President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to embrace the virtues of sacrifice, love, and gratitude, stressing that these values are essential for building a great nation.
Speaking to journalists after observing the Eid-el Adha prayers at Dodan Barracks, Lagos, the President stressed the importance of sacrifice in achieving the dreams of Nigeria’s founding fathers.
Tinubu said, “Being a good citizen comes with responsibility. As citizens, what do you do to be a 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’s message comes at a time when the country is facing economic challenges, with an annual inflation rate of 33.95% in May 2024, according to a recent report by the National Bureau of Statistics.
Earlier, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, addressed the worshippers, emphasizing perseverance and patience. He urged Muslims to understand the significance of Eid-el-Adha, which represents sacrifice and endurance.
Hamzat appealed to Nigerians to sustain peace in the country and do what is right for themselves and their neighbours “Let us live in peace and harmony, be patient and persevere to enjoy the good of the land. Let us be good Muslims and good citizens of Nigeria, as Almighty Allah expects of us.”
Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Suleiman Abou-Nolla, delivered the Eid-el-Adha message.
He reiterated the importance of fearing God and living in total submission to Allah. He noted that all prophets of God, from Adam to Muhammad (S.A.W.), came with the message of sacrifice.
“Our leaders like the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, to mention a few, sacrificed their knowledge, wealth, sweat, and even life, to the growth and development of the country we call ours today. All their activities and actions were geared towards nation-building.
“We must therefore ensure that their sacrifices are not in vain. It is incumbent on us to follow their footsteps to ensure that this nation, Nigeria, continues to grow in leaps and bounds,” he added.
Dignitaries present at the event included Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, Principal Private Secretary Hakeem Muri-Okunola, former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, Speaker Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, and Sen. Gbenga Ashafa.
