The Nigerian government has announced October 10 as a public holiday to commemorate the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.
Dr Shuaib Belgore, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, made the announcement on Thursday in Abuja.
According to him, the Federal Government’s announcement was issued on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, who commended all Muslims, both at home and in the diaspora, for witnessing the celebration.
The minister urged all Nigerians to adopt the spirit of love, patience, tolerance, and perseverance, which are profound spiritual values exemplified by the Holy Prophet.
He said that doing so would guarantee peace, security and harmony in the country.
Aregbesola urged Nigerians, particularly Muslims, to refrain from violence, lawlessness and other acts of criminality, adding that “as the indisputable leader of our race, we must demonstrate responsible leadership in Africa”.
The minister called for a stop to all divisive tendencies across the country.
He also urged all Nigerians, and the youth in particular, to embrace the virtues of hard work and peaceful disposition to fellow humans, irrespective of faith, ideology, social class and ethnicity.
Aregbesola enjoined Nigerians to join hands with the President Muhanmmadu Buhari-led administration in its efforts to build a progressive and enviable nation that all citizens would be proud of.
He also urged Nigerians to be security conscious, asking them to report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest security agency and through the N-Alert application on android and IOS.
“When you see something, do N-Alert, as this would illicit prompt response from security agents.“
Aregbesola wished all Muslims a happy celebration and Nigerians a happy holiday. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)