Nigerian gov declares 2-week public holiday

Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has declared a two-week holiday for all civil servants in the state to celebrate Christmas and New Year, as well as harvest their crops.

The governor made the announcement on Tuesday during a press briefing at the Government House in Makurdi. The holiday began on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, and will run until January 6, 2025.

Governor Alia emphasized that the extended break is aimed at promoting workers’ well-being, allowing them to spend quality time with loved ones, harvest their crops, and take some rest.

“I urge you all to seize the opportunity of this long holiday to attend to your agricultural pursuit by harvesting all your crops so that there will be abundance of food for the family at the end of the holidays,” Alia said.

The Governor, however exempted those on essential services like medical personnel, bankers, energy providers, security agencies from the long holiday, except they make in house arrangements.

He admonished the people of the state to continue imbibing the spirit of unity, love and peace while remaining steadfast in the collective efforts to develop the Benue of their dream.