FG Declares Monday as Public Holiday for Eid-Maulud Celebration

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially declared Monday, September 16, 2024, as a public holiday to commemorate Eid-ul-Mawlid, the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

This announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who extended his congratulations to the Muslim Ummah both within Nigeria and abroad.

Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasized the importance of this occasion, urging the Muslim community and all Nigerians to embrace the "spirit of patience, sacrifice, and resilience."

He also called on citizens to use this period to pray for enduring peace and progress in the country. The Minister stated, "I congratulate the Muslim Ummah both at home and in the Diaspora on this occasion."

Eid-ul-Mawlid is observed in Rabi' al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar, and is commonly considered by Muslims to be on the 12th of Rabi' al-Awwal. This day holds major spiritual value as it marks the birth of the Prophet Muhammad, who is regarded as a paragon of love, mercy, compassion, benevolence, generosity, justice, and all virtues.

Sheikh Isa Ali Pantami, a former Nigerian Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, highlighted that the celebration is an opportunity to renew commitment to the Prophet's teachings and promote values of compassion, justice, and righteousness.

The declaration of the public holiday aligns with the Public Holidays Act, which provides for the observance of public holidays across the Federation. The Act, effective since January 1, 1979, aims to unify the observance of public holidays throughout Nigeria.

In addition to the public holiday, the government has encouraged Nigerians to reflect on the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, using this time to foster unity and strengthen communal bonds. The celebration of Eid-ul-Mawlid is seen as a time to express thankfulness and joy over the coming of the Prophet, who is considered a mercy to all worlds.