By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
NIGERIA’s PRESIDENT Bola Tinubu has urged all Nigerians to pray fervently for the nation’s military and security forces who continue to confront terrorism and banditry across the country.
Speaking on Thursday after prayers held at the Eid Ground in Dodan Barracks, Lagos, he appealed for collective sacrifice and unity in support of those risking their lives for national stability.
Addressing reporters, the President called on citizens to focus their prayers on vulnerable Nigerians and those safeguarding the nation.
He emphasised that the spirit of the season demands more than celebration—it requires compassion, charity, and solidarity.
“We should remember to pray and give to those who are very vulnerable in the spirit of the season, which is sacrifice. We must unite, remain our brothers’ keeper, and give to our neighbours. We should show love to everyone,” Tinubu stated.
He highlighted the need for citizens to support the country’s security personnel, saying, “We must also pray hard for our troops to keep us safe.
They are making sacrifices in the challenges that we face from terrorism and banditry today. We must pray for them specifically, remember their sacrifices, and continue to behave well as citizens.”
The Chief Imam of Lagos State, Suleiman Oluwatoyin Abu-Nola, who led the Eid prayers, echoed the message of sacrifice, urging the Muslim faithful to live in harmony and prioritise service to God and society.
“The whole essence of today is sacrifice. We must learn to make sacrifices for our family, nation, and community. We must render our service to Allah, not men,” Abu-Nola told worshippers.
He called on Nigerians to rise above ethnic differences and champion unity, noting that peace and collective responsibility remain critical to national progress.
“If we are to see the Nigeria of our dreams, we must be ready to make sacrifices. We must unite as Nigerians to make progress. We must rise above tribal sentiments. Whether you are Igbo, Yoruba, or Hausa, we must live above ethnic sentiments,” he said.
President Tinubu was joined at the prayer ground by senior government officials and notable figures, including Minister of Defence Mohammed Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Adegboyega Oyetola; Minister of State for Defence Bello Muhammed Matawalle; Deputy Governor of Lagos State Femi Hamzat; and former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola.
Also in attendance were National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly Mudashiru Obasa, Dangote Group President Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman of BUA Group Abdul Samad Rabiu, Oando Group Chief Executive Wale Tinubu, and the President’s longtime associate, Professor Shaffideen Amuwo.
Their presence underscored the occasion’s importance and reflected a broader call for national unity, sacrifice, and commitment to peace.
This is main point. I was hoping the President would pay a surprise visit to the guys at the battle front and also give each sector/unit/command/ a cow and other logistics needed to merry and groove the Sallah.
The President shouldn’t be missing golden opportunities that endears him to the people.