President Bola Tinubu, on Friday, joined Muslim faithful to observe the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at the Dodan Barracks prayer ground in Lagos State.
Tinubu was accompanied by several top government officials and dignitaries, including his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle.
Babatunde Fashola (SAN), former Minister of Power and one-time Lagos State Governor; Dr Obafemi Hamzat, Deputy Governor of Lagos State; Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President of the Dangote Group; Abdul Rabiu, Chairman of the BUA Group; Wale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive of Oando; and Tinubu’s friend, Prof. Shaffideen Amuwo, were also in attendance.
Tinubu spoke following the prayer, urging Nigerians to embrace togetherness, compassion, and kindness, particularly for the needy.
He said, “As we make sacrifices, we should remember to pray and give to those who are vulnerable. We must come together to be one another’s keeper and love everyone fully. We must pray hard for our troops who are keeping us safe and making the sacrifices in the challenges of terrorism and banditry that we face.”
According to a statement issued by the president’s special adviser, Bayo Onanuga, the chief imam urged worshippers to live in peace and to respect the needs of their neighbours, particularly the poor and vulnerable.
“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,” the Chief Imam was quoted as saying.
In his message to mark the 2025 Eid-el-Kabir celebration, Tinubu called on Nigerians to be patient with his administration’s reforms, assuring them that “the toughest days are behind us.”
“We may not yet be where we aspire to be, but I urge all Nigerians not to lose hope. Let us hold on to our faith and persevere. Our reforms are gaining traction, with key economic indicators now moving in a positive direction. Soon, all will feel the benefits,” he said.
