* Assures On Security Of Lives And Properties And Empowerment Of Citizens
By Chinwendu Agoha (Governance Reporter)
As Muslims all over the world prepares for the Eid-el-Kabir Celebration, Nigeria's Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has declared Tuesday and Wednesday next as Public Holidays in commemoration of this year's Muslim festival.
Aregbesola who made the call on behalf of the Federal Government on Thursday, however congratulated all Muslim faithfuls and Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora on the celebration.
“I call on Muslims to continue to imbibe the spirit of love, peace, kindness and sacrifice, as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) and to also use the period to pray for peace, unity, prosperity and the stability of the country, considering the challenges of insecurity we face at the moment. These mainly are bandits in the North West and North Central, insurgents in the North East, kidnappers, armed robbers, ethnic agitators and sundry criminals in other parts of the country,” Aregbesola said.
In a statement on Thursday July 15 2021 by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Shuaib Belgore, the Ministry assured that President Muhammadu Buhari administration's commitment "to the security of lives and property of every Nigerian, and empowering the citizens for successful living, the provisions of social investments programmes and adequate security in the schools, especially with the spate of innocent school children being targets of kidnapping” .
Aregbesola who wished the Muslim faithfuls a happy Eid-el Kabir celebration, however enjoined Nigerians to endeavor to report any observed criminal activities and suspicious individuals to the law enforcement agencies during the period of Eid-el-Kabir festival.
The minister also urged all Nigerians not to fail to observe all stipulated Covid-19 protocols including the non-pharmaceutical measures – wearing facemasks, hand washing and social distancing – in other to avoid contracting or spreading of the Coroner Virus disease.
“We must all take responsibility for containment of the pandemic during this year’s festival", he said. NNL.
