From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 27, and Thursday, May 28, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-ul-Adha celebration.
The announcement was made on Monday by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani, in Abuja.
According to the statement, the declaration reflects the Federal Government’s respect for the faith and spiritual heritage of millions of Nigerian Muslims joining the global Islamic community in observing the sacred festival.
Tunji-Ojo conveyed the warm felicitations of the Federal Government to Muslim faithful across Nigeria and in the diaspora, describing Eid-ul-Adha as a festival of profound spiritual significance anchored on the virtues of sacrifice, obedience to God, and compassion towards humanity.
He urged Nigerians to use the holiday period for prayers and sober reflection, particularly as the country continues efforts toward achieving peace, security, and economic prosperity.
The minister also called on citizens to embrace the ideals of unity, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, stressing the need for collective commitment to national harmony and development.
“It is in the spirit of brotherhood, shared humanity, and national unity that the Federal Government wishes all Muslims a peaceful, blessed, and joyous celebration”, the statement read.
Eid-ul-Adha, widely known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most important celebrations in Islam. The festival commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command before a ram was provided as a substitute.
The celebration is traditionally marked by congregational prayers, acts of charity, and the slaughtering of animals by Muslim faithful, with families and communities gathering to share meals and support the less privileged.
