President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to unite in prayer and support for the nation’s military and security agencies, particularly those bravely confronting the ongoing challenges of terrorism and banditry across Nigeria.
Addressing the public after leading this year’s Eid-al-Adha prayers, the President emphasized the crucial need for national solidarity, compassion, and collective responsibility during the festive season.
The Eid-al-Adha prayer service was held at the Dodan Barracks Eid Ground in Ikoyi, Lagos, where President Tinubu was joined by a gathering of distinguished guests from government, business, and religious sectors. Among those accompanying him were the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle; Lagos State Deputy Governor, Femi Hamzat; former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola; National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Mudashiru Obasa; as well as leading business figures such as Alhaji Aliko Dangote of Dangote Group, Abdul Samad Rabiu of BUA Group, and Wale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive of Oando. The President’s longtime ally, Professor Shaffideen Amuwo, was also in attendance.
In his remarks to journalists following the prayers, President Tinubu stressed the importance of empathy and generosity during Eid-al-Adha, urging citizens to remember the vulnerable and needy in society.
“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,” the President said, according to a statement from his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Highlighting the vital role played by Nigeria’s military and security personnel, Tinubu called for a concerted national effort to support and pray for those on the frontlines battling insecurity. “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, underscoring the sacrifices made by the security forces to maintain peace and stability in the country.
The Eid prayers were led by the Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Suleiman Oluwatoyin Abu-Nola, who delivered a profound sermon that called on Nigerians to embody the spirit of sacrifice exemplified by Prophet Abraham. Sheikh Abu-Nola urged the faithful to serve their nation selflessly and prioritize service to Allah above all else.
“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,” he preached.
Sheikh Abu-Nola also used the occasion to emphasize the importance of national unity and peaceful coexistence, warning against the divisive tendencies of ethnic and tribal sentiments. “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,” he implored, stressing that true national development can only be achieved through unity.
The gathering at the Dodan Barracks Eid Ground was a powerful symbol of national cohesion, bringing together religious, political, and business leaders under one roof to mark an important religious festival while affirming their commitment to Nigeria’s peace, security, and progress.
