Governor Hyacinth Alia has declared a two-week holiday for civil servants in the state to celebrate Christmas and New Year.

“In the spirit of the Yuletide and in conjunction with the Benue executive council, I’m pleased to announce an elongated Christmas and New Year for the state workforce,” Mr Alia said on Tuesday in Makurdi in his Christmas message.

The governor said the holiday commenced on December 24 and ends on January 6, 2025.

He said the essence of the long holiday was to allow workers to enjoy the season with their loved ones.

Mr Alia enjoined them to use the period to engage in farming activities to boost food production and reduce poverty.

“While you use it to enjoy this festive season with your loved ones, it is also expected that the holiday affords you the time to attend to your various agricultural engagements,” he said.

The governor, however, said all essential service providers would devise a schedule to work during the said period.

He listed those offering essential services as financial institutions, energy providers, security agencies, hospitals, telecommunications, fire services, and water boards, among others.

Mr Alia advised the state’s people to continue to imbibe in the spirit of love and peace while remaining committed to a better Benue.

The governor prayed for a peaceful Christmas and New Year celebration.

(NAN)