The Federal Government has declared Tuesday, August 25, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate the 2026 Eid-ul-Mawlid, marking the birth anniversary of Prophet Muhammad, while urging Nigerians to use the occasion to promote peace, unity and national cohesion.
The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement issued on Friday by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Magdalene Ajani.
Tunji-Ojo urged Nigerians to look beyond the festivities and draw practical lessons from the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad, particularly values such as compassion, humility, tolerance and service to humanity.
He said the values were especially relevant to Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen peace, national unity and sustainable development.
“Every Eid ul Mawlid gives us reason to pause and draw lessons from a life defined by compassion, humility and service to others.
“These are qualities our nation needs now more than ever, and I encourage every Nigerian, not just our Muslim brothers and sisters, to reflect on them,” the minister said.
He called on Nigerians to use the celebration to pray for peace, unity and national cohesion, stressing that building and sustaining a peaceful nation was a collective responsibility.
The minister also appealed to Muslim faithful and other citizens to celebrate responsibly, with restraint, mutual respect and consideration for people of different faiths and backgrounds.
According to him, peaceful coexistence and respect for one another remain critical to strengthening the bonds that unite the country.
Tunji-Ojo congratulated Muslims in Nigeria and across the diaspora on the occasion and wished them a peaceful and joyous Eid-ul-Mawlid.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the President Bola Tinubu administration to protecting lives and property while promoting peace, security and stability across the country.
The minister further urged citizens to support government and community initiatives aimed at strengthening national unity, fostering peaceful coexistence and building a more stable and prosperous Nigeria.
The public holiday will therefore provide Muslim faithful with an opportunity to observe the religious occasion while encouraging all Nigerians to reflect on the enduring values of compassion, tolerance, service and peaceful coexistence.
