President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday called on Nigerians to embrace love, tolerance and national unity as Muslims across the country marked this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
The President made the appeal shortly after observing the Eid prayers at the Dodan Barracks prayer ground in Lagos, where he joined other Muslim faithful for the annual celebration commemorating sacrifice and obedience in Islam.
Speaking with journalists after the prayers, Tinubu thanked Allah for preserving the lives of Nigerians to witness another Eid-el-Kabir and urged citizens to reflect deeply on the values associated with the season.
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“Well, we thank God, Almighty Allah, who has provided for us and kept us to see another year, another Eid-el-Kabir,” the President said.
“We thank Him for His mercy, and we must learn from the lessons of this season by showing love to one another. No discrimination, no ethnicity, no hatred.”
The President’s message comes at a time of heightened political tension, economic hardship and security concerns in several parts of the country, with calls growing for stronger national cohesion and inclusive governance.
Tinubu urged Nigerians to rise above ethnic and religious divisions and show compassion toward one another regardless of background or social status.
“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 stated.
The Nigerian leader also stressed the need for tolerance, obedience to Allah and respect for the rule of law, describing those principles as essential to maintaining peace and stability in the country.
“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 added.
Eid-el-Kabir, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the most important celebrations in Islam. It commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God before a ram was provided as a substitute.
Reflecting on the spiritual significance of the celebration, Tinubu said the festival 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,” the President said.
Across major cities including Lagos, Abuja and Kano, Muslims gathered in large numbers on Wednesday morning to observe prayers and celebrate with family members and neighbours.
Religious leaders also used the occasion to preach peace, sacrifice and mutual understanding, while urging political leaders to prioritise citizens’ welfare amid rising living costs and economic pressures.
Tinubu has repeatedly called for patience from Nigerians over the impact of his administration’s economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange adjustments introduced since assuming office in May 2023.
The Eid-el-Kabir message is expected to form part of broader efforts by the presidency to project national unity and reassure citizens amid ongoing socio-economic challenges facing the country.
