Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to uphold unity, tolerance, generosity, and obedience to the rule of law as Muslims across the country celebrate Eid-el-Kabir.
The president made the appeal shortly after observing the Eid prayer at the Dodan Barracks Eid Ground in Lagos, where he joined thousands of Muslim faithful and top government officials for the annual religious celebration. Tinubu thanked Allah for preserving the nation and granting Nigerians another opportunity to witness the festival, describing Eid-el-Kabir as a period for reflection, sacrifice, and compassion.
Speaking after the prayers, the president urged citizens to use the occasion to strengthen peaceful coexistence and reject divisions based on ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation.
He stressed that the lessons of Eid-el-Kabir go beyond celebration and should inspire Nigerians to show love, kindness, and understanding toward one another.
Tinubu said the nation could only progress when citizens embrace tolerance and respect for the law, adding that obedience to lawful authority and national values remains essential for stability and development. According to him, no religion supports violence, terrorism, banditry, or the killing of innocent people.
The president condemned insecurity and criminality across the country, noting that the core message of the Islamic festival is the sanctity and preservation of human life. He explained that the story of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son, only for God to replace the child with an animal, symbolises mercy, obedience, and the value placed on human life.
Tinubu also called on Nigerians to continue supporting efforts aimed at building a peaceful and united country, especially at a time when economic and security challenges continue to test national unity.
Earlier in his sermon, Sheikh Sulaimon Abou-Nolla urged Muslims to embrace sacrifice, charity, discipline, and service to humanity as key teachings of Eid-el-Kabir. The cleric warned against tribalism, hate speech, terrorism, and acts capable of disrupting national peace and stability.
He called on Nigerians to remain united despite political, ethnic, and religious differences, stressing that peace and cooperation are necessary for the country’s growth and prosperity.
The Chief Imam also offered prayers for the president, asking God to grant him wisdom, strength, and guidance in steering the affairs of the nation.
Among dignitaries present at the Eid prayer ground were Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Obafemi Hamzat, Nuhu Ribadu, and former Lagos State governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, alongside several senior government officials and religious leaders.
