The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate this year’s Eid ul Mawlid, the Islamic celebration marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
The declaration was contained in a statement issued on Friday, August 21, and signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government and congratulated Muslim faithful in Nigeria and across the diaspora on the occasion.
FG urges Nigerians to embrace compassion, unity
Tunji-Ojo urged Nigerians to use the celebration as an opportunity to reflect on the values associated with the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad, particularly compassion, humility, service and peaceful coexistence.
According to the minister, these values remain important to Nigeria at a time when the country needs greater unity and tolerance.
“Every Eid ul Mawlid gives us reason to pause and draw lessons from a life defined by compassion, humility and service to others,” Tunji-Ojo said.
He encouraged all Nigerians, irrespective of their religious affiliations, to reflect on these virtues and apply them in their daily lives.
The minister also called on citizens to use the occasion to pray for peace, stability and national cohesion, stressing that building a united Nigeria is a collective responsibility.
Minister calls for peaceful celebration
Tunji-Ojo urged Muslim faithful and other Nigerians to celebrate the occasion responsibly, with restraint and mutual respect.
He assured citizens that the Federal Government remained committed to protecting lives and property and maintaining peace across the country throughout the celebration.
The minister further called for tolerance and peaceful coexistence among Nigerians, urging citizens to make collective prayers for the continued peace, stability and unity of the country.
What is Eid ul Mawlid?
Eid ul Mawlid is an annual Islamic observance commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad. Muslims in different parts of the world mark the occasion through prayers, religious gatherings, sermons and reflections on the Prophet’s life and teachings.
In Nigeria, the Federal Government traditionally declares public holidays for major religious celebrations, including Eid ul-Fitr, Eid ul-Adha, Christmas and Easter.
The declaration means that Tuesday, August 25, will be a work-free day for Nigerians as Muslim faithful across the country observe this year’s Eid ul Mawlid.
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