President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to offer special prayers for the nation’s armed forces and security agencies, who he said continue to make immense sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and insecurity across the country.
Speaking with journalists shortly after observing the Eid-el-Adha prayers at the Eid Ground within Dodan Barracks, Lagos, the President emphasised the need for Nigerians to embrace the spirit of sacrifice, love, and compassion, especially towards the vulnerable and less privileged.
“We should remember to pray and give to those who are very vulnerable in the spirit of the season, which is sacrifice,” President Tinubu said. “We must unite, remain our brothers’ keeper, and give to our neighbours. We should show love to everyone.
“We must also pray hard for our troops to keep us safe. They are making sacrifices amid the challenges we face from terrorism and banditry today. We must pray for them specifically, remember their sacrifices, and continue to behavewell as citizens.”
Delivering the sermon at the prayer ground, the Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Suleiman Oluwatoyin Abu-Nola, called on Muslims to emulate Prophet Ibrahim’s legacy of sacrifice and submission to God’s will. He reminded worshippers that the occasion of Eid is not merely ceremonial but a time for reflection and selflessness.
“The whole essence of today is sacrifice. We must learn to make sacrifices for our family, nation, and community. We must render our service to Allah, not to men,” the Imam said.
He also urged Nigerians to live peacefully with one another and rise above ethnic divisions, noting: “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. Whether you are Igbo, Yoruba, or Hausa, we must live above ethnic sentiments.”
President Tinubu was joined at the Eid prayers by several dignitaries, including the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle; Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; and former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola.
Also in attendance were the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; business moguls Aliko Dangote and Abdul Samad Rabiu; Group Chief Executive of Oando, Wale Tinubu; and President Tinubu’s longtime associate, Prof. Shaffideen Amuwo.
