The Federal Government has declared Friday, March 29 and Monday, April 1, 2024 as public holidays to mark the celebrations of 2024 Good Friday and Easter Monday respectively. The minister of interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the federal government in a statement by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Aishetu Ndayako, on Wednesday.
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. The statement partly read, “Easter, beyond religious significance, promotes values of love, forgiveness, and compassion, which are essential for social cohesion and harmony.
The minister called on 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.” He further urged Nigerians to show acts of charity and generosity to help alleviate the material conditions of the less privileged amongst them.
Tunji-Ojo added that this was in tandem with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. “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 for all,” the statement added.
