Tinubu Urges Nigerians to Remain Steadfast as Muslims Celebrate Eid-el-Fitr

Tinubu

Muslims across Nigeria joined their counterparts worldwide in celebrating Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of the Holy Month of Ramadan. Eid prayer grounds across the country were filled with jubilant worshippers in colorful attire, offering the traditional two-rakat prayers.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his Sallah message, called on Nigerians to uphold the virtues of Ramadan, emphasizing steadfastness, charity, and devotion. Addressing journalists after observing prayers at the Airport Road Eid ground in Abuja, Tinubu said, “We should give thanks to Almighty Allah for seeing us through the Holy Month. We must continue our acts of kindness, support for the vulnerable, and commitment to national unity.”

Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen were among the dignitaries present at the Eid ground, where Chief Imam of the National Mosque, Abuja, Dr. Abdulkadir Salman Sholagberu, led thousands in prayer. Dr. Sholagberu urged Muslims to sustain the discipline and devotion displayed during Ramadan. “We should not abandon righteous deeds after Ramadan. Let us work together in peace and unity,” he admonished.

After the prayers, Tinubu welcomed dignitaries and well-wishers at the State House in a spirit of celebration. The Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (SCIA), Sa’ad Abubakar III, called for national unity, religious tolerance, and prayers for the country's progress. Speaking in Sokoto, the monarch emphasized the importance of constructive criticism and urged citizens to support leaders in nation-building.

“As a nation, we must continue to pray for peace, stability, and the well-being of our leaders. Without unity and support, meaningful progress is difficult,” he said, commending security agencies for their efforts in tackling national challenges.

In Lagos, Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, former Governor Babatunde Fashola, and Senator Tokunbo Abiru participated in the Eid prayers at Dodan Barracks. Dr. Hamzat underscored the importance of compassion and empathy, highlighting Ramadan’s core values of piety, worship, and charity. “If you are cooking food and your neighbor can smell it, make sure they do not go hungry,” he urged.

The Grand Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Suleiman Abou-Nolla, encouraged Muslims to uphold the lessons of Ramadan, stressing unity, patience, and discipline. He reminded worshippers that “life is full of challenges, and patience is a quality every individual must cultivate.”

Former Minister of Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola called for reconciliation and unity, urging Nigerians to focus on building a great nation. “Let us stretch our hands of fellowship to one another and work toward national development,” he said. Similarly, Senator Abiru emphasized the values of sacrifice, love, and perseverance, advocating for peace and harmony among Nigerians.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in a statement by his media aide Eseme Eyiboh, encouraged Muslims to sustain the spirit of Ramadan beyond the celebrations. “Let us uphold the values of compassion, kindness, and generosity in our daily lives,” he stated.

Speaker Abbas Tajudeen and his deputy, Benjamin Kalu, also extended their Eid felicitations, urging Muslims to embody the virtues of piety, charity, and discipline. “Let the lessons of Ramadan remain in us forever,” Abbas said, noting the rare coincidence of Ramadan with the Christian Lent this year.

Kalu emphasized the importance of prayers for national unity and peace, reassuring Nigerians of the government's commitment to policies that improve citizens' lives.

As the celebrations continued, leaders across the country reiterated their calls for peaceful coexistence, resilience, and commitment to national progress.