Today, an auspicious event took place at the Dodan Barracks Praying Ground in Lagos, as President Bola Tinubu joined fellow Nigerian Muslims in observing the sacred Eid-el-Kabir prayers. This momentous occasion was graced by the presence of esteemed individuals, including Mr Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Babatunde Fashola, a former Lagos State Governor, and other distinguished government officials.
The Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Suleiman Abu-Nolah, delivered a profound sermon, emphasizing the values of sacrifice, unity, and tolerance inherent in this joyous celebration. He reminded the Muslim faithful that their religion strictly prohibits selfishness, intolerance, and sectionalism. Sheikh Abu-Nolah encouraged everyone to utilize this opportunity for introspection, contemplating the challenges faced by the nation and seeking divine intervention to overcome them.
A Call for Unity and Emulation of Prophet Ibrahim’s Virtues
During his prayer, the Chief Imam beseeched God Almighty to bless Nigeria with enduring peace, progress, and stability. He fervently appealed to all Nigerians to embrace the noble virtues exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim. In the spirit of unity, he implored the citizens to work together towards the betterment of the country, as he firmly believed that sacrificial acts of prayer and love were fundamental responsibilities of every patriotic citizen.
The Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mr Femi Hamzat, echoed similar sentiments, urging Nigerians to continue dedicating their prayers for the welfare of the nation. Recognizing that prayer and love were indispensable in shaping the destiny of Nigeria, he emphasized that these heartfelt actions would propel the country towards greatness.
Gbajabiamila’s Address: A Promise of Hope and Progress
In his impassioned speech, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila expressed utmost confidence in the President’s unwavering commitment to uplifting the nation through people-oriented policies. He assured the Nigerian populace that the President would continue to provide hope and deliver tangible results for their betterment. Gbajabiamila acknowledged that the President relied on the collective prayers of all Nigerians as he spearheaded transformative initiatives, with the ultimate goal of actualizing the dreams of the nation’s founding fathers.
The Daunting Task Ahead: Prayers and Support as the President Moves Forward
As President Bola Tinubu prepares to depart for Abuja, Gbajabiamila humbly requested the prayers and unwavering support of the Nigerian people. He acknowledged the weighty challenges that lay ahead, but remained optimistic that with the collective prayers and encouragement from all corners of the nation, the President would triumphantly overcome them.
The Eid-el-Kabir prayers at the Dodan Barracks Praying Ground were a resounding success, marked by the presence of influential figures, fervent prayers, and calls for unity. This occasion served as a powerful reminder of the values cherished by the Nigerian Muslim community—values of sacrifice, unity, and tolerance. As the President returns to Abuja, he carries with him the hopes and aspirations of the Nigerian people, and with their continued prayers and support, the journey towards a prosperous future for Nigeria will be made possible