalf of the Federal Government, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, congratulated all Muslim faithful at home and in the diaspora.
In the statement, he wrote: “This is a call on the Muslim Ummah to continue to imbibe the spirit of peace, kindness and sacrifice, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon Him) and to also use the period to pray for unity, prosperity and the stability of our country,”
He also reiterated His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's continual commitment to safeguarding the lives and properties of all Nigerians. He urged Nigerians to take action to ensure a prosperous Nigeria for our children.
However, the declaration of public holidays is the sequel to the affirmation made by the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, through the statement by Sambo Junaid, The Chairman of The Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, to the Sultanate Council in Sokoto State. Following the statement, he declared Sunday, June 16, 2024, as Eid-el-Kabir day after stating that Friday is the first day of Dhul Hijjah.
The statement read: “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.”
