Christmas/New Year: FG Declares Public Holidays

The federal government of Nigeria has announced public holidays to mark the 2022 Christmas celebrations and the 2023 new year.

The government through the Ministry of Interior announced Monday 26th, and Tuesday 27th of December 2022 as public holidays to mark this year’s Christmas and Boxing Day celebration.

It also announced Monday, 2nd January 2023 as a public holiday to mark the New Year’s Day celebrations.

The dates were announced by the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement on Thursday signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Shuaib M.L. Belgore.

The Minister urged Christians to emulate Jesus Christ in deeds and follow his teachings on faith, hope and love even as they celebrate.

“We must imbibe the life of Jesus Christ in His practice and teachings on humility, service, compassion, patience, peace and righteousness, that His birth signifies. This will be the best way to portray Christ and celebrate his birth,” he stated.

He called on Nigerians to use the season to pry for the total eradication of insecurity in the country.

Aregbesola also urged Nigerians to make the 2023 general elections a success by voting peacefully and avoiding anything capable of marring the exercise in any way.

He assured that the government had put in place effective measures for the security of lives and property, while calling on Nigerians to report any suspicion to the security agencies closest to them and provide useful information to assist the security agents in the discharge of their duties.