Federal Government Announces Friday as Public Holiday for Eid ul Mawlid
The Federal Government has announced that Friday, September 5, 2025, will be observed as a public holiday in celebration of Eid-ul-Mawlid, the birth of Prophet Muhammad. The declaration was made by the Ministry of Interior through its Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani, on behalf of the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
In its message to Nigerians, the government extended warm congratulations to Muslims across the country and in the diaspora on this important occasion. It encouraged the faithful to follow the teachings and virtues of Prophet Muhammad, including humility, compassion, peace, tolerance, and love, which remain timeless values for building a better society.
The statement further urged Nigerians of all religious backgrounds to use the celebration as an opportunity to pray for peace, security, and stability in the nation. The government stressed the need for unity, reminding citizens that the development of the country rests on collective responsibility and the commitment of every individual to support national progress.
According to the Ministry of Interior, Eid-ul-Mawlid should not only be a day of festivities but also a reminder of the Prophet’s exemplary lifestyle and selfless service to humanity. The occasion, it said, provides another chance to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, regardless of faith or ethnic differences.
The government also called on citizens to remain law-abiding and security conscious while supporting its policies aimed at achieving sustainable development. This year’s commemoration comes at a time when Nigeria continues to face challenges ranging from economic hardship to security issues, making calls for unity and resilience more urgent.
Eid-ul-Mawlid is observed annually in the Islamic month of Rabi’ al-Awwal and is marked with prayers, lectures, processions, and acts of charity. For Muslims, it is a special time to reflect on the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad, who is regarded as a model of humility, kindness, and devotion to God.
In Nigeria, the holiday is deeply significant due to the country’s large Muslim population and long-standing tradition of observing major Islamic festivals as national holidays. Each year, government officials and religious leaders use the occasion to call for peace, tolerance, and stronger unity among citizens.
As Nigerians prepare to mark the day, the Federal Government’s message serves as a reminder that beyond celebration, Eid-ul-Mawlid represents an opportunity to embrace the Prophet’s teachings and work together for a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.
