ABUJA, Nigeria — The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Wednesday, June 28, 2023, and Thursday, June 29, 2023, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-El-Kabir celebration.
The announcement was made in a statement on Monday, June 26, 2023, by Oluwatoyin Akinlade, a Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior.
“The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, June 28th and Thursday, June 29th, 2023 Public Holidays in commemoration of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration and heartily felicitates with the Muslim Ummah at home and in the diaspora,” the statement read.
Eid-El-Kabir, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant festivals in the Islamic calendar.
It honors the willingness of Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God’s command.
In the statement, Akinlade called on Muslims and all Nigerians to make sacrifices for the growth and development of their communities and the nation.
He further expressed optimism that the prayers and sacrifices associated with the Eid-El-Kabir festival would bring about the much-needed peace, unity, and progress in Nigeria.
“We are hopeful that the prayers and sacrifices that come with this great celebration as well as the message of Eid-El-Kabir will bring about peace, unity, and progress in Nigeria,” Akinlade stated in conclusion.
The Federal Government’s declaration of the public holidays is in line with its tradition of recognizing and celebrating religious festivals and is expected to allow Muslims in Nigeria to join their counterparts worldwide in observing the sacred festival.
