By Aduragbemi Omiyale
Friday, March 29, 2024, and Monday, April 1, 2024, have been declared as public holidays by the federal government to celebrate Easter observed by Christians across the globe.
A statement signed on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Ms Aishetu Gogo Ndayako, confirmed this development.
She said the Minister of Interior, Mr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, urged Christians and all Nigerians in general to emulate the sacrifice and love displayed by Jesus Christ in dying for the redemption of man.
Christians will observe March 29 as Good Friday, a day Jesus Christ was prosecuted and buried to save mankind from its sins, before resurrecting on Sunday.
In the statement today, the Minister said Easter, beyond religious significance, promotes values of love, forgiveness and compassion which are essential for social cohesion and harmony.
He appealed to Christians to imbibe these virtues as they are capable of impacting positively on the socio-economic development in Nigeria by fostering unity, reducing conflicts and encouraging cooperation among Nigerians.
Mr Tunji-Ojo further urged Nigerians to show acts of charity and generosity to help alleviate the material conditions of the less privileged amongst them.
While wishing Christians at home and abroad a happy and blissful Easter celebration, the Minister also called on Nigerians to join hands with President Tinubu led Administration in its determination to bring sustainable development and usher in prosperity to all.