As Muslims across Nigeria celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to embrace love, tolerance and national unity, urging citizens to reflect on the lessons of sacrifice and compassion associated with the Islamic festival.
The President made the appeal on Wednesday shortly after observing Eid prayers at the Dodan Barracks prayer ground in Lagos.
Tinubu expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for preserving the lives of Nigerians to witness another Eid-el-Kabir celebration, describing the season as a time for reflection, generosity and peaceful coexistence.
“We thank God, Almighty Allah, who has provided for us and kept us to see another year and another Eid-el-Kabir celebration,” the President said.
He urged Nigerians to reject discrimination, ethnic division and hatred, stressing the need for citizens to show love and kindness to one another regardless of differences.
“We must learn from the lessons of this season by showing love to one another. No discrimination, no ethnicity, no hatred,” Tinubu stated.
The President also encouraged Nigerians to be compassionate and generous in ways that reflect the country’s shared humanity and values.
“We should share love and be generous to one another in a way that reflects the values of our country and our common humanity,” he added.
Speaking further, Tinubu emphasised the importance of tolerance, obedience to the will of Allah and respect for the rule of law, noting that these principles are essential for national peace and stability.
“It is essential that we remain tolerant, obedient to the will of Allah, and obedient to the rule of law, which must guide our society,” he said.
The President also reflected on the spiritual significance of sacrifice during Eid-el-Kabir, saying the celebration underscores the sanctity and value of human life.
“The sacrifice we are talking about, even in the beginning of life, where we take this from, a child was replaced with an animal. And that is what the value of life is all about,” Tinubu stated.
Muslims across Nigeria and other parts of the world are celebrating Eid-el-Kabir, one of the most significant festivals in Islam, marked by prayers, sacrifice and acts of charity.
