President Bola Tinubu says Nigeria needs people who follow the path of sacrifice to fulfil the dreams of the nation’s founding fathers and make the nation great.
Tinubu made the remark while addressing newsmen after observing the 2024 Eid el-Adha prayers at Dodan Barracks, Lagos.
“Being a very good citizen comes with responsibility. 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,” the President said.
Earlier, while addressing the worshippers, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, harped on perseverance and patience.
Hamzat enjoined the Muslim faithful to understand the reason for 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.
“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 peace and that Nigeria continues to progress,” he said.
Delivering the Eid el-Adha message, Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Suleiman Abou-Nolla, who made reference to the Qur’an Chapter 3 Verse 102, said all believers should fear God as He should be feared.
He recalled that former Nigerian leaders from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Ahmadu Bello, Nnamdi Azikwe, Obafemi Awolowo, MKO Abiola, Madam Funmilayo Ransom-Kuti and others sacrificed their knowledge, wealth, sweat that led to the growth and development of the country.
“All their activities and actions were passionate and geared toward nation-building; we must, therefore, ensure that their labour and struggles are not in vain.
“It is, therefore, incumbent on us to follow their footsteps in ensuring that this nation, Nigeria, continues to grow in leaps and bounds.
“We are also to note that Allah forbids any act of tribalism, terrorism and hatred among his servants but loves 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,” the Imam said.
He prayed to God to forgive Nigeria’s sins, offering prayers for all those in authority for guidance and wisdom to lead Nigeria to a great future and for peace in every part of the country.
Some dignitaries who observed their Eid el-Adha prayers at the venue were the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, Principal Private Secretary Hakeem Muri-Okunola, former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, Speaker Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, Sen. Gbenga Ashafa, among others.