The federal government has declared Monday as a public holiday in commemoration of this year’s Eid-ul-Mawlid.

The minister of interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the federal government. The announcement was contained in a communiqué signed by the permanent secretary of the ministry of interior, Magdalene Ajani, on Friday.

Eid-ul-Mawlid is an annual festival celebrated by Muslims worldwide to mark the auspicious occasion of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.

Mr Olubunmi congratulated Muslims both in the country and abroad on the occasion and implored them to take advantage of the celebration to pray for a peaceful, prosperous, and more equitable Nigeria.

The minister also advised Nigerians to cultivate the virtues of patience, sacrifice, and resilience.

The statement read, “The federal government has declared Monday, 16th September 2024, as a public holiday to mark the celebration of Eid-ul-Mawlid, the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).”

“The minister of interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the federal government, congratulated the Muslim Ummah both at home and in the Diaspora on this occasion.”

“Dr. Tunji-Ojo urged the Muslim Ummah and, by extension, Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of patience, sacrifice, and resilience.”

“While congratulating the Muslim Ummah on the occasion, the minister implored them to use the opportunity of the period to pray for enduring peace and a more prosperous, egalitarian nation.”