The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced an extension to the Eid-El-Fitr public holiday, following a discrepancy in the sighting of the new crescent moon. Initially, Tuesday, April 9th, and Wednesday, April 10th, were declared as public holidays to mark the celebration.
This decision was communicated by the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, through a statement issued by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Aishetu Ndayako.
However, the Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar, President General of Nigeria’s Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, declared that the Eid-El-Fitr celebration for 2024 in Nigeria would take place on Wednesday, April 10th. This proclamation was made after reports from National Moon Sighting Committees across the country confirmed that the new moon was not sighted.
Consequently, Muslim faithful in Nigeria were set to observe the Ramadan fast on Tuesday, April 9th.
Reacting to the discrepancy, the Federal Government announced an additional public holiday on Thursday, April 11th, to coincide with the celebration of Eid-El-Fitr. This decision was met with varied reactions from Nigerians on social media.
Dr. Mel (@DrMel_) humorously remarked, “Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday as holidays? I wonder what Friday is doing. Can’t you see your mates fighting to make my life easy? Fight abeg.”
Meanwhile, @Osasu_ expressed surprise, questioning, “Did This new Interior Minister just declare Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday as Public Holiday?? When was the last time we had 3 whole days as Public Holiday???”
Others, such as @StanofLagos, extended blessings, stating, “Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are now officially public holidays. God bless every Muslim out there in Jesus’ name… Amen.”
The extension of the public holiday to Thursday has elicited mixed reactions but ensures that both Muslim and non-Muslim Nigerians have ample time to observe and celebrate the occasion.
