The Federal Government has declared Monday, 10 October 2022 as public holiday to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Mawlid Celebration in commemoration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad.

The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, who made this declaration on behalf of the federal government, congratulated all Muslims both at home and in the Diaspora for witnessing this year’s occasion.

He admonished all Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of love, patience, tolerance and perseverance which are deep spiritual virtues and which the Prophet Muhammad exemplified, adding that doing so would guarantee peace, security and harmony in the country.

He also enjoined Nigerians, particularly Muslims, to refrain from violence, lawlessness and other acts of criminality.

“As the indisputable leader of our race, we must demonstrate responsible leadership in Africa”, he said.

He also called for a stop to all divisive tendencies across the country, while urging all Nigerians, and the youth in particular, to embrace the virtues of hard work and peaceful disposition to fellow humans, irrespective of faith, ideology, social class and ethnicity and join hands with the President Muhammadu Buhari led-Administration in its effort to build a progressive and enviable nation that all citizens would be proud of.

The minister wished all Muslims a happy celebration and Nigerians a happy holiday.