Yuletide: FG Declares Public Holidays
AREWA AGENDA – The Nigerian Government has declared Friday 25 and Monday 28 of December as holidays to mark this year’s Christmas and Boxing Day.
So also is Friday, January 1, 2021, for the New Year Celebrations, according to Rauf Aregbesola, Minister of Interior.
The minister felicitated with Christians and all Nigerians both at home and abroad on this year’s Christmas and New Year Celebrations.
Aregbesola urged Christians to adopt the creed of Christ on faith, hope and love.
A statement signed on behalf of the Minister by the Permanent secretary in the Ministry, Dr Shuaib Belgore said “We must emulate the life of humility, service, compassion, patience, peace and righteousness that the birth and Ministry of Jesus Christ signified, that will be the best way to know Christ and celebrate his birth.”
The Minister noted that peace and security are critical factors needed to enable Government accomplish its mission of revitalizing the economy, improving Foreign Direct Investment as well as generating employment opportunities for over 100 million Nigerian youths in the next 10 years.
Aregbesola advised Nigerians and Christians in particular, to adhere strictly to the Covid-19 protocols and guidelines, as stipulated by relevant authorities, during and after the yuletide, especially with the second wave of the outbreak of the disease.
The Minister reiterated Federal Government’s commitment to the fight against armed banditry, kidnappings and other crimes and criminalities in the country.
He called on Nigerians to support the efforts of the security agencies by providing them with information that will enhance intelligence gathering.
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While admonishing all Nigerians to remain focused, determined, patient and patriotic, Aregbesola expressed confidence that the year 2021 would be a better year for all Nigerians and therefore urged Christians to use the period to pray for Nigeria.
He wished all Nigerians and Christians in particular, a happy Christmas and New Year Celebrations.
This is as the federal government has clarified that it is in no way attempting to deny churches of offerings and tithes with the new restrictions on religious gatherings.
Recall that the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 on Monday placed a limit on the number of persons allowed at such gatherings and others.
The PTF through the chairman, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, also said that the use of face masks will be enforced.
“Restrict all informal and formal festivity events including weddings, conferences, congresses, office parties, concerts, seminars, sporting activities, end of year events shall be restricted to not more than 50 persons.
“Limit all gatherings linked to religious events to less than 50 per cent capacity of the facility of use during which physical distancing; mandatory use of face masks shall be strictly enforced,” he said.
Reacting to the announcement, presidential aide, Lauretta Onochie, said that the decision “is a matter of life and death.”
According to her, “this is not an evil government trying to take the joy off of Christmas.
“It’s not a way of denying church leaders their offerings and tithes.
“It’s not the government denying us the opportunity of seeing our families whom we have not seen for a while.
“This is not about Islam versus Christianity. Coronavirus has no religion,” she concluded.
Arewa Agenda is a Publication of Young writers/journalist from Northern Nigeria towards Peaceful Coexistence and National Development through positive narratives
