The Federal Government has declared Friday, September 1 and Monday, September 4, 2017, as public holidays to mark the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

The Minister of Interior, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd.), made the declaration in a statement on Monday in Abuja by the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Rufa’i Attahiru.

Dambazau congratulated Muslims and urged all Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for peace, unity, prosperity and the stability of democracy. He admonished the citizens to join hands with the government of President Muhammadu Buhari “in its avowed determination to build a peaceful and harmonious country, where the rights of every citizen are protected and guaranteed,” as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The minister assured Nigerians of their safety in all parts of the country, emphasising that security agencies have been directed to maintain the peace and protect lives and property.