Ebonyi State government has declared 5th of September every year as public holiday.

Governor David Umahi announced this on Thursday, during the commencement of a prayer and fasting session, organised by his government to mark the peaceful settlement of the land dispute between Ezillo and Ezza Ezillo in Ishielu Local Government Area of the state.

Umahi, who said the three-day event would be climaxed with the symbolic planting of tree of peace at Ezillo on Monday, noted that Nigerians and their leaders must remain focused and pray fervently to turn around the nation’s economy.

“By Monday, we will go to Ezillo and plant a tree of peace in the land of Ebonyi. And on the 5th of every September, we gather as a state and declare public holiday and celebrate the peace of the state,” he said in a statement on Friday by his Chief Press Secretary, Emma Anya.

Umahi recalled that his administration had at inception, declared seven-day prayer and fasting to enthrone peace in the state, particularly in the two warring communities.

In a homily, Special Assistant to the Governor on Religious Matters and Welfare, Rev. Father Abraham Nwali, prophetically declared permanent return of peace to the land of Ezillo and Ezza/Ezillo, stressing that “the Prince of peace, who is Jesus Christ, was in control as his birth signified peace and total reconciliation.”

Nwali called on the leaders and the led to remain symbols of peace in their day-to-day activities, stressing that without peace no man can see God.

Intercessory prayers for the sustenance of peace in the land of Ebonyi and the country at large were offered.

It will be recalled that the peace committee set up by the state government had on Tuesday this week submitted its report to the governor.

•Photo shows Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi (holding a microphone) with Christain Association of Nigeria leaders during the first day of a prayer and fasting session to usher in sustainable peace in Ezillo/Ezza-Ezillo in Abakaliki on Thursday.