The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Thursday, October 29, 2020, as a public holiday to mark this year's Eid-el Maolud celebration in commemoration of the birth of the holy prophet Muhammad. The spokesperson of the Ministry of Interior Mohammed Manga, in a statement on Tuesday, said The Minister of Interior Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, on behalf of the federal government, announced that Thursday has been set aside for the celebration of Eid-el Maolud. Aregbesola congratulated the Muslim faithful both at home and abroad for witnessing this year's occasion.
Aregbesola encouraged Nigerians particularly Muslims to abhor violence, lawlessness, wantonness, and robbery, as witnessed across the country most recently with the #EndSARS protests, stressing that Nigeria is the pride of the black race and should provide responsible leadership for the greatness and development of the African continent and all black people.
"He enjoined them to imbibe the spirit of love, patience, and perseverance which are the virtues of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), as doing so would guarantee peace and security in the country.
"Aregbesola who described the youths as the hope and future of the nation advised them further to deepen democracy and not dampen it. For him, it is with more democracy that we can overcome our challenges, nothing that the challenges of nationhood that we face are surmountable if we work through the democratic process.
"He wishes all Muslims a happy Eid-el-Maulud celebration and all Nigerians a Happy Holiday", the statement added.
