FG extends public holidays for Eid-el-fitr
The Nigerian government has declared Thursday, April 11, 2024, as additional public holiday to commemorate Eid-El-Fitr.
This was made known in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Aishetu Ndayako, shared on the ministry’s X account on Tuesday.
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The statement said, “The Federal Government has approved Thursday, April 11, 2024 as an additional public holiday to celebrate this year’s Eid -El-Fitr.
“The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, while congratulating the Muslim Ummah for a successful completion of a month of spiritual rejuvenation, reiterates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s firm commitment to providing a safe and prosperous Nigeria for all to thrive.”
Saudi Arabia, on Monday, said the crescent of Shawwal has not been sighted, indicating that the fasting will continue on Tuesday.
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It also added that the Eid-El-Fitr would hold on Wednesday, April 10 to mark the beginning of the new Islamic month.
The federal government had earlier Sunday declared Tuesday and Wednesday, April 9 and 10, 2024, as public holidays to mark the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
Eid-el-fitr is a major holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide marking the end of the month-long dawn-to-sunset fasting of Ramadan.
The exact date of Eid-el-fitr varies annually according to the Islamic lunar calendar and the sighting of the new moon. The holiday involves performing a special prayer called the Eid prayer, which consists of two units of prayer featuring additional Takbirs (raising of the hands to the ears while saying “Allāhu ʾAkbar”) in various numbers depending on the branch of Islam observed.
After the prayer, Muslims celebrate in various ways, including visiting relatives and friends, exchanging gifts, and enjoying traditional foods. Eid-el-fitr is also known as “Sweet Eid” or “Sugar Feast” due to the emphasis on food during the celebrations. The holiday is believed to have originated during the time of the Islamic prophet Muhammad in Medina.
