President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to embrace tolerance, kindness and peaceful living as Muslims across the country celebrated Eid-el-Kabir, describing the occasion as a symbol of faith, sacrifice and compassion for others.
Addressing worshippers after observing Eid prayers at Dodan Barracks in Lagos, Tinubu appealed to citizens to rise above ethnic and religious differences, stressing that Nigeria’s diversity should serve as a source of strength rather than division.
READ MORE: Tinubu urges tolerance, generosity, unity at Eid-el-Kabir prayers in Lagos
“We are grateful to Almighty Allah for granting us the opportunity to witness another Eid-el-Kabir celebration. We appreciate His grace and mercy, and we should reflect on the lessons of this season by showing care and affection to one another. There should be no room for discrimination, tribal sentiments or hatred. Instead, we must promote unity, generosity and mutual respect in line with the ideals of our nation and humanity,” he stated.
The President also emphasised the importance of obeying both divine teachings and the laws of the country. According to him, tolerance and respect for the rule of law are essential for maintaining peace and order in society.
“It is important for us to remain patient, tolerant and committed to the teachings of Allah, while also respecting the laws that guide our nation,” Tinubu added.
Speaking on the security challenges facing parts of the country, the President noted that no religion supports violence or criminality. He stressed that the essence of sacrifice in Islam highlights the sanctity and value of human life.
“There is nowhere in the holy scriptures that encourages banditry or the taking of innocent lives. The lessons of sacrifice teach us the importance of preserving human life, as seen in the story where an animal was substituted for a child. That alone shows how precious human life is,” he said.
Tinubu further encouraged Nigerians to extend support to the needy and demonstrate compassion toward the less privileged.
Among those present at the prayer ground were Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, former governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and several other dignitaries.
Delivering his sermon, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaimon Abou-Nolla, urged Muslims to uphold the virtues of sacrifice, generosity and unity as prescribed in Islam. He also offered prayers for President Tinubu, asking Allah to grant him wisdom, strength and good health, while acknowledging the contributions of past leaders toward national unity.
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