By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to uphold unity and peaceful coexistence in keeping with the values of Ramadan beyond the celebration of the Eid-el-Fitr festival.
President Tinubu stated this shortly after observing the Eid prayer at the Dodan Barracks Eid Ground, Lagos State, on Friday, March 20, joining other worshippers to mark the end of the Ramadan fasting period.
He expressed gratitude to God for guiding Muslims through Ramadan, noting that the holy month instilled enduring values of sacrifice, compassion, discipline, and love for humanity among the faithful.
Tinubu said: “We give thanks to God for guiding us through the month of Ramadan and for accepting our sacrifices during this sacred period.”
He said the teachings of Ramadan must not end with fasting, urging Nigerians to remain committed to kindness, good conduct, and sustained support for vulnerable persons across communities nationwide beyond the season.
“But the teaching must continue, even after Ramadan. We must continue to be our brothers’ keeper, showing good behaviour, love to humanity, and kindness to all,” he added.
The president called for prayers for peace and stability in the country, stressing that national security remained a shared responsibility requiring cooperation, vigilance, and commitment from all citizens across the federation.
“The stability of our peace and security is not just one man’s responsibility; we all are involved,” Tinubu said.
On security, the president called for collective action in safeguarding communities and national interests.
Tinubu urged citizens to share credible information with security agencies, particularly regarding suspicious movements, while emphasising the importance of respecting the rule of law in all circumstances nationwide.
Reflecting on his recent visit to the United Kingdom, Tinubu described his engagements with British leaders as a demonstration of unity, mutual respect, and religious tolerance across cultural and faith divides.
He said that the Iftar hosted during the visit underscored a shared belief in one God across different faiths, in spite of differences in worship practices and religious traditions globally.
“We must continue to promote tolerance among all faiths and reflect these values in our society,” the president added.
Tinubu urged Nigerians to work towards peace, stability, and equitable sharing of opportunities, expressing optimism that collective efforts would strengthen national development and improve living conditions for citizens across the country.
