Nigeria Government Announces Public Holiday for Eid-ul-Maulid Celebration

Nigeria Government Announces Public Holiday for Eid-ul-Maulid Celebration

The Federal Government of Nigeria stated that Wednesday, September 27, 2023, will be observed as a public holiday. This is in honour of the Eid-ul-Maulid celebration, which marks the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW). A statement was issued by Dr Oluwatoyin Akinlade, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Hon Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, making this declaration.

The Minister of Interior extended congratulations to all Muslims, both locally and abroad, on the occasion of Eid-ul-Maulid. He encouraged them to embody the spiritual virtues of love, patience, tolerance, and perseverance. These virtues, he noted, are qualities exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad. The Minister also used the occasion to urge all citizens, particularly the youth, to embrace hard work and maintain a peaceful disposition towards others, regardless of their faith, ideology, social class, or ethnicity.

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The Importance of Unity

Along with his message of peace and hard work, the Minister emphasized the importance of unity in the ongoing efforts of the nation’s administration to build a progressive and admired nation. The unity of the citizens, especially the youths, was presented as a critical factor in realizing this goal. The Minister highlighted the efforts of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in this regard, urging everyone to join hands and contribute to making the nation a place all citizens will be proud of.

Eid-ul-Maulid is a significant event in the Islamic calendar. It is a day set aside to celebrate the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW). This day is not just a time of celebration, but also a period of reflection on the teachings and life of the Holy Prophet. The virtues of love, patience, tolerance, and perseverance that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) embodied are particularly emphasized during this period. It is hoped that by reflecting on these virtues, individuals can better embody them in their interactions with others.

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The declaration of a public holiday for the Eid-ul-Maulid celebration serves as a reminder of the significance of the event. It is a day to celebrate the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW), reflect on his teachings, and strive to embody his virtues in our daily lives. As the Minister of Interior has urged, it is also a day to embrace hard work, maintain a peaceful disposition towards others, and work towards the unity and progress of the nation.

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