Govt Declares One-Week Easter Public Holiday; Details Emerge

As reported by The Punch, the directive was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday, March 30, by the Permanent Secretary (General Services), Godwin Tyolumun Tighil, on behalf of Deborah Aber, the secretary to the All Progressives Congress (APC-led) state government.

According to a statement titled ‘Declaration of Public Holiday to Mark Easter Celebration,’ workers in Benue State are to begin their Easter break on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, and resume work on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.

The statement noted that the decision was approved by Governor Hyacinth Alia, who directed public servants to close work by 1 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, to commence the holiday. Workers in essential services, however, are expected to remain on duty to handle urgent matters affecting public welfare.

Benue governor releases Easter message Per Vanguard, Governor Alia also extended Easter greetings to residents, urging them to use the period to pray for peace in Benue and across the country. This marks the first time the governor has approved a week-long Easter holiday for workers in the state.

Easter is a major Christian festival commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ three days after his crucifixion. The celebration symbolises victory over death and the promise of eternal life for believers.

Observed annually between March and April, the date of Easter varies based on the lunar calendar, falling on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox.

The week leading up to Easter includes Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday (Last Supper), and Good Friday, which is a day of reflection and fasting. Flowers, particularly lilies, are used to decorate churches and homes to represent new life.