President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to intensify prayers for the nation’s military and security forces, especially those on the frontlines confronting terrorism and banditry across the country.
Speaking after observing the Eid-al-Adha prayers at the Eid Ground in Dodan Barracks, Lagos, the President emphasised the significance of sacrifice and compassion during the holy season.
He urged citizens to not only show love to their neighbours but also remember the sacrifices of those defending the country.
“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 told journalists.
“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”, he added.
The Eid prayers were led by the Chief Imam of Lagos State, Suleiman Oluwatoyin Abu-Nola, who echoed the President’s message by calling on Muslims to embrace the spirit of sacrifice exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.
“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”, said the Imam.
He also urged Nigerians to rise above ethnic divisions and work collectively towards building a peaceful and prosperous country.
“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,” Abu-Nola stated.
The Eid ground gathered a cross-section of prominent figures in government and the private sector.
Accompanying the President were top federal officials 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, Femi Hamzat; and former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola.
Also in attendance were the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; Africa’s leading industrialists Alhaji Aliko Dangote and Abdul Samad Rabiu; Oando Group Chief Executive, Wale Tinubu; and the President’s close associate, Professor Shaffideen Amuwo.
