The Nigerian Federal Government has declared Friday 7th and Monday 10th April 2023 as public holidays to mark this year’s Easter celebrations.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, in a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja.
Aregbesola urged Christians to emulate the virtues of sacrifice, togetherness, forgiveness, kindness, love, peace and patience, which were attributes of Jesus Christ, as exemplified by His ministry on the earth.
The Minister also called on Christians and all Nigerians to use the occasion of this year’s Easter celebrations to pray for an end to the security challenges in parts of the country.
He emphasized that security is everybody’s business and urged all Nigerians and foreigners resident in the country to display a high sense of citizenship and public spiritedness by supporting the efforts of all security agencies in bringing peace and security to the citizenry.
The Minister reassured Nigerians that the government was doing all that is necessary to ensure a peaceful transition of government following the peaceful conduct of elections.
Aregbesola wished Christians at home and in the diaspora a happy and peaceful Easter celebration, and urged them to love their neighbors through acts of kindness and generosity of spirit.
The announcement of the public holidays is expected to provide an opportunity for Christians and Nigerians to reflect on the significance of the Easter celebrations, which commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
The Easter period is also traditionally a time for family reunions, church services, and other festivities. However, the current security situation in parts of the country has made it difficult for many Nigerians to celebrate the season in the usual way.
