President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday urged Nigerians to embrace tolerance, generosity and peaceful coexistence as Muslims across the country celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, warning against ethnic divisions and hatred capable of tearing the nation apart.
The President made the call after observing the Eid prayers at Dodan Barracks in Lagos, where he joined other top government officials and dignitaries to mark the sacred Islamic festival.
Among those present were Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Obafemi Hamzat, Babatunde Raji Fashola, Rilwan Akiolu, Femi Gbajabiamila and Nuhu Ribadu.
Speaking after the prayers, Bola Ahmed Tinubu described Eid-el-Kabir as a powerful reminder of faith, sacrifice, obedience and love for humanity as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.
“We thank Almighty Allah for making us witness another Eid-el-Kabir. We must learn from the lessons of this season by showing love to one another. No discrimination, no ethnicity, no hatred. We should be generous and reflect the values of humanity and our nation,” the President said.
Tinubu stressed that Nigeria’s diversity should remain a source of strength rather than division, insisting that ethnic, religious and political differences must not override the country’s shared aspiration for peace and progress.
He also called on Nigerians to extend support to 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 human life. The lesson of sacrifice teaches the value of human life,” he stated.
In his sermon, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaimon Abou-Nolla, urged Muslims to uphold the virtues of sacrifice, unity and generosity while praying for wisdom and good health for the President. He also paid tribute to past Nigerian leaders for their contributions to national unity.
