President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians to offer fervent prayers for the country’s armed forces and security agencies, praising their continued efforts in confronting terrorism, banditry, and other national threats during the Eid-el-Kabir prayers held at the Eid Ground in Dodan Barracks, Lagos, on Friday.
Speaking to journalists after the prayers, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of unity, compassion, and collective responsibility during the sacred festival.
He noted that Eid-el-Kabir is not only a period of celebration but a time for national reflection and sacrifice.
“We should remember to pray for and give to those who are most vulnerable, in the spirit of this season of sacrifice. We must unite, be our brothers’ keeper, and support our neighbours. We should show love to everyone,” he said, as conveyed in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Bayo Onanuga.
He particularly stressed the need to remember and appreciate the troops stationed in volatile regions across the country.
“We must also pray fervently for our troops who are keeping us safe. They are making extraordinary sacrifices in the face of the challenges posed by terrorism and banditry. Let us not forget their efforts. As citizens, we must also conduct ourselves responsibly,” Tinubu added.
During the sermon, the Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Suleiman Abu-Nola, echoed the President’s sentiments, urging Muslims to emulate Prophet Abraham’s spirit of sacrifice and extend kindness to the poor and vulnerable.
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He emphasized that true service should be directed to God, not man, and that personal and national growth require selfless dedication.
“The essence of today is sacrifice. We must learn to make sacrifices for our families, communities, and the nation. Our service should be rendered to Allah, not man,” the cleric stated.
He further called on Nigerians to set aside tribal divisions and work towards a more united and peaceful country. “Whether Igbo, Yoruba, or Hausa, we must live beyond ethnic divisions,” he said.
President Tinubu was joined at the Eid ground by top government officials and dignitaries, including the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle; Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; and former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola.
Others present included the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; Dangote Group President, Aliko Dangote; BUA Group Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu; Oando GCEO, Wale Tinubu; and Professor Shaffideen Amuwo, a longtime ally of the President.
As the Eid festivities continued across the nation, Tinubu’s message served as both a spiritual and patriotic reminder of the importance of national unity, empathy, and the enduring value of sacrifice in building a stronger Nigeria.
Punch Newspaper
