President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to offer special prayers for the nation’s troops and security personnel who are confronting terrorism and banditry across the country.
The president made the call on Friday during the Eid-al-Adha prayers held at the Eid Ground in Dodan Barracks, Lagos.
In a statement shared by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu emphasized the importance of national unity, sacrifice, and compassion during the festive season.
“We must unite, remain our brothers’ keeper, and give to our neighbours. We should show love to everyone,” he said. He stressed that prayers and support for military personnel remain essential as they continue to make critical sacrifices to secure the nation.
Tinubu encouraged Nigerians to also show kindness to the vulnerable and reflect the spirit of the season through generosity and peaceful coexistence.
Chief Imam of Lagos State, Suleiman Oluwatoyin Abu-Nola, who led the prayers, echoed the president’s message. He urged worshippers to reflect on the selflessness of Prophet Abraham and embrace a life of sacrifice and service. “Whether you are Igbo, Yoruba, or Hausa, we must live above ethnic sentiments,” the Imam stated, calling for unity, peace, and collective responsibility in nation-building.
Among the dignitaries present were Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola, Minister of State for Defence Bello Muhammed Matawalle, Deputy Governor of Lagos State Femi Hamzat, and former Lagos Governor Babatunde Fashola.
Also in attendance were National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Mudashiru Obasa, President of Dangote Group Aliko Dangote, Chairman of BUA Group Abdul Samad Rabiu, Group Chief Executive of Oando Wale Tinubu, and President Tinubu’s longtime associate Prof. Shaffideen Amuwo.
What you should know
President Bola Tinubu, Nigeria’s 16th president, has made national unity and security key pillars of his administration.
His Eid message comes at a time when the country continues to grapple with multiple security challenges, and he has consistently called for both citizen support and collective action in facing them.
The president’s presence at the Dodan Barracks Eid prayer ground also symbolizes his continued connection to Lagos, where he served as governor from 1999 to 2007.
