The Federal Government has declared Monday, Tuesday and Monday, January 3, 2022, as holidays to commemorate the celebration of Christmas, Saint Stephen and the New Year.
This is contained in a statement by the Permanent Secretary of the Home Office, Dr. Shuaib Belgore, on Wednesday in Abuja.
Interior Minister Rauf Aregbesola, who made the statement on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated Christians and all Nigerians at home and in the diaspora.
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 justice that his birth signifies.
“This will be the best way to portray Christ and celebrate his birth,” he said.
However, he emphasized that peace and security were two critical conditions for economic development and prosperity.
The minister, therefore, urged Christians and Nigerians to make the most of the festive period to pray for the total eradication of the insecurity that plagues the country.
Aregbesola urged Nigerians not to get carried away by a false sense of security about the COVID-19 pandemic, but to point out that it was increasingly assuming a very dangerous and damaging dimension with the emergence of the Omicron variant.
“This requires deliberate responsibility and discipline on the part of all,” emphasized the minister.
He also urged everyone to strictly adhere to and observe all stipulated non-pharmaceutical protocols and guidelines, such as the use of face masks.
As well as frequent hand washing with soap and water, use of hand sanitizer and avoidance of large groups.
Aregbesola urged prompt reporting to medical authorities of any respiratory illnesses observed in himself and others before, during and after Christmas.
The minister noted that the celebration called for Spartan discipline to prevent the spread of the virus in our communities and the country in general.
“Celebrate the festival moderately without large groups and observe all the protocols stipulated by the medical authorities.
“Take it as a point of personal responsibility to prevent the spread of the virus.”
The minister also assured that the Federal Government has implemented effective measures for the safety of life and property.
He also hoped that Nigerians would support the efforts of law enforcement agencies by providing them with useful information that would assist them in carrying out their duties.
However, Aregbesola admonished all citizens to remain focused and expressed confidence that 2022 would be a better year for all.
He wished all Christians in particular a Merry Christmas and all Nigerians a peaceful and prosperous celebration of the New Year.
