- President Bola Ahmed Tinubu urged citizens to carry lessons of patience, tolerance, and charity from Ramadan and Lent into daily life
- He emphasised that peace, security, and harmonious coexistence are collective responsibilities essential for national development
- Religious and state leaders reinforced the message, calling on Nigerians to sustain virtues of piety, compassion, and neighbourliness beyond the holy season
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to uphold the values of patience, tolerance, and neighbourliness learned during Ramadan and Lent, urging that the lessons of the holy season extend beyond religious observances to underpin nation-building.
Speaking after the Eid prayers at Dodan Barracks in Lagos on Friday, Tinubu emphasised that development and progress rely on peaceful and harmonious coexistence among all citizens. A statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, highlighted the President’s call for continued commitment to charity, kindness, and compassion beyond the fasting period.
“I pray for peace in the country. The stability, peace and security of the nation is not just one man’s responsibility. We are all involved. Report suspicious movements of people across the length and breadth of the country. These are our responsibilities too,” Tinubu said.
He further urged citizens to continue practising the teachings of Ramadan, stressing that good behaviour, neighbourliness, and love for humanity should endure long after the fasting month ends. “We have accepted the principles, philosophy and doctrine of giving, peace, security and love of our nation, and of neighbours, and kindness to all humanity in any way we can. We should assist the needy and help the vulnerable. That is the teaching. May God accept our sacrifices,” he added.
Reflecting on the role of religion in fostering moral character, Tinubu noted that all faiths share a common focus on worshipping one God and promoting ethical conduct. He urged Nigerians to embrace the country’s diversity while working collectively to strengthen national unity.
During his remarks, the President also referenced his recent visit to the United Kingdom with First Lady Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, highlighting the reception by King Charles III and Queen Camilla as symbolic of Nigeria’s global stature. “Our visit was a very big opportunity for us to be a good example of the diversity in our society, being able to accept one another as our brothers’ keepers. Tolerance among all faiths,” he said.
Accompanying the President to the Eid ground were National Security Adviser Malam Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, and other associates and family members.
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to praying for peace and citizens’ welfare, while Grand Chief Imam Alhaji Sulaiman Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla reminded Muslims to sustain virtues of penitence, piety, and peace beyond Ramadan. He noted: “Today, we are witnessing a world unsettled by tensions and fear. Nations are on edge, and economies are fragile. For Nigerians, especially the good citizens of this great nation, this is a time for calmness, not chaos—a time for wisdom, not provocation. Ours is a religion of peace and discipline and care.”
The statement issued by Onanuga underscores the President’s message of unity, tolerance, and shared responsibility in ensuring peace and security across the country, calling on every Nigerian to play a role in fostering harmony and national development.