Easter: FG Declares Today, Monday Public Holidays

The Federal Government has declared Friday, March 29, and Monday, April 1, 2024, as public holidays for Christians in the country to celebrate the 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 signed 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 mankind.
“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,” the statement read.
It quoted the Minister as urging Nigerians to demonstrate charity and generosity to the underprivileged.
“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.
Meanwhile, the Commandant General, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ahmed Audi, has deployed 35,000 personnel across the county to ensure a hitch-free Easter celebration.
In a statement by the Corps spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, yesterday, “the deployment comprising officers and men with targeting no fewer than 35,000 personnel is to provide watertight security before, during and after the festivity to protect lives and property including critical national assets and infrastructure.”
The CG tasked operatives in the Anti-Vandal Unit, Special Intelligence Squad, Transport and Mining Marshals, Special Female Squad, Special Force, Special Weapon and Tactics, Directorate of Intelligence and Investigation, Crack Squad, and Rapid Response Squad among others to ensure round-the-clock surveillance as contained in the operational order.
While the deployment is to yield the desired result of maximum security through overt and covert operations, the CG reiterates that oil installations, railway tracks, power and telecommunications, schools as well as recreational facilities should be adequately protected through surveillance.
“Members of the public are also to support by giving useful and timely information on suspected acts and persons for prompt and appropriate response,” the statement added.