President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to care for their neighbours more and extend charity to all in the spirit of Eid-el-Kabir.
Speaking to newsmen, yesterday, after joining Muslim faithful to observe Eid prayers at the Dodan Barracks in Ikoyi, Lagos, the President said some sacrifice would be required to move the nation forward.
He said: “We have been told by the Chief Imam how we can follow the path of sacrifice required of a good citizen. Citizenship comes with responsibilities. As citizens, what do we need to do to be committed members of our society? Yes, that is sacrifice, loving your country, loving your neighbours, sharing what you have with others and to always be thankful to God.”
In his sermon, the Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Suleiman Abou-Nolla, who led the prayers, reiterated the need for more love, sacrifice and care for the poor and the vulnerable.
“Our leaders like the late Ahmadu Bello, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Moshood Abiola, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, to mention a few, sacrificed their knowledge, wealth, sweat and even life to the development of the country we call ours today. All their actions were geared towards nation-building.
“We must, therefore, ensure that their sacrifices are not in vain. It is incumbent on us to follow their footsteps to ensure that this nation, Nigeria, continues to grow in leaps and bounds,” he said.
The religious leaders urged citizens to pray God to grant the President the strength and wisdom to deliver on his vision for a better and prosperous nation .
The Eid-el-Kabir festival is celebrated by Muslims worldwide on the 10th day of the Hijri month of Dhual-Hijjah in the Islamic calendar.
Accompanied by top government functionaries, the President arrived at the Eid praying ground about 8.55 a.m. yesterday.
His Chief of Staff (CoS), Femi Gbajabiamila; National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu; Lagos Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat; former Lagos Governor, Babatunde Fashola; businessman, Aliko Dangote, Senators Gbenga Ashafa and Musiliu Obanikoro among other dignitaries were also at the praying ground.
Tinubu enjoined Nigerians to reflect on the essence of the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, which bears strong meaning and significance for the nation.
In his message, he told the Muslim Ummah that the event “denotes sacrifice, faith and obedience” to the will of the Almighty.
“The President acknowledges the sacrifices that Nigerians have made in the past year, as his administration sets the nation on a firm pedestal of growth.
“He affirms that the sacrifices and expectations of citizens will not come to nought, as propitious outcomes are already beginning to manifest with the economy strengthening and vibrancy returning to critical sectors,” a statement by his spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, read.
Tinubu, in the statement, urged citizens to spare a prayer for the nation for continuous peace and stability while working according to purpose in promoting unity, peace and progress.
He also reassured Nigerians that his administration “is prioritising” their physical, social and economic security and will not relent on the noble endeavour.
