The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared Monday and Tuesday as Public Holidays to mark this year’s Workers’ Day and Eidul-Fitr celebrations.

The Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, made the declaration in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Shuaib Belgore, on Thursday.

Aregbesola commended workers for their hard work, diligence and sacrifice, noting that their efforts are largely responsible for the greatness of the country and the respect Nigeria now commands in the comity of nations.

According to the Minister, “Labour is the very essence of humanity. We are alive because we work and only the dead is incapable of working.”

He urged workers to raise the bar of their trade in line with President Muhammadu Buhari-led’s administration’s drive to rev up the vehicle of governance and make all the people of Nigeria derive maximum benefit from the nation.

The Minister also congratulated all Muslims for the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.

Aregbesola called on all Muslims to imbibe and practice the virtues of kindness, love, tolerance, peace, self-denial, sacrifice and good neighbourliness, as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him).

“The self-restraint, self-denial, sacrifice and deep spiritual consciousness that accompanied the fasting period should not end but be maintained and improved upon, in order to be a better person and true worshipper,” the minister said.

The minister expressed confidence that the security challenges in some parts of the country will soon be a thing of the past, noting that the government is putting determined efforts and all necessary measures in place for Nigerians to enjoy unfettered peace all around.

He urged Nigerians to be part of the nation’s security architecture by being vigilant and reporting suspicious individuals and activities to law enforcement agencies nearest to them, noting that security is everybody’s responsibility.