Eid-el-Kabir: Tinubu celebrates Muslims, urges tolerance, generosity and unity among Nigerians

*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu also restates his administration’s ‘diligently pursued’ reforms will continue to yield improved security and greater opportunities for all Nigerians

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians to use the celebration of Eid-el-Kabir to deepen the values of tolerance, generosity, and peaceful coexistence.

Tinubu stated this after performing the congregational prayers at Dodan Barracks in Lagos Wednesday, May 27, 2026, urging citizens to shun ethnic divisions and all forms of hatred that undermine national unity.

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Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy Wednesday, stated Presiddent Tinubu  was joined in the prayers by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, Oba of Lagos Rilwan Akiolu, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and other dignitaries.

President Tinubu said the sacred occasion remains a profound reminder of obedience, sacrifice, love for humanity and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim.

“We thank Almighty Allah for making us witness another year of Eid-el-Kabir. We thank Him for His mercy, and we must learn from this season’s lessons, namely, showing love to one another. No discrimination, no ethnicity, no hatred; we should share love and be generous to one another in a way that reflects the values of our country and humanity.

“It is essential that we should be very tolerant and obedient to the wishes of Allah and the rule of law, which must guide our society’’ the President said.

He emphasised that Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and common humanity, noting that no ethnic, religious or political difference should outweigh the collective aspiration for peace, progress and national development.

The President urged citizens to reflect on the enduring lessons of the season by showing kindness to one another, supporting the less privileged, and placing greater value on the sanctity of human life, noting that banditry has no place in the holy books.

“Nowhere in the holy teachings does it say you should engage in banditry or take a human life. The sacrifice we speak of, even from the beginning of life, where we take these lessons, teaches us that a child was replaced with an animal. That is the value placed on human life,” the President said.

In his sermon, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaimon Abou-Nolla, emphasised the need for Muslims to fear Allah and promote unity, generosity, and sacrifice in line with the teachings of the Holy Book. He prayed for the President’s continued good health and wisdom, and commended the sacrifices of Nigeria’s past leaders who helped build a united nation.

President reassures Nigerians reforms will enhance security, increased opportunities

Earlier, President Tinubu had expressed warm felicitations to Nigerian Muslim brothers and sisters, as well as other faithful worldwide as they celebrate the glorious Eid-el-Kabir, the Festival of Sacrifice.

Tinubu, who stated this in his goodwill message Tuesday, May 26, on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebrations, also assured the citizens of better days ahead.

The President also averred that current reforms, which his administration has “diligently pursued” would continue to yield improved security and greater opportunities for all Nigerians.

The Nigerian leader said: “We give glory to Almighty God for preserving our lives to witness this important celebration once again.

“Eid-el-Kabir reminds us of the enduring virtues exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim—faith, obedience, and the willingness to sacrifice for a higher purpose.”

He further noted that the sacred festival calls on all Muslims, and indeed, all Nigerians and the whole of humanity, to embrace sacrifice, selflessness, unity, and compassion for our fellow human beings.

“One central lesson of Eid-el-Kabir is the call to show mercy and compassion, regardless of race, ethnicity, or creed.

“There is no greater example of duty and devotion than Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to offer his only son, Ismail, as a sacrifice to Allah,” stated the President.

He observed that as a nation, Nigerians are on a journey of reconstruction and renewal.

Tinubu said: “The reforms we have undertaken are challenging but necessary to build a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria for future generations.

“Just as sacrifice brings reward, I am happy that the sacrifices and efforts we have made over the past three years have yielded a more stable economy, making our country a preferred investment destination that will drive job creation and economic growth.”

He also noted: “The walk through the dark tunnel is over, and the light is here.

“I am confident that, by the Grace of God, the reforms we have diligently pursued will continue to yield improved security and greater opportunities for all.”

The President stated: “I am aware that, despite the best efforts of our security and intelligence agencies—including the recent elimination of a wanted ISIS leader—heartless terrorists and bandits still attack some communities.

“I assure you: you are neither abandoned nor forgotten. We will ultimately defeat all the forces of evil.”

He said: “To our Muslim faithful, I urge you to use this sacred occasion to pray for our country, for peace in our communities, and for wisdom for those in leadership.

“Let us pray that those who commit crimes among us may rethink and abandon their evil ways, or face the full weight of the law.

“Let us also reach out to the less-privileged, share with our neighbours, and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood that unite us as one people.”

Tinubu reassured Nigerians: “My administration remains committed to building a Nigeria where all citizens can live in peace, worship freely, and pursue their dreams without fear.

“We will continue to invest in security, infrastructure, agriculture, and human capital to fulfil the great promise of our great nation.”

He added: “On behalf of the government, I wish you all a peaceful, joyous, and blessed Eid al-Kabir.

“May Allah accept our sacrifices and prayers, and may He continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

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