By Chimezie Godfrey
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday called on Nigerians to uphold the virtues of patience, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence, stressing that national development can only thrive in an atmosphere of unity and stability.
The President made the call while speaking to journalists after observing Eid-el-Fitr prayers at the Dodan Barracks Eid Ground in Lagos.
“I pray for peace in the country. The stability, peace and security of the nation is not just one man’s responsibility. We are all involved. Report suspicious movements of people across the length and breadth of the country. These are our responsibilities too,” Tinubu said.
He urged citizens to sustain the moral and spiritual lessons learned during the Ramadan fasting period, noting that the values of charity, kindness, and love for humanity must extend beyond the holy month.
“We give thanks to God for guiding us through the month of Ramadan. We have accepted the principles, philosophy and doctrine of giving, peace, security and love of our nation, and of neighbours, and kindness to all humanity in any way we can.
“We should assist the needy and help the vulnerable. That is the teaching. May God accept our sacrifices.
“We must continue not because Ramadan has come and it’s over. We thank almighty God for giving us that month. But the teaching must continue even after Ramadan. We must continue to be our brother’s keeper. Good behaviour, good neighbours, and love for humanity,” he added.
The President emphasised that all religions promote the worship of one God and urged Nigerians to reflect such spiritual values in their daily lives through prayers, meditation, and righteous conduct.
Tinubu also described nation-building as a collective responsibility, urging citizens to embrace diversity and strengthen unity.
Speaking on his recent visit to the United Kingdom alongside the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the President said the reception by King Charles III and Queen Camilla underscored Nigeria’s growing global relevance.
“Our visit was a very big opportunity for us to be a good example of the diversity in our society, being able to accept one another as our brothers’ keepers. Tolerance among all faiths. The fact that we worship the same God doesn’t mean our styles have to be the same. Our behaviour could be different, but we serve God Almighty,” he stated.
Also speaking, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, assured that the state government would continue to pray for peace and national stability, while appreciating the President’s support.
In his sermon, the Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sulaiman Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla, urged Muslims to sustain the virtues of Ramadan.
“Today, we are witnessing a world unsettled by tensions and fear. Nations are on edge, and economies are fragile. For Nigerians, especially the good citizens of this great nation, this is a time for calmness, not chaos—a time for wisdom, not provocation. Ours is a religion of peace and discipline and care,” the Imam said.
The President was accompanied by the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola; and other associates.