President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday called on Nigerians to embrace love, tolerance and unity as Muslims across the country celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festival.
The President made the appeal shortly after observing the Eid prayers at the Dodan Barracks prayer ground in Lagos, where he joined other Muslim faithful to mark one of Islam’s most important religious celebrations.
Speaking with journalists after the prayers, Tinubu thanked Almighty Allah for preserving the lives of Nigerians to witness another Eid-el-Kabir and urged citizens to reflect deeply on the lessons of sacrifice, obedience and compassion associated with the season.
“Well, we thank God, Almighty Allah, who has provided for us and kept us to see another year, another Eid-el-Kabir,” the President said.
“We thank Him for His mercy, and we must learn from the lessons of this season by showing love to one another. No discrimination, no ethnicity, no hatred.”
Tinubu stressed that Nigerians must continue to live together peacefully despite ethnic, religious and political differences, saying the country’s strength lies in its diversity and shared humanity.
According to him, national unity remains important for peace, development and stability, especially at a time when the country is facing economic and security challenges.
The President urged Nigerians to be generous to one another and support the less privileged during the festive period.
“We should share love and be generous to one another in a way that reflects the values of our country and our common humanity,” he stated.
He also called on citizens to remain tolerant and law-abiding, adding that respect for the rule of law is necessary for any society to progress peacefully.
“It is essential that we remain tolerant, obedient to the will of Allah, and obedient to the rule of law, which must guide our society,” Tinubu added.
The President further spoke on the spiritual meaning of sacrifice during Eid-el-Kabir, explaining that the festival teaches respect for the sanctity and value of human life.
He referred to the story of Prophet Ibrahim, whose willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God remains the foundation of the Islamic celebration.
According to Tinubu, the replacement of the child with an animal in the story highlights the importance God places on human life.
“The sacrifice we are talking about, even in the beginning of life, where we take this from, a child was replaced with an animal. And that is what the value of life is all about,” he said.
He warned against violence, banditry and the unlawful taking of human life, insisting that no religion supports criminality or bloodshed.
“Nowhere in the holy teachings does it say you should engage in banditry or take a human life,” the President stated.
Tinubu said the Eid celebration should inspire Nigerians to show kindness, compassion and concern for one another, especially the poor and vulnerable members of society.
The President’s message comes at a time when many Nigerians are facing rising living costs, insecurity and economic hardship.
Across several states, citizens have complained about the increasing prices of food items, transportation and other essential goods ahead of the Sallah celebration.
Despite the economic difficulties, Muslim faithful across the country have continued preparations for the annual festival, which is usually marked with prayers, animal sacrifice, family visits and acts of charity.
Eid-el-Kabir, also known as the Festival of Sacrifice, is celebrated by Muslims worldwide to honour the obedience of Prophet Ibrahim to Allah.
In Nigeria, the celebration is one of the largest religious events of the year and attracts millions of worshippers to mosques and prayer grounds.
Political leaders, traditional rulers and religious organisations often use the occasion to preach peace, unity and national development.
During Wednesday’s prayers in Lagos, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sulaimon Abou-Nolla, also called on Muslims to fear Allah and uphold the values of sacrifice, generosity and unity.
In his sermon, the cleric urged Nigerians to continue praying for peace and stability in the country.
He also prayed for President Tinubu’s good health, wisdom and success in leading the nation through its current challenges.
The Chief Imam commended the sacrifices made by past Nigerian leaders in building and preserving the country’s unity over the years.
In recent months, religious bodies, labour unions and civil society groups have repeatedly urged Nigerians to remain united despite economic pressure and political disagreements.
Since assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu’s administration has introduced major economic reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira.
While the government has defended the policies as necessary for long-term economic recovery, many Nigerians have struggled with the immediate impact of inflation and higher living costs.
Food inflation, transport fares and electricity costs have risen sharply in many parts of the country, leading to public concern and calls for stronger relief measures.
Against this background, the President’s call for unity, compassion and shared sacrifice is expected to resonate with many citizens during the Eid celebrations.
As Muslims celebrate Eid-el-Kabir across the country, security agencies have also increased monitoring in major cities and public places to ensure peaceful celebrations.
Many Nigerians are expected to spend the holiday period with family members and loved ones while also offering support to the needy in line with Islamic teachings.