President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to sustain the virtues of patience, tolerance, and good neighbourliness cultivated during the Ramadan and Lenten periods, urging citizens to apply them beyond religious observances toward national development.
The President made the appeal on Friday after observing Eid-el-Fitri prayers at Dodan Barracks in Lagos.
He stressed that the lessons drawn from the holy season should serve as a guiding force for building a more united and progressive country.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu underscored that peace, stability, and national growth can only thrive where citizens live together in harmony.
He also noted that acts of charity, compassion, and kindness should not end with the fasting period but remain a continuous practice.
“I pray for peace in the country. The stability, peace and security of the nation is not just one man’s responsibility.
We are all involved. Report suspicious movements of people across the length and breadth of the country. These are our responsibilities too.
“We give thanks to God for guiding us through the month of Ramadan.
We have accepted the principles, philosophy and doctrine of giving, peace, security and love of our nation, and of neighbours, and kindness to all humanity in any way we can.
We should assist the needy and help the vulnerable. That is the teaching. May God accept our sacrifices.
“We must continue not because Ramadan has come and it’s over. We thank almighty God for giving us that month.
But the teaching must continue even after Ramadan. We must continue to be our brother’s keeper. Good behaviour, good neighbours, and love for humanity,” the statement quoted Tinubu as saying.
Reflecting on religion and its place in society, Tinubu observed that despite differences in worship styles, all faiths share a common focus on serving one God and promoting moral values. He urged Nigerians to embrace diversity while strengthening unity for collective progress.
Speaking on his recent visit to the United Kingdom alongside the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, where they were received by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, the President described the trip as a reflection of Nigeria’s diversity and global relevance.
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He stated, “Our visit was a very big opportunity for us to be a good example of the diversity in our society, being able to accept one another as our brothers’ keepers. Tolerance among all faiths.
“The fact that we worship the same God doesn’t mean our styles have to be the same. Our behaviour could be different, but we serve God Almighty.”
Also speaking, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to continued prayers for peace and the welfare of residents, while appreciating the President’s support for Lagos.
In his sermon, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos State, Alhaji Sulaiman Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla, urged Muslims to uphold the values of repentance, piety, and peace beyond Ramadan.
He said, “Today, we are witnessing a world unsettled by tensions and fear. Nations are on edge, and economies are fragile.
For Nigerians, especially the good citizens of this great nation, this is a time for calmness, not chaos—a time for wisdom, not provocation. Ours is a religion of peace and discipline and care.”
Tinubu attended the Eid prayers alongside key officials, including the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola; as well as family members and associates.
The President’s message, as highlighted in the statement, centres on unity, tolerance, and shared responsibility as essential pillars for ensuring lasting peace and security across the country.