In a significant development, the Federal Government of Nigeria has officially declared Wednesday, 27th September 2023, as a public holiday to celebrate the Eid-ul-Maulid, marking the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him).
The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement released on Monday through the ministry’s permanent secretary, Oluwatoyin Akinlade.
The Eid-ul-Maulid, also known as Mawlid al-Nabi, is a momentous occasion in the Islamic calendar that is observed with great reverence and devotion by Muslims across the world. It is a time for reflection, prayer, and celebrations in honor of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him).
Minister Tunji-Ojo extended his warmest congratulations to all Muslim faithful, both within Nigeria and in the diaspora, on the occasion of this year’s Eid-ul-Maulid celebration.
He emphasized the significance of this holy event and encouraged Nigerians to reflect on the teachings of the Holy Prophet, which promote values such as love, patience, tolerance, and perseverance.
In his official statement, Minister Tunji-Ojo conveyed the following message: “His admonition to Nigerians is to imbibe the spirit of love, patience, tolerance, and perseverance, which are deep spiritual virtues that the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) exemplified.”
Furthermore, the minister urged all Nigerians, particularly the youth, to embrace the virtues of hard work and maintain peaceful relations with fellow citizens.
“The Honorable Minister, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo has urged Nigerians, especially our youths, to embrace the virtues of hard work and peaceful disposition to fellow humans, irrespective of faith, ideology, social class, and ethnicity, and join hands with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s led-Administration in its effort to build a progressive and enviable Nation that all citizens will be proud of.
The Minister concluded his statement by extending his best wishes to all Muslim faithful for a joyous and spiritually fulfilling Eid-ul-Maulid celebration.
As the nation prepares to observe this special day, it is expected that Nigerians from all walks of life will come together to celebrate, reflect, and reinforce the values that unite them as a diverse and harmonious society.
