• Security Is Collective Responsibility – President
• Says UK Visit Sends Message Of Tolerance Among Faiths
• Sustainable Development Cannot Be Achieved Without Peace, Shettima Warns

There were renewed calls for unity, peace and national integration on Friday as Nigerians joined other Muslim faithful in the world to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Fitr.

Leading the calls from the front was President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who returned to Lagos after a two-day state visit to the United Kingdom and immediately shifted focus to domestic engagements, observing the Eid-el-Fitr prayers at the Dodan Barracks Eid Ground in Lagos.

The President arrived at the Presidential Wing of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, at about 1:15a.m. on Friday, accompanied by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

At the airport, he was received by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Femi Hamzat; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; and other leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking with journalists shortly after observing the Eid prayers, President Tinubu called on Nigerians to embrace peace, unity, and collective responsibility as essential pillars for national development, urging citizens to uphold the enduring values of Ramadan and Lent beyond the festive season.

The President stressed that peaceful coexistence remains the bedrock of progress, noting that security and stability must be a shared national commitment.

In his Eid-el-Fitr message signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu prayed for peace in the country.

“The stability, peace, and security of the nation is not just one man’s responsibility. We are all involved. Report suspicious movements of people across the length and breadth of the country. These are our responsibilities too,” he said.

President Tinubu highlighted the importance of sustaining the spiritual lessons of the fasting period, particularly charity, kindness, and compassion for the vulnerable, urging Nigerians not to abandon these virtues with the end of Ramadan.

“We give thanks to God for guiding us through the month of Ramadan. We have accepted the principles, philosophy, and doctrine of giving, peace, security, and love of our nation, and of neighbours, and kindness to all humanity in any way we can,” he said.

He added that citizens must continue to support one another and uphold moral values, stressing, “we must continue to be our brother’s keeper. Good behaviour, good neighbours, and love for humanity should define everyday conduct.”

President Tinubu further highlighted the shared spiritual foundation across religions in Nigeria, noting that the worship of one God should inspire unity rather than division, despite differences in modes of worship.

According to him, the responsibility of nation-building is collective and must be anchored on inclusivity, mutual respect, and an appreciation of the country’s diversity.

The President described his recent state visit to the UK as “very thrilling and significant,” saying the reception by King Charles III and Queen Camilla was symbolic of Nigeria’s growing stature in the global community.

“Our visit was a very big opportunity for us to be a good example of the diversity in our society, being able to accept one another as our brothers’ keepers. Tolerance among all faiths! Differences in religious practices should not undermine shared values of faith and humanity,” the President said.

In his Eid sermon, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos State, Alhaji Sulaiman Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla, called on Muslims to uphold the virtues of piety, discipline, and peaceful coexistence cultivated during Ramadan, warning against actions that could inflame tensions.

He noted that the global climate of uncertainty demands wisdom, restraint, and a renewed commitment to peace.

“Today, we are witnessing a world unsettled by tensions and fear. Nations are on edge, and economies are fragile. For Nigerians, especially the good citizens of this great nation, this is a time for calmness, not chaos—a time for wisdom, not provocation. Ours is a religion of peace and discipline and care,” the cleric said.

The National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff to the President, Gbajabiamila; former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola; as well as associates and family members accompanied the President to the Eid ground.

In Maiduguri, Borno State, Vice President Kashim Shettima joined thousands of Muslim faithful at Ramat Square for the Eid-el-Fitr prayers, using the occasion to reaffirm the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling insecurity and other national challenges.

The expansive prayer ground was filled to capacity as worshippers gathered in a strong display of faith, unity and resilience to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

The Eid prayers were led by the Chief Imam of Borno State, Shettima Mamman Saleh, and attended by key dignitaries, including Governor Babagana Zulum, Senator Ali Ndume, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, as well as other prominent indigenes of the state.

Addressing journalists after the prayers, the vice president expressed optimism that ongoing security efforts by both federal and state authorities would soon yield more tangible results across the country.

He stressed the importance of national unity, noting that the rare convergence of Ramadan and the Christian Lenten season presents a unique opportunity for reflection, tolerance and renewed commitment to nation-building.

According to him, sustainable development cannot be achieved without peace, urging Nigerians to close ranks in confronting shared challenges such as insecurity and socio-economic hardship.

Shettima also commended the people and leadership of Borno State for their enduring resilience and steadfast pursuit of peace and stability despite years of insurgency.

In his sermon, the Chief Imam called on the faithful to sustain the virtues of Ramadan – discipline, sacrifice and devotion – beyond the holy month.

He urged Muslims to embrace compassion, piety and social responsibility as enduring values necessary for fostering harmony and building a more cohesive society.