By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Wednesday, May 13 and Thursday, May 14, 2021, have been declared as public holidays by the federal government.
The two days would be used to celebrate Eid al-Fitr, which is the one-month long Ramadan observed yearly by Muslims across the globe.
A statement issued on Monday by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Mr Shuaib Belgore, urged all Nigerians, at home and abroad to use the period to pray for peace, stability and economic transformation in the land.
The statement quoted the Minister of Interior, Mr Rauf Aregbesola, as wishing “all Muslims a happy and peaceful Eid al-Fitr celebration.”
He urged all Nigerians to be law-abiding and embrace the spirit of love, self-discipline, kindness and tolerance, as taught by the Holy Prophet Mohammed (Peace Be Upon Him).
According to him, development cannot thrive in a rancorous atmosphere, appealing to “all security agencies in the country to be more courageous and patriotic to surmount the ongoing battle against resurging insecurity and activities of criminal elements in Nigeria.”
He assured that the resolve of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to end the scourge of crime and criminality in the country and restore peace to every nook and cranny of Nigeria was sacrosanct.
“This administration will not be deterred in its efforts, until every Nigerian and resident of the country, is free to move around without fear of any threat to his/her life and property.
“We are therefore putting necessary measures and strategies in place to strengthen the stability of the country as well as ensuring economic prosperity of our dear nation,” he emphasised.
Adedapo Adesanya