President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to offer fervent prayers for the nation’s military and security forces who are putting their lives on the line to ensure the country’s safety, particularly in the ongoing battle against terrorism and banditry.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday shortly after observing the Eid-al-Adha prayers at the Eid Ground within Dodan Barracks in Lagos, the President said the season is a moment to reflect on love, sacrifice, and compassion especially towards the vulnerable and the nation’s defenders.
“We should remember to pray and give to those who are very vulnerable in the spirit of the season, which is sacrifice.”
“We must unite, remain our brothers’ keeper, and give to our neighbours. We should show love to everyone,” President Tinubu said.
Tinubu particularly emphasized the need to keep security personnel in prayers as they battle threats to national peace and security.
“We must also pray hard for our troops to keep us safe. They are making sacrifices in the challenges that we face from terrorism and banditry today.”
“We must pray for them specifically, remember their sacrifices, and continue to behave well as citizens,” the President stated.
The spiritual message of Eid was echoed by the Chief Imam of Lagos State, Suleiman Oluwatoyin Abu-Nola, who led the prayer session and reminded Muslims of the importance of selfless giving and communal peace.
“The whole essence of today is sacrifice. We must learn to make sacrifices for our family, nation, and community. We must render our service to Allah, not men,” the Chief Imam noted.
He also urged the faithful to live peacefully and consider the welfare of their neighbours, especially the poor and the vulnerable, adding, “If we are to see the Nigeria of our dreams, we must be ready to make sacrifices. We must unite as Nigerians to make progress. We must rise above tribal sentiments. Whether you are Igbo, Yoruba, or Hausa, we must live above ethnic sentiments.”
Dignitaries present at the Eid ground included the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle; Lagos Deputy Governor, Dr. Femi Hamzat; and former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola.
Others in attendance were National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; BUA Group Chairman, Abdul Samad Rabiu; Oando Group CEO, Wale Tinubu; and President Tinubu’s longtime friend and associate, Prof. Shaffideen Amuwo.
President Tinubu concluded his remarks by extending heartfelt Eid greetings to all Muslims across the nation, praying that “the blessings of the season bring peace, joy, and progress to every Nigerian household.”
