Tinubu sends powerful Eid message against hatred, division, bloodshed

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday called on Nigerians to use the Eid-el-Kabir celebration as an opportunity to strengthen national unity by embracing tolerance, generosity and peaceful coexistence.

The President made the appeal shortly after observing the Eid prayers at Dodan Barracks in Lagos, where he urged citizens to reject ethnic divisions, hatred and actions capable of threatening the country’s unity and stability.

Joining the President at the prayers were Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat; former Lagos governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola; the Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu; Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, alongside other top government officials and dignitaries.

Speaking after the prayers, Tinubu described Eid-el-Kabir as a solemn reminder of the virtues of sacrifice, obedience, compassion and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.

“We thank Almighty Allah for granting us another opportunity to witness Eid-el-Kabir. We must reflect on the lessons of this sacred season by showing love, kindness and generosity to one another,” the President said.

“There should be no room for discrimination, ethnic division or hatred. We must remain united and treat one another with compassion in line with the values of humanity and nationhood.”

Tinubu stressed that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity, insisting that ethnic, religious and political differences should never override the country’s shared aspirations for peace, development and prosperity.

He also urged Nigerians to uphold the rule of law and remain tolerant in their dealings with one another.

“It is important for us to be tolerant and obedient to the will of Allah and the rule of law, which should continue to guide our society,” he added.

The President further called on citizens to support the less privileged and place greater value on the sanctity of human life, warning against violence, criminality and banditry.

According to him, no religious teaching supports the taking of innocent lives.

“Nowhere in the holy books are we instructed to engage in banditry or unlawfully take human life. The essence of sacrifice teaches us the importance and sanctity of life itself,” Tinubu stated.

Similarly, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, also called on citizens to embrace patience, peaceful coexistence, and strict adherence to the rule of law, stressing the importance of godliness and mutual respect in fostering a harmonious society.

Hamzat urged citizens to remain tolerant and considerate towards one another, noting that peace and unity are essential for sustainable development and social stability.

“We must be patient with each other, obedient to the rule of law, and fear God. To fear God means you do not kill another human being, and you do not hurt another human being. Therefore, we must live in peace and harmony,” he said.

The Deputy Governor further emphasized the need for residents to uphold values that promote understanding, compassion, and communal living, particularly during periods of religious celebration.

He also charged parents and guardians to take deliberate responsibility for raising children with strong moral values, compassion, and a sense of responsibility towards others, emphasising that the lessons of the season go beyond celebration and should inspire families to nurture children who are selfless, respectful, and mindful of the impact of their actions on their families and society at large.

According to him, “Our children should be taught to consider how their conduct reflects on their family name, friendships, and the wider community. Parents and guardians, therefore, play a vital role in building a peaceful society by instilling values of love, empathy, and obedience to lawful authority in the younger generation.”

The Deputy Governor added that the decline of peace and compassion in society has contributed to insecurity and violence, expressing hope and prayers that Nigerians would collectively reject hatred and embrace the spirit of unity and peaceful coexistence.

In his sermon, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaimon Abou-Nolla, urged Muslims to remain God-fearing and uphold the virtues of sacrifice, unity and generosity as prescribed in Islamic teachings.

The cleric also offered prayers for the President, asking God to grant him wisdom, strength and good health to continue leading the country.

He equally acknowledged the sacrifices of past Nigerian leaders whose efforts, he said, contributed to preserving national unity.