Federal Government has approved Thursday, April 11, as additional public holiday to celebrate this year’s Eid el Fitr.
The information is in a statement issued by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Aishetu Ndayako, on Tuesday in Abuja.
She stated that the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who gave the additional approval on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated Muslims for successful completion of the Holy month of Ramadan fast.
Describing Ramadan as “the month of spiritual rejuvenation”, the minister reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to providing safe and prosperous Nigeria for all to thrive.
The Federal Government had on Sunday, April 7, declared Tuesday and Wednesday as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid el-Fitr celebration.
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Eid el Fitr, which means holiday of breaking the fast is celebrated by Muslims worldwide to mark the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan.
Also, a statement signed by the Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs to the Sultanate Council, Prof. Sambo Junaidu, and made available to newsmen in Sokoto on Monday evening, said the council accepted the report of the National Moon Sighting Committees across the country, which confirmed that the moon of Shawwal was not sighted.
ALSO READ: Sultan declares Wed as Eid-el-Fitr
The President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs accordingly declared Wednesday, April 10, 2024, as the first day of Shawwal 1445AH.
“His Eminence, the Sultan felicitates with the Nigerian Muslim Ummah and wishes them Allah’s guidance and blessings.
“The Sultan, while urging the Muslim Ummah to continue to pray for peace, progress, and development of the country, also wishes all Muslims a happy Eid-el-Fitr,” the statement read.
ASHENEWS reports that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, on Monday, also said the crescent of Shawwal has not been sighted, a situation that would make Muslims continue with Ramadan fasting on Tuesday.
