THE Federal Government has announced Friday, June 6, and Monday, June 9, as public holidays to celebrate Eid al-Adha – a time when Muslims worldwide reflect on the values of faith, sacrifice, and compassion.
The declaration was made on Monday, June 2, by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement signed by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Magdalene Ajani.
While extending warm greetings to Muslims in Nigeria and beyond, Tunji-Ojo called on the faithful to draw inspiration from Prophet Ibrahim’s act of obedience and devotion, which lies at the heart of Eid al-Adha.
Eid al-Adha, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice and in local parlance as the Big Sallah, is one of the two major Islamic festivals observed globally. It commemorates the profound act of devotion and submission to God shown by Prophet Ibrahim, who was willing to sacrifice his son Ismail in obedience to Allah’s command.
Eid al-Adha is marked by special prayers, charity, and the ritual slaughter of animals, such as rams, goats, and cows, symbolising the willingness to give up what is most dear in obedience to God’s will.
The minister called on Muslims to use the period to pray for peace, unity, and prosperity in Nigeria.
He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the lives of Nigerians through its Renewed Hope Agenda under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership.
“While wishing the Muslim Ummah a happy Eid-ul- Adha celebration, the Minister urged all Nigerians to join hands with the present administration in its efforts to restore the glory of Nigeria as a great nation,” the minister added.
Mustapha Usman is an investigative journalist with the International Centre for Investigative Reporting. You can easily reach him via: musman@icirnigeria.com. He tweets @UsmanMustapha_M