President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to embrace love, tolerance, generosity and obedience to the rule of law as Muslims across the country celebrate Eid-el-Kabir.
Tinubu made the call on Wednesday shortly after observing the two-rakat Eid prayer at the Dodan Barracks Eid Ground in Lagos alongside other Muslim faithful.
The president thanked Allah for granting Nigerians the opportunity to witness another Eid-el-Kabir celebration and urged citizens to reflect on the lessons of sacrifice, compassion and peaceful coexistence associated with the festival.
According to him, Nigerians must promote unity across ethnic and religious divides and reject hatred and discrimination.
“We must learn from the lessons of this festival. It is to show love to one another, no discrimination, no ethnicity, no hatred,” Tinubu said.
“We should share love and generosity with one another in a way that reflects the value of our country and the humanity in us.”
The president stressed the importance of tolerance and adherence to both religious teachings and the rule of law as foundations for a peaceful and orderly society.
“It is essential that we be very tolerant, be obedient to the wish of Allah and obedient to the rule of law, which must guide our society,” he added.
Speaking on insecurity, Tinubu said no religion supports violence, banditry or the killing of innocent people.
“There is nowhere in the holy teaching that says you should engage in banditry. Nowhere should you kill another human being,” the president stated.
Earlier, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaimon Abou-Nolla, urged Muslims to imbibe the virtues of sacrifice, generosity, unity and service to humanity.
The cleric said Eid-el-Kabir symbolises the obedience and sacrifice demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim and called on Nigerians to reject tribalism, hate speech, terrorism and violence.
“As we celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, let us shun all acts of indiscipline, hate speech, violence and terrorism to ensure peaceful coexistence and progress of our dear nation Nigeria,” he said.
The Chief Imam also prayed for President Tinubu, asking Allah to grant him wisdom, good health and guidance in steering the country toward peace and prosperity.
Among dignitaries at the prayer ground were Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola.
