The Federal Government has declared Thursday October 29, 2020 as
Public Holiday to mark this year’s Eidul-Mawlid Celebration in
commemoration of the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad
(Peace be upon him).
Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who made the
declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated the
Muslim faithful both at home and abroad for witnessing this year’s
occasion.
He enjoined them to imbibe the spirit of love, patience and
perseverance which are the virtues of the Holy Prophet Muhammad
(peace be upon him), adding that doing so would guarantee peace
and security in the country.
The Minister admonished Muslims to follow the teaching of the
Holy Quran in Chapter 4 Verse 59 which says: “O you who
believe! Obey God and obey the Messenger, and those from among
you who are vested with authority; and if you are to dispute among
yourselves about anything, refer it to God and the Messenger, if
indeed you believe in God and the Last Day. This is the best (for
you), and fairest in the end”.
Ogbeni Aregbesola enjoined Nigerians, particularly Muslims, at this
moment, to abhor violence, lawlessness, wantonness and daylight
robbery as witnessed across the country most recently, stressing that
Nigeria is the pride of the black race and should provide responsible
leadership for the greatness and development of the African
continent and all black people.
While calling for a stop to all divisive tendencies across the country,
the Minister urged all Nigerians and the youth in particular, to
embrace peace and cooperate with the President Muhammadu
Buhari led-Administration in its effort to build a virile nation,
which all citizens can be proud of.
Ogbeni Aregbesola who described the youth as the hope and future
of the nation advised them further to deepen democracy and not
dampen it. For him, it is with more democracy that we can
overcome our challenges, noting that the challenges of nationhood
that we face are surmountable if we work through the democratic
process.
He wished all Muslims a happy Eidul- Mawlid Celebration and all
Nigerians a Happy Holiday.