By Our Correspondent

National News – The Federal Government has announced Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, 2026, as public holidays to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, the festival marking the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, on behalf of the Federal Government.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani, the government congratulated Muslim faithful across the country for successfully completing the Ramadan fasting period.

Eid-el-Fitr is one of the most significant celebrations in Islam and marks the conclusion of a month of fasting, prayers, charity, and spiritual reflection.

During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn to sunset as part of their religious devotion.

Tunji-Ojo encouraged Muslims and Nigerians at large to continue embracing the core values promoted during Ramadan, including love, peace, generosity, sacrifice, and tolerance.

According to him, these virtues are essential for building a stronger and more united nation.

The minister also urged citizens to use the Eid-el-Fitr celebration to pray for the peace, unity, and prosperity of Nigeria.

He emphasised the importance of national harmony and peaceful coexistence among people of different religious and ethnic backgrounds.

In addition, he advised Nigerians to celebrate the festive period responsibly while remembering the less privileged members of society.

He stressed that acts of kindness, charity, and compassion should remain central to the Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.

The statement further reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to promoting unity and strengthening peaceful relationships among all Nigerians, regardless of faith or background.

Public holidays declared for religious celebrations such as Eid-el-Fitr provide citizens with an opportunity to celebrate, spend time with family, and participate in prayers and community activities marking the end of the fasting period.

As Muslims across the country prepare for the festivities, the government expressed hope that the celebration would promote goodwill, compassion, and renewed dedication to national development.