Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has declared seven days of public holiday for state civil servants.
He further disclosed that food will be given to government officials for onward distribution to the less privileged in their local government areas and wards for Christmas and New Year celebrations.
The governor made the declaration at an event marking the end of the year and the cutting of cake with all members of the state executive council and other top government officials held at the Government House in Minna.
Governor Umaru Bago said the public holiday was to give civil servants enough time to celebrate and enjoy the Yuletide.
According to him, the holiday will commence from Friday, December 22, 2023, to Monday, January 1, 2024.
"Don't stay in Minna; go and share food with the poor people in your local governments and wards," the governor charged officials of government.