From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to pray fervently for the military and security agencies who are risking their lives to protect the nation from terrorism and banditry. According to a statement issued by Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, speaking after observing the Eid-al-Adha prayers at the Eid Ground in Dodan Barracks, Lagos, the President reiterated the importance of sacrifice, unity, and brotherhood during this sacred season.
“We should remember to pray and give to those who are very vulnerable in the spirit of the season, which is sacrifice. We must unite, remain our brothers’ keeper, and give to our neighbours. We should show love to everyone,” said.
Highlighting the sacrifices of the troops, President Tinubu added, “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, who led the prayers, reminded worshippers of the significance of sacrifice exemplified by Prophet Abraham. “The whole essence of today is sacrifice. We must learn to make sacrifices for our family, nation, and community. We must render our service to Allah, not men,” he said.
He further called for peace and unity among Nigerians, urging citizens to rise above ethnic divisions. “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,” the Chief Imam stated.
The Eid prayer was attended by key government officials and dignitaries including the Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; Minister of State, Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle; Lagos State Deputy Governor, Femi Hamzat; former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola; National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa; as well as prominent business leaders such as Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Abdul Samad Rabiu, Wale Tinubu and his friend and longtime ally, Prof. Shaffideen Amuwo.