President Bola Tinubu Wednesday joined other Nigerian Muslims to perform the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at the Dodan Barracks Praying Ground in Lagos.
The president was accompanied by Mr Nuhu Ribadu, National Security Adviser, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Babatunde Fashola, former Lagos State Governor and other top government functionaries.
The Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Suleiman Abu-Nolah said that the festivity promotes the culture of sacrifice, unity and tolerance among the Muslim faithful.
“The religion does not permit the practice of selfishness, intolerance or sectionalism.
“We should use the occasion to reflect on the various challenges facing the country and use it to rectify whatever is our challenge through prayer to God Almighty.”
The Chief Imam prayed for the continued peace, progress and stability of Nigeria and called on all Nigerians to imbibe the values of Prophet Ibrahim.
President Tinubu, shortly after the Eid prayers charged Nigerians to commit to making sacrifices for the progress and stability of the country.
He called upon both leaders and followers to adopt attitudes that would propel the nation to greater heights even as he stressed the need for deliberate commitment from both leadership and citizens alike.
“May our sacrifices turn to prosperity. We’ve to make sacrifices and that is clear.
“But Allah will not give you the burden that you cannot carry; He will not. He is there for you.
“Have faith in the country, have faith in yourselves, believing as a citizen of this country that it will be well with us,” he prayed.
He also pledged his commitment to the revitalization of Nigeria to ensure that all Nigerians enjoy the dividends of democracy during his tenure
Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mr Femi Hamzat urged Nigerians to continue to pray for the wellbeing of the country.
“We must sacrifice for the nation because praying and loving is part of our duty as citizens because it is what will make the nation great,” he said.
Gbajabiamila said the president would need the prayers of Nigerians to continue the various initiatives towards turning the country into the dream of our founding fathers.
“As the president returns Abuja, he will need your prayers and as he moves to all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria, he will also need your prayers.
“The weight of the task is daunting but with the prayers and support of all Nigerians, the president will surely surmount them,” he said.
