President Bola Tinubu on Sunday emphasized the need for Nigerians to embrace sacrifice to fulfill the dreams of the nation’s founding fathers.
The President made this statement while addressing journalists after observing the 2024 Eid-el-Adha prayers at Dodan Barracks in Lagos.
“Being a very good citizen comes with responsibility,” President Tinubu remarked.
“As citizens, what do you do to be a very committed member of our society?
Go and sacrifice. Love your country, love your neighbours, share what you have with one another and be thankful to Almighty God. That’s all.”
In his address to the worshippers, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, emphasized perseverance and patience.
He reminded the Muslim faithful of the essence of Eid, which he described as sacrifice and endurance.
“I urge you all to live in peace and harmony. Be patient and persevere in order to enjoy the good of the land,” Hamzat said.
“Also, let us be good Muslims and good citizens of Nigeria. This is what Almighty Allah expects of us. I pray that we continue to celebrate in one peace and that Nigeria continues to progress.”
Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Suleiman Abou-Nolla, delivered the Eid-el-Adha message, referencing Qur’an chapter 3 verse 102. He urged all believers to fear God and live in total submission to Allah.
“All the prophets of God sent to mankind with their messages from Adam to Noah, to Ibrahim, Issah, and Mohammed (S.A.W.) came with the message of sacrifice. It is all about service to their God and humanity,” Abou-Nolla said.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s history, the Imam highlighted the sacrifices made by former leaders such as Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Ahmadu Bello, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, MKO Abiola, and Madam Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti.
He urged Nigerians to ensure that the labor and struggles of these leaders were not in vain.
“We must, therefore, ensure that their labour and struggles are not in vain,” he said.
“It is, therefore, incumbent on us to follow their footsteps in ensuring that this nation, Nigeria, continues to grow in leaps and bounds.”
Abou-Nolla also condemned acts of tribalism, terrorism, and hatred, advocating instead for cooperation, unity, compassion, stability, justice, and righteousness.
“As we celebrate Eid-el-Adha, let us shun all acts of indiscipline, hate speech, and violence to ensure peaceful co-existence and progress of our nation Nigeria,” he added.
The Imam prayed for God’s forgiveness for Nigeria’s sins and for peace to reign across the country.
He also prayed for President Tinubu, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Hamzat, the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwanu Akiolu, and other leaders, asking for wisdom, strength, and good health to guide Nigeria to a great future.
Several dignitaries, including Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, Principal Private Secretary Hakeem Muri-Okunola, former Minister of Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Mudashiru Obasa, and Senator Gbenga Ashafa, were present at the prayers.
“Being a very good citizen comes with responsibility,” President Tinubu stated.
“Go and sacrifice. Love your country, love your neighbours, share what you have with one another and be thankful to Almighty God. That’s all.”
“I urge you all to live in peace and harmony. Be patient and persevere in order to enjoy the good of the land,” Deputy Governor Hamzat said. “Also, let us be good Muslims and good citizens of Nigeria.”
