The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a public holiday to mark Eid-ul-Mawlid, the anniversary of the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the holiday is an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the values of compassion, tolerance, and service exemplified by the Prophet.
The statement was signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani.
Tunji-Ojo urged Muslims and other Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for peace, unity, and national cohesion, noting that the responsibility for building a stable and prosperous nation rests on all citizens.
“Every Eid-ul-Mawlid gives us reason to pause and draw lessons from a life defined by compassion, humility, and service to others. These are qualities our nation needs now more than ever,” the minister said.
“I encourage every Nigerian, not just our Muslim brothers and sisters, to reflect on them.”
He called on the Muslim faithful to celebrate responsibly, with restraint, mutual respect, and consideration for people of different faiths and backgrounds.
According to him, the values of peaceful coexistence remain essential to strengthening the bonds that hold the country together.
The minister also reaffirmed the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s administration to protecting lives and property and promoting peace and stability across the country.
He congratulated Muslims in Nigeria and across the diaspora on the celebration, wishing them a peaceful and joyous Eid-ul-Mawlid.
The public holiday will enable Muslim faithful to commemorate the religious occasion while joining other Nigerians in reflecting on the values of tolerance, service, and unity highlighted by the Federal Government.
