The Traffic

Tinubu’s Eid Message: Why Nigerians Must Stay Steadfast Amid Challenges

By Achimi muktar

As Muslims across Nigeria joined their counterparts worldwide to mark the end of Ramadan, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu delivered a powerful message urging Nigerians to remain steadfast in faith and national unity. The Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, filled with prayers and festivities, saw worshippers gathered at Eid grounds nationwide, dressed in their finest attire to observe the special rakat prayers.

At the Airport Road Eid ground in Abuja, President Tinubu, alongside Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen, joined thousands in prayers led by the Chief Imam of the National Mosque, Dr. Abdulkadir Salman Sholagberu.

In his message, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of upholding the values of Ramadan beyond the holy month. “We should continue the good deeds as taught during Ramadan: care for the vulnerable, the orphans, and the less privileged. Everything that we have observed, we should not revert to the path that is not acceptable to the teachings of this month,” he stated.

A Call for Unity and Tolerance

The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, echoed the president’s sentiments, calling for peace, religious tolerance, and national unity. Speaking after Eid prayers in Sokoto, he urged Nigerians to work together for a more stable and prosperous nation. “Without unity and support, meaningful progress becomes difficult,” he warned. The Sultan also commended security agencies for their efforts in tackling insecurity and encouraged citizens to offer prayers for peace.

Religious leaders across the country reinforced these messages. The Grand Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheik Suleiman Abou-Nolla, called on Muslims to sustain the discipline, patience, and generosity exhibited during Ramadan, while Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat stressed the importance of compassion, reminding Nigerians to always support their neighbors.

Eid at the Presidential Villa

For the first time since assuming office, President Tinubu celebrated Eid-el-Fitr in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), where he received government officials and dignitaries on a traditional Sallah homage at the State House. Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, led a delegation that paid their respects to the president, further emphasizing the significance of unity during the festivities.

Political Leaders Weigh In

Across the political spectrum, leaders urged Nigerians to embrace peace and national development. Former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola called for reconciliation and unity, while Senate President Godswill Akpabio reminded Muslims to pray for the nation’s stability. Speaker Abbas Tajudeen highlighted the rare coincidence of Ramadan and Lent, calling it a divine moment for interfaith harmony.

As Nigeria faces economic and security challenges, the messages from leaders and religious figures serve as a timely reminder of the power of faith, unity, and resilience. With calls for steadfastness ringing across the nation, will Nigerians take these lessons beyond Eid, or will the spirit of Ramadan fade away until next year? Only time will tell.