Tuesday, 20th November 2018 has been declared public holiday by the Federal Government to mark the Eid-El Maulud celebration.
Sunni Muslims observe the Prophet Muhammad’s birthday on the 12th day of the Islamic month of Rabi’ al-Awwal while Shi’a Muslims mark it on the 17th of the same month.
The Minister of Interior, Lt Gen (rtd) Abdulrahman Dambazau made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government.
In a statement signed by the permanent secretary Dr. M.B Umar, he urged all Muslim faithful to avail themselves with the prophet’s teachings which border on piety, charity, tolerance and peaceful co-existence, among others.
He implored all Nigerians to uphold these virtues, with a view to surmount the current national challenges facing the country, Gen. Dambazau assured that the Federal Government remains committed to the unity of the country and as such, will put adequate structures on ground towards ensuring that the forthcoming general elections are credible, free and fair.
Amos Abba is a journalist with the International Center for Investigative Reporting, ICIR, who believes that courageous investigative reporting is the key to social justice and accountability in the society.