The Federal Government has declared Monday 27th, Tuesday 28th December 2021 and Monday, 3rd January 2022 as public holidays to mark Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day celebrations respectively.

Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, felicitates with Christians and all Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora on this year’s Christmas and New Year celebrations.

In a statement, Ogbeni, Aregbesola charges Nigerians not to be lulled into a false sense of security on the COVID-19 pandemic but to note that it is increasingly assuming a very dangerous and harmful dimension with the emergence of a virulent variant, Omicron.

The Minister enjoins all to adhere strictly to and observe all the stipulated non-pharmaceutical protocols and guidelines such as wearing of facemasks, frequent washing of hands with soap and water, using of hand sanitizer and avoidance of large groups. Also, he urges quick report to medical authorities of any respiratory illness observed in self and others before, during and after the Yuletide.

Aregbesola admonishes all citizens to remain focused and expresses confidence that the year 2022 would be a better year.

He wishes all Christians in particular a happy Christmas and all Nigerians a peaceful and prosperous New Year celebration.