Mosque in Abuja, Nigeria

July 20 and 21 to be Public Holidays in Nigeria for Eid-el-Kabir

Africa Eid al-Adha

The federal government of Nigeria has declared Tuesday July 20th, and Wednesday July 21st 2021 as public holidays to mark the 2021 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, also known as Id el Kabir.

The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, made the declaration in a statement on behalf of the federal government which was signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Shuaib Belgore.

Aregbesola congratulated all Muslim faithful and Nigerians at home and in the diaspora on the celebration, urging them to allow the lessons of the celebration reflect in their day-to-day activities.

“I call on Muslims to continue to imbibe the spirit of love, peace, kindness and sacrifice, as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) and to also use the period to pray for peace, unity, prosperity and the stability of the country…” Aregbesola said.

Aregbesola, while wishing the Muslim faithful a happy Eid-el Kabir celebration, advised all Nigerians to take responsibility by reporting any suspicious individuals and criminal activities to law enforcement agencies, especially during this festival.

Eid al-Adha is an Islamic religious holiday on the 12th of Dhu al-Hijjah, the final month in the lunar calendar. The holiday began as a way to celebrate Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice his son to show obedience to God’s command. Eid al-Adha is celebrated worldwide as a time for Muslims to sacrifice for Allah and share with their family and neighbors.