PIC (L-R): National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff (COS) to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; Son of the President, Yinka Tinubu; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat; Former Minister of Works, Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) and Principal Secretary to the President, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola during the Eid-El-Fitri Prayer held at the Dodan Barracks Praying Ground, Obalende/Ikoyi, Lagos, on Friday.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, have called on Nigerians to embrace peace, love, and unity, urging citizens to rise above religious, political and ideological differences for the progress of the nation.
The duo made this call on Friday at the Dodan Barracks Praying Ground in Ikoyi, shortly after observing the Eid Mubarak prayers, calling on citizens to be their brothers’ keepers and continually show love to one another.
President Tinubu, while emphasising on the need for Nigerians to be their brother's keepers and be of good behavior and kindness to everyone, urged them to pray for peace in the country, noting that the "stability of peace and security of the nation is not just one man's responsibility."
Tinubu also emphasised that love, compassion, and generosity shown during the holy month of Ramadan should not end with the season but be reflected in the daily lives of Nigerians.
The president enjoined citizenry to continue praying for the nation's progress and uphold goodwill toward one another in the interest of national cohesion and development.
He was of the view that it is the collective responsibility of all Nigerians to look out for one another and ensure the safety of every citizen, urging vigilance across communities.
"Any suspicious activity or movement should be promptly reported to the appropriate, as security is a shared duty of everyone. We must give information, we must respect the rule of law," he charged.
On his visit to the British Royal Family, President Tinubu noted that the visit presented a unique opportunity to demonstrate a good example of the diversity in the Nigerian society, which showcased the importance of mutual acceptance, brotherhood, and tolerance among people of all faiths.
"The fact that everyone worships the same God means that the style might be different. Our behavior may be different. But we say to God Almighty, it is one God. Whether through the Islamic or the Christian faith. Incidentally, this coincides with Ramadan and Lenten, which is observed by both faiths.
"So, we must thank God for that. And reflect well in our society. Do everything possible to bring peace, stability, love, and sharing of our privileges and opportunities," he said.
In his remarks, the Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Hamzat, advocated for unity among Nigerians, urging citizens to embrace one another with genuine love beyond the boundaries of religion, ethnicity, culture, and belief.
The deputy governor emphasized that the nation’s strength lies in its diversity and the ability of its people to live harmoniously despite their differences, stressing that peaceful coexistence remained essential for national growth and stability.
"We must learn to love one another sincerely, regardless of our backgrounds. Our diversity should unite us, not divide us," he concluded.
Earlier in his sermon, the Chief Imam of Lagos State, His Eminence, Sheikh (Engr.) Sulaiman Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla, stated that Ramadan is not only about fasting but also about showing love, empathy, and care for one another, urging Muslims to ensure that the teachings of Ramadan extend beyond the fasting period.
According to him, "The essence of Ramadan goes beyond fasting; it is also about piety. Being pious means that our way of life, orientation, and character must align with the dictates of the Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Prophet. Our interactions with others must reflect goodness, and we must strive to embody good character, as that is the true essence of Ramadan."
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