Eid-ul-Adha Holidays: Nigerians to Enjoy Long Eid Break as FG Declares June 6 and 9 Public Holidays

 

Nigerians across the country are set to enjoy an extended weekend as the Federal Government has officially declared Friday, June 6, and Monday, June 9, 2025, as public holidays in celebration of Eid-ul-Adha.

The announcement came on Monday, June 2, 2025, from the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government. This move allows citizens, especially the Muslim faithful, to observe the Islamic festival of sacrifice with sufficient time for both spiritual reflection and community engagement.

Tunji-Ojo extended heartfelt congratulations to all members of the Muslim Ummah, both in Nigeria and the diaspora, as they prepare to commemorate one of the most significant events in the Islamic calendar. He emphasized the enduring importance of the values symbolized by Eid-ul-Adha, calling on adherents to emulate the faith, obedience, and sacrifice demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim (Peace be upon Him).

Eid-ul-Adha, known as the “Festival of Sacrifice,” is celebrated annually by Muslims worldwide to honor the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. In Islamic tradition, this ultimate act of submission was halted by divine intervention, and a ram was provided as a substitute. Today, Muslims commemorate the occasion by slaughtering livestock and distributing the meat among family, friends, and the less privileged.

Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo used the opportunity to highlight the relevance of these virtues in the contemporary Nigerian context. He urged the Muslim community to use the sacred period to pray fervently for a more peaceful, united, and prosperous Nigeria. According to him, the message of Eid-ul-Adha transcends ritualistic observance and calls for national introspection.

“Let us imbibe the true spirit of Eid by showing compassion, promoting unity, and demonstrating unwavering faith in our shared destiny as a nation,” the Minister stated. “This is a time not only to celebrate but to remember the power of personal and collective sacrifice for the greater good.”

In a country currently navigating complex socio-economic challenges, his words come as a timely reminder of the importance of faith-based resilience and community solidarity. As the nation continues its journey toward economic recovery and social harmony, leaders like Tunji-Ojo are encouraging citizens to reflect on moral and spiritual values that foster national cohesion.

Beyond religious observance, the declaration of public holidays for Eid-ul-Adha also has practical implications for daily life. Government offices, banks, and many businesses will observe the break, allowing for a brief pause in the typically fast-paced routines of urban centers. Transportation hubs, markets, and places of worship, however, are expected to experience increased activity as citizens travel, gather, and prepare for festivities.

This year’s Eid-ul-Adha also coincides with renewed conversations around the need for national unity amidst diverse ethnic, religious, and regional identities. Tunji-Ojo’s remarks underscore the role of spiritual festivals as opportunities for cross-cultural understanding and reaffirmation of shared values.

For Muslim communities preparing for the holiday, the official confirmation of the holiday dates provides clarity and the chance to organize events, family reunions, and charitable outreach. Local mosques are expected to hold special Eid prayers and sermons that center around the themes of devotion, empathy, and hope.

The Interior Minister concluded his message with a call to action: “Let us remember the less privileged during this festive period and extend our hands in generosity. May this Eid bring blessings to our homes and peace to our nation.”

As June 6 and 9 approach, the public holiday declaration signals more than a temporary reprieve from work. It represents a moment of national reflection, a celebration of faith, and a gesture of unity at a time when such values are deeply needed in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.

With families making plans, religious leaders preparing sermons, and communities organizing charitable efforts, the spirit of Eid-ul-Adha is already palpable. The Federal Government’s endorsement of the holiday serves as both recognition of the festival’s importance and an invitation to all Nigerians to reflect on what it truly means to live in harmony, give selflessly, and believe in a better future.