Several dignitaries joined President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday in observing the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at Dodan Barracks prayer ground in Lagos.
Among them was the chief of staff to the president, Femi Gbajabiamila; national security adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; former governor of Lagos State and immediate past minister of works and housing, Babatunde Fashola; and Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa.
President Tinubu urged Nigerians to have faith in God that the country will experience peace, stability and prosperity.
Speaking to reporters after the prayer, Tinubu stressed the need for unity and cooperation, appealing to Nigerians to eschew ethnic and religious rivalries.
While noting that Allah would not burden the country with what it cannot bear, he said: “I thank Almighty Allah for keeping us in good health till today and pray to Him to grant us robust health and prosperity. May our sacrifices turn to prosperity. We have to make the sacrifices and that is clear, we have to.
“But Allah will not give you a burden that you cannot carry. He is there for us. We must have faith in the country. Have faith in ourselves, believing that as citizens of this country, we must join hands to build the nation.
“No religious identity, no tribal identity, let us live with one another in joy and prosperity. Nigeria will see peace, stability and God will grant peace to those of us at the war front.”
Tinubu also used the occasion to pray for Nigerian troops on the frontline in the fight against insurgency, saying it is his earnest desire and that of the nation that they emerge victorious.
Chief imam of Lagos State Sheikh Sulaiman Abu-Nolah led the Eid prayer which started at 9 am.
The chief imam later performed the obligatory slaughtering of ram at the Eid prayer ground to celebrate the significance of the noble act of Prophet Ibrahim in total obedience to Allah’s command.
Speaking on behalf of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat felicitated Muslims across Nigeria and in the state for the joy of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, urging them to unite behind President Tinubu in his determination to make the country better.
“It is our duty to pray for our leaders. We must pray for our President that God should help him to succeed in the task before him,” he said.
