The Federal Government has declared Monday, October 3 as a public holiday to mark the nation’s 62nd Independence anniversary.

Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, made the announcement in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Shuaib Belgore.

Aregbesola congratulated Nigerians on the celebration and assured of the government’s commitment to tackling the challenges facing the nation and bringing smiles to the faces of Nigerians.

“The world is going through dire economic and security challenges which have also affected our nation.

“However, I’m assuring us all that the government will not abandon the people, but will continue to confront all these challenges with all the might at its disposal until respite comes our way,” he added.

Aregbesola reiterated the eminent position of Nigeria in the comity of nations and the greatness ahead of the country “if we work hard as a people”.

“A country of over 200million people whose natural talents, grit and passion glitter like the precious diamond that we are,” he said.

Aregbesola also admonished Nigerians to use the occasion to reflect on the challenges facing the nation and the role they can play in addressing them.