President Tinubu Calls for Prayers for Troops and National Unity on Eid-al-Adha
President Bola Tinubu today urged Nigerians to remember the nation’s troops and vulnerable citizens in their prayers, emphasizing the spirit of sacrifice and unity during Eid-al-Adha. Speaking to reporters after observing the Eid prayers at the Dodan Barracks Eid Ground in Lagos, the President highlighted the sacrifices made by military and security agencies in combating terrorism and banditry across the country.
“We should remember to pray and give to those who are very vulnerable in the spirit of the season, which is sacrifice,” President Tinubu stated. He stressed the importance of unity, being “our brothers’ keeper,” and showing love to everyone, especially neighbors. “We must also pray hard for our troops to keep us safe. They are making sacrifices in the challenges that we face from terrorism and banditry today. We must pray for them specifically, remember their sacrifices, and continue to behave well as citizens.”
The Chief Imam of Lagos State, Suleiman Oluwatoyin Abu-Nola, also delivered a sermon urging Muslim faithful to reflect on the sacrificial life of Prophet Abraham. He emphasized that the essence of Eid-al-Adha is sacrifice, not just for family but for the nation and community. “We must render our service to Allah, not men,” the Chief Imam said.
Imam Abu-Nola called on worshipers to live in peace and prioritize the needs of their neighbors, the poor, and the vulnerable. He passionately appealed for national unity, stating, “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. We must rise above tribal sentiments. Whether you are Igbo, Yoruba, or Hausa, we must live above ethnic sentiments.”
Among the notable figures who joined President Tinubu at the prayer ground were the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; the Minister of State, Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle; the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Femi Hamzat; and former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola.
Also present were the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; prominent business leaders including Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group; Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman of BUA Group; and Wale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive of Oando, along with President Tinubu’s longtime ally, Professor Shaffideen Amuwo.
