Nigeria, Aug. 21 -- The federal government has declared Tuesday, 25 August, a public holiday.

Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who announced the declaration, said the holiday was to mark this year's Eid ul Mawlid.

The Eid is marked by millions of Muslims worldwide to celebrate the birth of Prophet Muhammad.

According to a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Magdalene Ajani, Mr Tunji-Ojo congratulated Muslims and urged Nigerians to learn the values associated with the life of Prophet Muhammad. He also called on Nigerians to pray for peace in the country.

"Every Eid ul Mawlid gives us reason to pause and draw lessons from a life defined by compassion, humility and service to others," he said.

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