President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to uphold the values of tolerance, generosity, and peaceful coexistence as Muslims across the country celebrate Eid-el-Kabir.
The President made the call on Wednesday after observing the Eid prayers at Dodan Barracks in Lagos, where he urged citizens to reject ethnic divisions, hatred, and all forms of discrimination capable of undermining national unity.
President Tinubu said the significance of Eid-el-Kabir goes beyond celebration, describing it as a period for reflection on sacrifice, obedience to God, love for humanity, and compassion for others.
“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,” the President said.
“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.”
He stressed that Nigerians must remain tolerant and law-abiding, noting that obedience to Allah and respect for the rule of law are essential for building a peaceful and progressive society.
“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,” Tinubu stated.
The President further stated that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and shared humanity, insisting that ethnic, religious, and political differences should never outweigh the collective aspiration for national development and peace.
President Tinubu also condemned banditry and violence, saying the sanctity of human life remains central to religious teachings.
“Nowhere in the holy teachings does it say you should engage in banditry or take a human life,” he said.
“The sacrifice we speak of teaches us the value placed on human life.”
The Eid prayers were attended by 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 other dignitaries.
In his sermon, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaimon Abou-Nolla, urged Muslims to embrace the virtues of sacrifice, unity, generosity, and the fear of Allah.
“Muslims must continue to promote unity, generosity, sacrifice, and the fear of Allah in line with the teachings of the Holy Book,” the cleric said.
He also prayed for continued wisdom and good health for President Tinubu and commended past Nigerian leaders for their roles in promoting national unity.