The Federal Government has declared December 26th and 27th as well as January 2nd, 2023 as public holidays to mark the Christmas and New Year celebrations respectively.

Interior Minister, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, confirmed this in a statement signed by the ministry’s permanent secretary, Belgore Shuaib on Friday.

The public holidays, the statement added, are to celebrate Christmas, Boxing Day, and New Year in that order.

Aregbesola urged Christians to emulate Jesus and reflect on his teachings as they celebrate.

“We must imbibe the life of Jesus Christ in His practice and teachings on humility, service, compassion, patience, peace, and righteousness, that His birth signifies,” he said. “This will be the best way to portray Christ and celebrate his birth.”