President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir to strengthen the values of tolerance, generosity, peaceful coexistence, and national unity.
The President made the call on Wednesday after observing Eid prayers at Dodan Barracks in Lagos, where he urged citizens to reject ethnic divisions, hatred, and actions capable of undermining the country’s unity and progress.
Tinubu was joined at the prayers by Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, the Rilwan Akiolu, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and other dignitaries.
Speaking shortly after the congregational prayers, the President described Eid-el-Kabir as a profound reminder of obedience, sacrifice, love for humanity, and total submission to the will of Almighty 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,” Tinubu said.
He further urged Nigerians to remain tolerant and law-abiding, stressing that respect for the rule of law is essential for societal stability and national development.
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“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,” the President added.
Tinubu emphasised that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and shared humanity, noting that ethnic, religious, or political differences should never outweigh the nation’s collective aspiration for peace, unity, and progress.
The President also called on citizens to support the less privileged and place greater value on the sanctity of human life, while condemning criminality 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, even from the beginning of life, where we take these lessons, teaches us that a child was replaced with an animal. That is the value placed on human life,” he stated.
In his sermon, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sulaimon Abou-Nolla, urged Muslims to fear Allah and uphold the principles of unity, sacrifice, and generosity in accordance with Islamic teachings.
The cleric also prayed for the President’s continued good health, wisdom, and success in leading the country, while commending the sacrifices made by past Nigerian leaders toward preserving national unity.
The statement conveying the President’s message was issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.