President Bola Tinubu has declared that no religion encourages violence or the killing of innocent people, urging Nigerians to embrace peace, tolerance, and unity during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
The President made the remarks on Wednesday after observing the Eid prayers at Dodan Barracks in Lagos.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said Eid-el-Kabir symbolizes sacrifice, obedience, compassion, and total submission to the will of Allah, drawing lessons from the example of Prophet Ibrahim.
He warned against acts of banditry, ethnic division, and hatred, stressing that human life remains sacred in all religious teachings.
“Nowhere in the holy teachings does it say you should engage in banditry or take a human life,” Tinubu said.
“The sacrifice we speak of, even from the beginning of life, where we take these lessons, teaches us that a child was replaced with an animal. That is the value placed on human life.”
The President called on Nigerians to use the festive period to show love, generosity, and kindness to one another, irrespective of ethnic or religious differences.
“We thank Almighty Allah for making us witness another year of Eid-el-Kabir,” he added.
“No discrimination, no ethnicity, no hatred. We should share love and be generous to one another in a way that reflects the values of our country and humanity.”
Tinubu also urged citizens to respect the rule of law and remain tolerant, noting that Nigeria’s diversity should serve as a source of strength and unity rather than division.
He emphasized that peace, national development, and coexistence are more important than political, ethnic, or religious sentiments.
In his sermon, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaimon Abou-Nolla, advised Muslims to fear Allah and uphold the virtues of sacrifice, unity, and generosity.
Several top government officials and traditional rulers joined the President for the Eid prayers, including Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Governor Babatunde Fashola, the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.
