By Tochukwu Bliss, Abuja
The Federal Government, today, extended Eid-el-Fitr’s holiday to Thursday.
It had on Sunday declared a two-day holiday Tuesday and Wednesday, to mark the Muslim festival.
A statement posted by Permanent Secretary, Aishetu Gogo Ndayako, the Ministry of Interior’s official X account reads:
“The Federal Government has approved Thursday 11th April, 2024 as an additional public holiday to celebrate this year’s Eid -El-Fitr.
“The Honourable Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji Ojo, while congratulating the Muslim Ummah for a successful completion of a month of spiritual rejuvenation, reiterates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s (GCFR) firm commitment to providing a safe and prosperous Nigeria for all to thrive.”
The extension was prompted by the announcement by Saudi Arabia that the crescent moon, which signals the end of the Holy month of Ramadan was not sighted on Tuesday.
The Haramain on its official X handle said: “The crescent moon was NOT sighted in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, Eid Al Fitr will be celebrated on Wednesday, 10th April 2024.”
Accordingly, the Sultan of Sokoto and the President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, declared Wednesday, April 10th, as the day for Eid-Fitri.
He said the declaration followed the report of the National Moon Sighting Committees across the country that confirmed that the moon has not been sighted.
The Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs to the Sultanate Council Sambo Junaidu, said: “The Sultan, while urging the Muslim Ummah to continue to pray for peace, progress, and development of the country, also wishes all Muslims a happy Eid-El-Fitri.”
The crescent moon was NOT sighted in Saudi Arabia. Therefore, Eid Al Fitr will be celebrated on Wednesday, 10th April 2024.
