The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced Monday, September 16, 2024, as a public holiday to mark the celebration of Eid-ul-Mawlid, which commemorates the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior, made the announcement on behalf of the government. In his statement, Dr. Tunji-Ojo extended congratulations to the Muslim community both within Nigeria and abroad, stating, “I congratulate the Muslim Ummah both at home and in the Diaspora on this occasion.”
He encouraged Nigerians to embrace the “spirit of patience, sacrifice, and resilience” during this period.
The Minister also called for collective prayers for the nation’s peace and progress, urging citizens to “pray for enduring peace and a more prosperous egalitarian nation.”
The official statement emphasized that the holiday aims to allow the Muslim Ummah and all Nigerians to reflect on the values of the Prophet Muhammad and to foster national unity and tranquility.