THE Federal Government has declared Thursday and Friday next week as public holidays to mark this year’s Muslim festival of Id-el-Fitr, signaling the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

Minister of Interior, Captain Emmanuel Ihenacho, who made the announcement on behalf of the Federal Government on Thursday, enjoined all Muslims to use the occasion to pray fervently for the progress and peaceful co-existence of the country, especially as the nation approaches the 2011 general election.

Captain Ihenacho, in a statement signed by the Assistant Director, Press, Mr Timothy Oyedeji, also wished Nigerians both at home and abroad, a blissful and joyous celebration during the period.