The Federal Government has declared Monday and Tuesday respectively as public holidays to mark the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
Making the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, the Minister of Interior, Lt Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (retd.), enjoined all Muslim faithful and Nigerians in general to support, co-operate and join hands with President Muhammadu Buhari “in his sustained efforts to diversify the economy and progressively accelerate the pace of economic recovery.”
A statement on Wednesday in Abuja by the acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido, said Dambazau noted that the government was aware of the present economic challenges confronting the nation, following the downturn in oil prices.
The minister, according to the statement, assured that appropriate steps were being taken to address them, especially through revitalising the agricultural sector, the ‘Youth Empowerment Scheme’ in Information and Communication Technology, the ‘Change Begins with Me’, a value re-orientation programme and other social intervention programmes, as well as through massive capital release, all aimed at stimulating the economy towards the path of recovery and growth.
It said, “The minister expresses optimism that the present economic difficulties will soon be over and therefore urges all to continue to support the government towards building a new formidable Nigeria where peace, unity, security and sustainable development are guaranteed. He wishes all Nigerians, a happy Eid-el-Kabir celebration.”