Victoria Mbangwa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to intensify prayers for the military and security agencies as they continue to make significant sacrifices in combating terrorism and banditry across the country.
The President made the appeal shortly after observing the Eid-al-Adha prayers at the Eid Ground located within the Dodan Barracks, Lagos.
Addressing journalists, Tinubu emphasized the need to prioritize the nation’s security personnel and vulnerable citizens in prayers, especially during the season of sacrifice.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President urged Nigerians to embody the spirit of Eid by showing love and compassion to their neighbours and the less privileged.
“We should remember to pray and give to those who are very vulnerable in the spirit of the season, which is sacrifice. We must unite, remain our brothers’ keeper, and give to our neighbours. We should show love to everyone,” Tinubu said.
He further stressed the importance of national unity and good citizenship. “We must also pray hard for our troops to keep us safe. They are making sacrifices in the challenges that we face from terrorism and banditry today. We must pray for them specifically, remember their sacrifices, and continue to behave well as citizens,” he added.
Leading the prayer was the Chief Imam of Lagos State, Suleiman Oluwatoyin Abu-Nola, who urged Muslims to reflect on the significance of sacrifice, citing the example of Prophet Abraham. He called on the faithful to contribute selflessly to their families, communities, and the nation.
“The whole essence of today is sacrifice. We must learn to make sacrifices for our family, nation, and community. We must render our service to Allah, not men,” the Imam said.
He also emphasized the need for peace, love, and the abandonment of ethnic and tribal divisions to build a better Nigeria. “Whether you are Igbo, Yoruba, or Hausa, we must live above ethnic sentiments,” he stated.
