Yemi Obafemi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians to embrace tolerance, generosity and peaceful coexistence as Muslims across the country celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, warning against ethnic division and hatred capable of undermining national unity.
In a statement signed by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the President made the call on Wednesday after observing the Eid prayers at Dodan Barracks in Lagos alongside top government officials and traditional leaders, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, the Oba of Lagos Rilwan Akiolu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
Tinubu said Eid-el-Kabir remains a reminder of obedience, sacrifice, love for humanity and submission to the will of 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.
“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 added.
The President stressed that Nigeria’s diversity should be seen as a source of strength rather than division, noting that no political, ethnic or religious interest should be greater than the country’s collective pursuit of peace and development.
He also urged citizens to support the less privileged and uphold the sanctity of human life, condemning banditry and violence.
“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 the value placed on human life,” Tinubu stated.
In his sermon, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaimon Abou-Nolla, called on Muslims to uphold the values of sacrifice, generosity and unity.
He also prayed for wisdom and good health for the President while commending the efforts of Nigeria’s past leaders in promoting national unity.
