September 2024: Upcoming public holidays in Nigeria you should know about

Public holidays in Nigeria offer essential breaks, providing citizens with the opportunity to rest and celebrate significant events.

1. Eid-ul-Maulud 2024

The Nigerian federal government will observe Eid-ul-Maulud as a public holiday on September 16, 2024. This day honors the birth of the Islamic prophet, Muhammad, which falls in Rabi’ al-Awwal, the third month of the Islamic calendar. On this day, schools and businesses close, allowing the public to take time off.

For many Muslims, Eid-ul-Maulud is a day of celebration and reflection. In various countries, the occasion is marked by parades, and homes and mosques are often adorned with decorations. Islamic schools and organizations may also host educational events to enhance understanding of the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad among both Muslims and non-Muslims.

Eid-ul-Maulud is also a time for Muslims to express gratitude for their blessings and renew their commitment to living by the principles taught by Muhammad.

2. 2024 Edo State Governorship Election

In Nigeria, all eyes are on the upcoming Edo State governorship election, scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024. Governor Godwin Obaseki is expected to declare Friday, September 20, 2024, as a work-free day to allow public service workers to travel to their respective constituencies to vote.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has reported that 125,928 out of 184,438 newly printed Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs) have been collected in Edo State, representing 68.3% of the new cards issued during the recent continuous voter registration exercise.

3. Anambra Local Government Election

After a decade without local government elections in Anambra State, Governor Charles Soludo’s administration has set Saturday, September 28, 2024, as the date for the next local council elections.

Genevieve Osakwe, the chief electoral officer and chairperson of the Anambra State Independent National Electoral Commission (ANSIEC), announced that preparations are underway to ensure a smooth electoral process.

The Anambra State government is likely to declare a public holiday on September 28, 2024, to enable eligible voters to participate in the local government elections.