President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to embrace the values of tolerance, generosity, and peaceful coexistence as Muslims across the country celebrate Eid-el-Kabir.
Speaking after performing the Eid congregational prayers at Dodan Barracks in Lagos on Wednesday, Tinubu urged citizens to reject ethnic divisions, hatred, and all forms of conduct that undermine national unity.
According to a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the President was joined at the prayers by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, Oba of Lagos Rilwan Akiolu, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and other dignitaries.
Tinubu said Eid-el-Kabir is a reminder of obedience, sacrifice, love for humanity, and submission to the will of Almighty Allah, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.
“We thank Almighty Allah for making us witness another year of Eid-el-Kabir. We thank Him for His mercy, and we must learn from this season’s lessons, namely, showing love to one another. No discrimination, no ethnicity, no hatred; we should share love and be generous to one another in a way that reflects the values of our country and humanity,” the President said.
He added that Nigerians must remain tolerant and committed to both divine guidance and the rule of law.
“It is essential that we should be very tolerant and obedient to the wishes of Allah and the rule of law, which must guide our society,” he said.
Emphasising national unity, Tinubu said Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and urged citizens not to allow differences to override the collective goal of peace and development.
The President also condemned violent extremism, stressing that banditry is inconsistent with Islamic teachings.
“Nowhere in the holy teachings does it say you should engage in banditry or take a human life. The sacrifice we speak of… teaches us that a child was replaced with an animal. That is the value placed on human life,” he said.
In his sermon, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaimon Abou-Nolla, urged Muslims to fear Allah and uphold unity, generosity, and sacrifice. He also prayed for Tinubu’s continued good health and wisdom, while commending Nigeria’s past leaders for their contributions to national unity.
