The Federal Government has declared Friday, April 18, and Monday, April 21, as public holidays to mark the Christian celebration of Easter. This was announced in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Mrs. Magdalene Ajani, in Abuja.
The holidays will allow Nigerian Christians to observe the key days of Easter, with Friday marking Good Friday and Monday commemorating Easter Monday. These holidays are part of the government’s annual recognition of the religious significance of Easter to the Christian community in Nigeria.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, extended warm wishes to all Christians across the country as they prepare to celebrate the season. He acknowledged the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, which Christians mark during Easter, highlighting the values of love, redemption, and the hope that the resurrection brings to believers.
Tunji-Ojo also used the occasion to remind Nigerians of the importance of the holiday, urging them to reflect on the spiritual and moral lessons of Easter. He encouraged all citizens to embrace the virtues of sacrifice, kindness, and love that Jesus Christ demonstrated in his life and death.
In his message, Tunji-Ojo also called on Nigerians to use the holiday period to pray for the continued peace, unity, and stability of the country. He noted that the holidays should be a time for reflection, prayer, and coming together as a nation, especially in the face of current challenges.
In his statement, the Minister reiterated the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to national growth and development, through the Renewed Hope Agenda. He urged Nigerians to come together in support of this vision, which seeks to foster unity, peace, and prosperity.
Tunji-Ojo further urged citizens to take this time to show love and goodwill toward their neighbors. He highlighted the need for acts of kindness and generosity, encouraging Nigerians to extend compassion to those in need, especially the less fortunate.
“As we celebrate the Easter season, let us remember the true essence of love and sacrifice. Let us embody the spirit of this celebration by reaching out to others, offering kindness, and building a stronger, more united Nigeria,” he said.
The Federal Government’s declaration of public holidays also serves as a reminder of the importance of religious observances in fostering national peace and solidarity. Easter, which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, is one of the most significant events in the Christian calendar, and the public holiday offers an opportunity for Nigerians to unite across religious and cultural divides.
While many Nigerians will take advantage of the break to gather with family and friends for the religious observances, others are expected to participate in community events and charity work during the holiday period. It is common for churches and community groups to organize Easter services, outreach programs, and other activities aimed at promoting peace and unity.
Easter has long been an important holiday in Nigeria, where Christianity is a major religion, especially in the southern and middle-belt regions. The celebration of Easter is not just a religious observance but also a time for reflection on national issues, including the state of the country’s political, social, and economic life.
For many Nigerians, Easter is also a time for family reunions, with people traveling from various parts of the country to their ancestral homes to celebrate with loved ones. This creates an atmosphere of unity and togetherness, as families and communities come together to mark the occasion.
The holiday is also an opportunity for Nigerians to take part in religious services, including Good Friday services, Easter vigils, and Sunday morning Easter Mass. These services are filled with prayers of thanksgiving, gratitude, and supplication for the nation and its leaders.
Beyond the celebrations and family gatherings, Easter offers Nigerians a chance to reflect on the teachings of Christianity and the principles of peace, love, and forgiveness. As the Minister of Interior, Dr. Tunji-Ojo, pointed out, the Easter period is an important time to pray for the country’s stability, for the welfare of all citizens, and for the nation’s leaders to lead with wisdom, fairness, and compassion.
The Easter holidays are also an opportunity to foster community engagement and solidarity. Across Nigeria, Christian groups often take part in charitable acts such as giving to the poor, visiting the sick, and helping those in need. The values of generosity and selflessness that are emphasized during Easter are seen as essential for building a stronger, more compassionate society.
As Nigeria continues to face various challenges, including economic hardships, insecurity, and political instability, the call for unity and peace has become even more important. During the Easter period, the message of hope and redemption becomes a rallying cry for Nigerians to come together as one, regardless of differences in religion, ethnicity, or political affiliation.
The holiday also serves as an opportunity for citizens to reflect on the progress of the nation and the future they want to create together. Despite the challenges, Nigerians are encouraged to maintain hope for a brighter tomorrow, guided by the principles of love, justice, and unity.
While the Easter holidays are a time of joy and celebration, the government has also urged citizens to observe the necessary safety protocols during the period. In light of the ongoing global health concerns and security challenges in some areas, Nigerians are encouraged to take precautions during their travels, gatherings, and public celebrations.
Authorities have advised citizens to be mindful of COVID-19 protocols, as well as potential security risks, especially in certain regions of the country. The government’s focus on maintaining public safety during the holidays is critical, as large gatherings and travel can sometimes lead to accidents or security breaches.
