Eid-el-Fitr: FG declares Friday, Monday public holidays

OKUNADE ADEKUNLE

The Federal Government has declared Friday, July 17 and Monday, July 20 as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Mr Abubakar Magaji, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

The statement, signed by the ministry’s Director of Press, Mr Yusuf Isiaka, called for prayers for the nation as Muslims celebrate successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.

He urged Muslims in particular and Nigerians in general to extend the spiritual benefits of Ramadan, which include love, peace and sacrifice, to the development of the nation.

He also urged Nigerians to remain steadfast and law abiding as the Federal Government worked to evolve peaceful and virile nation.

“While wishing Nigerians a happy celebration, we also urge them to support the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in his determination to build a peaceful, united and virile nation,’’ he added.

It is the norm in Islam for Muslims to look out for the new moon of Shawwal at the end of the fasting month of Ramadan.

He, therefore, urged Muslims to look out for the new moon to determine the actual day for Eid-el-Fitr celebration.

If the new moon is sighted on Thursday, Muslims in the country will join their colleagues across the world to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr on Friday.

However, if the new moon is not sighted on Thursday, Muslims will have to fast on Friday and the Eid will be celebrated on Saturday.

Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Zamfara State command, has cautioned drivers in the state to avoid dangerous driving before, during and after the celebration of the Eid-el-Fitri.

The Sector Commander, Mr Amos Thilza, said in Gusau that the command had received operational directive to that effect from the headquarters in Abuja.

He said that the command would do everything possible to ensure accident-free celebration in the state.

According to him, the operation will involve traffic control, especially at praying grounds; public enlightenment campaign on radio and television and at motor parks.

The official said that excessive speeding would be thoroughly checked, while the ban on the use of mobile phone during driving would be enforced during the operation.

“We will also not take it lightly with drivers who overload their vehicles as well as the line violators. Based on this, we are going to deploy our manpower at appropriate places.

“And the real action will start from July 15 to July 20, which is the peak period of Sallah activities,” Thliza said.

He urged the public to cooperate with the FRSC during the period, and also solicited the collaboration of other security personnel, to ensure the protection of lives and property.