The Federal Government has announced that Friday, March 29, and Monday, April 1, 2024, will be observed as public holidays to commemorate Good Friday and Easter Monday respectively.
The declaration was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the federal government, as conveyed in a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Aishetu Ndayako, on Wednesday.
Tunji-Ojo encouraged Christians and all Nigerians to reflect on the sacrifice and love exemplified by Jesus Christ, who gave his life for the redemption of humanity.
In the statement, he emphasised the significance of Easter beyond its religious context, noting that it promotes values such as love, forgiveness, and compassion, which are fundamental for fostering social cohesion and harmony.
The Minister urged Christians to embrace these virtues, emphasising their potential to positively impact Nigeria’s socio-economic development by fostering unity, reducing conflicts, and encouraging cooperation among citizens.
Tunji-Ojo called on Nigerians to demonstrate acts of charity and generosity to support the less privileged within their communities, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
In his concluding remarks, he extended warm Easter wishes to Christians both domestically and internationally, while urging all Nigerians to collaborate with the Tinubu-led administration in its commitment to achieving sustainable development and prosperity for the nation.