THE Federal Government has declared Friday, December 25, Monday, December 28, 2020 and Friday, January 1, 2021, as public holidays to mark the Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year celebrations respectively.

The Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, announced this on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Shuaib Belgore, on Wednesday.

It was titled, ‘FG declares December 25, 28, 2020; January 1, 2021 public holidays.’

The minister felicitated with Christians and all Nigerians both at home and abroad on this year’s Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Aregbesola urged Christians to adopt the creed of Christ on faith, hope and love.

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“We must emulate the life of humility, service, compassion, patience, peace and righteousness that the birth and ministry of Jesus Christ signified; that will be the best way to know Christ and celebrate his birth,” he said.

Aregbesola advised Nigerians and Christians in particular, to adhere strictly to the COVID-19 protocols and guidelines, as stipulated by relevant authorities, during and after the yuletide, especially with the second wave of the outbreak of the disease.