Xmas, New Year holidays announced

Monday, 27th December and Tuesday, 28th December will be work free in commemoration of Christmas and Boxing day, which fall on Saturday and Sunday. 

Announcing the holidays on behalf of the Federal Government, the Ministry of Interior also declared Monday, 3rd January as holiday for the New Year day.

In s statement on his behalf by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Shuaib Belgore, the Minister, Rauf Aregbesola felicitated with Christians and all Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora on this year’s Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Aregbesola urged Christians to practice the doctrines of Christ, which include but are not limited to 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 noted.

He emphasHsed that peace and security were two critical conditions for economic development and prosperity.

Aregbesola urged Christians and Nigerians to make the best use of the festive period to pray for the total eradication of insecurity bedevilling the Country

He also charged Nigerians not to be lulled into a false sense of security on the Covid-19 pandemic but to note that it is increasingly assuming a dangerous and harmful dimension with the emergence of a virulent variant, Omicron.

“This calls for deliberate responsibility and discipline on the part of all,” the Minister stressed.

The Minister enjoined all 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.


Also, he urged quick report to medical authorities of

any respiratory illness observed in self and others before, during and after the Yuletide.


Speaking further, the Minister said this Yuletide calls for spartan discipline in order to prevent the spread of the virus in communities and the nation as a whole.


“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.

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