The Federal Government has declared Monday, June 17 and Tuesday, June 18, 2024, public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festival.
In a statement on Friday signed by the Ministry of Interior’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Aishetu Ndayako, quoted the minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, as congratulating all Muslim Ummah both at home and in the Diaspora on the occasion.
Tunji-Ojo called 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 the country.
The statement added, “The minister reiterated that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration was committed to safeguarding the lives and property of all Nigerians.
“He further enjoined all Muslim faithful and Nigerians in general to support, cooperate and join hands with the president in his sustained efforts to diversify the economy and progressively accelerate the pace of 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.”
It was earlier reported that President Bola Tinubu would depart Abuja, the nation’s capital, for Lagos State on Friday ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir festival.
In a statement on Friday by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu will observe Eid-el-Kabir in Lagos, where he will also spend the Sallah holidays.
It added: “The President will mark the occasion with prayers and reflection on advancing the transformation of Nigeria in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda.”
PUNCH online had reported that the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, declared Sunday, June 16, as Eid-el-Kabir day after affirming that Friday is the first day of Dhul Hijjah.
Sultan disclosed this in a statement on Friday by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs to the Sultanate Council, Sambo Junaid, 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 Sultanate council said in the statement.
