By our Reporter
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir to promote tolerance, generosity and peaceful coexistence across the country.
The President made the call on Wednesday after observing the Eid congregational prayers at Dodan Barracks in Lagos.
Tinubu urged citizens to reject ethnic divisions, hatred and all forms of discrimination capable of undermining national unity and development.
Among dignitaries who joined the President for the prayers were Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Obafemi Hamzat, former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, the Rilwan Akiolu, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
The President described Eid-el-Kabir as a sacred season that symbolises obedience, sacrifice, love for humanity and submission to the will of Almighty Allah, as demonstrated 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,” Tinubu said.
He stressed the need for Nigerians to remain tolerant and law-abiding, noting that the nation’s strength lies in its diversity and shared humanity.
According to him, no ethnic, religious or political differences should outweigh the collective aspiration for peace, progress and national development.
Tinubu also urged citizens to support the less privileged and uphold the sanctity of human life, condemning banditry and violence.
“Nowhere in the holy teachings does it say you should engage in banditry or take a human life,” the President stated.
In his sermon, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sulaimon Abou-Nolla, urged Muslims to fear Allah and uphold the values of unity, sacrifice and generosity.
The cleric also prayed for the President’s good health, wisdom and success in leading the country, while commending the contributions of past Nigerian leaders towards national unity.
