Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola
By Our Reporter
The Federal Government has declared Monday, 26th and Tuesday 27th December 2022 as well as Monday, 2nd January 2023 as public holidays to mark Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day celebrations respectively.
In a statement signed by Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Shuaib M.L. Belgore, on behalf of Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who made the declaration, the Federal Government, felicitated Christians and all Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora on this year’s Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Ogbeni Aregbesola enjoined Christians to emulate the doctrines of Christ in faith, hope and love.
“We must imbibe 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 emphasized that peace and security were two critical conditions for economic development and prosperity.
He urged Christians and Nigerians to make the best use of this festive period to pray for the total eradication of insecurity bedevilling our dear nation.
Aregbesola strongly charged Nigerians not to be lured into insensitive crisis by criminally minded elements that wanted to create anarchy in the country.
“This calls for deliberate responsibility and discipline on the part of all,” the minister stressed.
The minister urged Nigerians to be security conscious, asking them to report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest security agency through the N-Alert application on Android and IOS, saying “when you see something do N-Alert, as this would elicit prompt response from security agents.”
The Minister said this Yuletide called for spartan discipline in order to protect life and property of everyone in our community and the nation as a whole.
Aregbesola advised: “Moderately celebrate the festival; avoid the spread of fake news and be responsible. Take it as a point of duty you own your father land.”
The Minister also assured that the Government had put in place effective measures for the security of life and property and expected Nigerians to support the efforts of security agencies by providing useful information that would assist them in the performance of their duties.
Aregbesola advised all citizens to remain focused and expressed confidence that the year 2023 would be a better year for us all.
He wished all Christians in particular a happy Christmas and all Nigerians a peaceful and prosperous New Year celebration.
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