Eid-el-Kabir: Tinubu urges Nigerians to embrace tolerance, national unity

Abdullateef Fowewe

President Bola Tinubu has used his Eid-el-Kabir address at Dodan Barracks in Lagos to call on Nigerians to deepen the values of tolerance, generosity and peaceful coexistence, stressing that the nation’s diversity is a source of strength.

Speaking after congregational prayer on Wednesday, Tinubu urged citizens to reject ethnic divisions and all forms of hatred that undermine national unity.

He was joined at the prayers by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, the Oba of Lagos Rilwan Akiolu, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and other dignitaries.

The President described Eid-el-Kabir as “a profound reminder of obedience, sacrifice, love for humanity and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah,” citing the example of 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 in a way that reflects the values of our country and humanity,” he said.

Tinubu urged Nigerians to be “very tolerant and obedient to the wishes of Allah and the rule of law, which must guide our society,” and called on citizens to support the less privileged and uphold the sanctity of human life.

He condemned banditry and other acts of violence as inconsistent with religious teachings.

“Nowhere in the holy teachings does it say you should engage in banditry or take a human life. The sacrifice we speak of, even from the beginning of life, where we take these lessons, teaches us that a child was replaced with an animal. That is the value placed on human life,” the President said.

In a sermon that reinforced the President’s message, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaimon Abou-Nolla, urged Muslims to fear Allah and promote unity, generosity and sacrifice in accordance with the Holy Book.

He prayed for the President’s health and wisdom and commended past leaders for their contributions to national unity.