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The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate this year’s Eid ul Mawlid, marking the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.
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Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo urged Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for peace, national cohesion and stability amid the country’s security and other challenges.
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The minister called on citizens to reflect on the Prophet Muhammad’s virtues of compassion, humility and service, saying the values are needed in Nigeria now more than ever.
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The Federal Government urged Nigerians to celebrate responsibly and reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property and sustaining peace across the country.
August 21, (THEWILL) — The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a public holiday to mark this year’s Eid ul Mawlid, commemorating the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.
Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement issued on Friday by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Magdalene Ajani.
In his message to Muslims in Nigeria and across the diaspora, Tunji-Ojo congratulated the faithful on the occasion and urged Nigerians to use the celebration as an opportunity for sober reflection on the values associated with the life of Prophet Muhammad.
He particularly highlighted compassion, humility and service to others, saying these virtues were crucial to building a more peaceful and united society.
“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, and I encourage every Nigerian, not just our Muslim brothers and sisters, to reflect on them,” the minister said.
Tunji-Ojo also called on Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for peace and national cohesion, stressing that the responsibility for maintaining the unity of the country rested on all citizens.
He urged Nigerians to celebrate the religious occasion with restraint and mutual respect, while wishing the Muslim community a joyous and peaceful Eid.
Eid ul Mawlid is observed by Muslims to commemorate the birth of Prophet Muhammad and is marked in different ways by Muslim communities around the world.
Activities associated with the occasion often include prayers, religious lectures, gatherings and reflections on the Prophet’s teachings and character.
In Nigeria, the Federal Government traditionally declares a public holiday to enable Muslim faithful to observe the occasion.
This year’s celebration comes against the backdrop of continuing security and socio-economic challenges across the country, with the Federal Government placing renewed emphasis on peace, unity and peaceful coexistence.
The Interior Minister therefore urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from the Prophet’s example and apply values of compassion, humility and service in their daily interactions.
He also reaffirmed the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu administration to protecting lives and property and ensuring the sustenance of peace across the country.
The minister urged Nigerians to use the holiday to strengthen bonds of unity, tolerance and mutual respect, while calling on citizens to pray for the continued peace, stability and progress of Nigeria.
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