Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola
The Federal Government on Wednesday, declared Monday 27th, Tuesday 28th December 2021 and Monday, 3rd January 2022, as public holidays to mark the 2021 Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year Day celebrations.
Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, made this declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, felicitates with Christians and all Nigerians at home and in the diaspora on this year’s Christmas and New Year celebrations.
According to statement issued in Abuja and signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Dr Shuaib Belgore, further enjoined everyone to practise the doctrine of Christ, which includes 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.”
“This will be the best way to portray Christ and celebrate his birth”, he noted.
He added that “this yuletide calls for spartan discipline in order to prevent the spread of the virus in communities and the nation as a whole.”
He urged everyone to adhere strictly to and observe all the stipulated non-pharmaceutical protocols and guidelines such as wearing of facemasks, frequent washing of hands with soap and water, using of hand sanitiser and avoidance of large groups.
He also called for quick report to medical authorities of any respiratory illness observed in self and others before, during and after the Yuletide.
“Moderately celebrate the festival without large groupings and observe all the protocols stipulated by medical authorities. Take it as a point of personal responsibility to prevent the spread of the virus,” the Minister enjoined.