AbdulYusuf Karim
The Federal Government has declared Monday 27th, Tuesday 28th December, 2021 and Monday, 3rd January 2022 as public holidays to mark Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day celebrations respectively.
The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, disclosed this in a statement made on behalf of the federal government on Wednesday.
The statement which was signed by Dr. Shuaib Belgore, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, also felicitated with Christians and all Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora on this year’s Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The minister,according to the statement, enjoined Christians to practise the doctrines of Christ, which include but not limited to these – faith, hope and love.
“We must emulate 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 said.
He reiterated that peace and security are two critical conditions for economic development and prosperity, while urging Christians and Nigerians to make the best use of the festive period to pray for the total eradication of insecurity bedeviling the nation.
He however strongly charged Nigerians not to be lulled into a false sense of security on COVID-19 pandemic but to note that it is increasingly assuming a very dangerous and harmful dimension with the emergence of a virulent variant, Omicron, insisting that: “This calls for deliberate responsibility and discipline on the part of all.”
He advised all to adhere strictly to and observe all the stipulated non-pharmaceutical protocols and guidelines such as wearing of masks, frequent washing of hands with soap and water, using of hand sanitizer and avoidance of large groups; and advised the quick report to medical authorities of any respiratory illness observed in self and others before, during and after the Yuletide.