By Sylvia Akpan
The Federal Government has declared Wednesday, May 27 and Thursday, May 28, 2026, as public holidays to mark this year’s Eid al-Adha (Eid-el-Kabir) celebration.
The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the public holidays on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr. Magdalene Ajani in Abuja.
According to the minister, the declaration reflects the Federal Government’s respect for the faith and spiritual heritage of millions of Muslims in Nigeria and across the world observing the sacred festival.
Tunji-Ojo stated that Eid al-Adha symbolizes sacrifice, obedience, compassion, and faith, urging Nigerians to use the period for prayers and sober reflection for sustained peace, security, and economic prosperity in the country.
He encouraged citizens to embrace the spirit of brotherhood, unity, and shared humanity during the celebration while wishing Muslim faithful a peaceful and joyous Eid celebration.
Following the Federal Government’s announcement, the Management of the University of Cross River State (UNICROSS) declared a two-day holiday for staff and students of the institution.
In a circular dated May 26, 2026, and signed by the Deputy Registrar and Public Relations Officer, Onen E. Onen, the university stated that the holiday was approved in observance of the Eid Ul Adha celebration.
The statement, issued from the Office of the Vice Chancellor, directed all staff, students, and members of the university community to proceed on the break and resume official and academic activities on Friday, May 29, 2026.
The management, however, clarified that staff on essential duties were exempted from the holiday and are expected to continue rendering services in line with departmental schedules and operational responsibilities.
Similarly, the Cross River State Police Command has also assured residents of adequate security across the state.
In a press release issued on Tuesday, the Commissioner of Police, Cross River State Command, CP Rashid B. Afegbua, felicitates with Muslim faithful on the occasion of Id El-Kabir across the state on the occasion of Children’s Day.
The Police Boss directed Area Commanders, Divisional Police Officers, and Commanders of Operational Units to intensify security measures and ensure adequate deployment of personnel across the state ahead of the celebrations.
According to the statement signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eitokpah Sunday Akata, officers and personnel of the Command have been charged to strengthen visibility policing, intelligence-led operations, patrols, surveillance activities, and rapid response capabilities to guarantee a peaceful, safe, and crime-free atmosphere before, during, and after the festivities.
The command disclosed that security deployment has been reinforced around worship centers, schools, recreation and amusement centers, markets, parks, highways, major transit routes, and other strategic public locations expected to witness increased human and vehicular movement.
Parents and guardians are also advised to maintain proper supervision of children during the celebrations, while residents are urged to remain security conscious and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through these emergency lines (07041777060, 07053355415) provided by the command.
The Police Command reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property and ensuring a peaceful, secure, and crime-free festive season across Cross River State.
Short Link:
Leave feedback about this