Tuesday, October 19 has been designated as a federal holiday by the federal government.

The official holiday, according to Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola, is to commemorate Eid-ul-Mawlud, the birth of Prophet Muhammad.

According to NAN, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Shuaib Belgore, released a statement on Friday.

Aregbesola congratulated all Nigerian Muslims, both at home and abroad, on the occasion of Eid-ul-Mawlud.

He called on Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of love, patience and perseverance which were the virtues of the Holy Prophet, as doing so would guarantee peace and security in the country.

The minister enjoined Nigerians, particularly Muslims, to refrain from violence, lawlessness and other acts of criminality.

“As the indisputable leader of our race, we (Nigerians) must show responsible leadership in Africa,” he said.

Aregbesola called on Nigerians to refrain from all divisive tendencies capable of causing crisis in the country.

The minister urged Nigerians and the youth in particular, to embrace the virtues of hard work and peaceful disposition to fellow humans.

“Irrespective of faith, ideology, social class and ethnicity I urge you to cooperate with President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration in its effort to build a progressive and enviable nation that all citizens would be proud of,” he said.