President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday evening returned to the country from his trips abroad and urged Nigerians to show compassion to each other ahead of the Sallah celebrations.
Tinubu arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, at 05:05 pm local time where a waiting crowd of supporters welcomed him.
The President had embarked on a one-week trip to Paris, France, where he attended a summit for A New Global Financing Pact hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron before proceeding to London on a private visit.
“I join Muslims in Nigeria and all over the world in observance of Eid-el-Kabir. We must thank Almighty Allah for the grace to witness another Eid,” Tinubu said.
“As we immerse ourselves in the joy of this moment and celebrate, let us remember those who may not be as fortunate like us.
“Coming as the end of religious activities spanning the first ten days of the Islamic Month of Dhul Hijjah, Eid-el-Kabir enjoins us as Muslims to show mercy and compassion to our fellow humans.
“Eid-el-Kabir is a festival of sacrifice and total obedience to Allah as exemplified in the exceptional action of Prophet Ibrahim.
“There is no greater sense of duty ever recorded in history outside the ennobling example of Prophet Ibrahim in offering his only son Ismail as a sacrifice to Allah.”
The President said that the best way by which we can demonstrate this example is in how we conduct ourselves in relation to our fellow citizens and in our duties to our beloved country.
He urged Nigerians to imbibe and manifest those values inherent in Prophet’s life, complete devotion to Allah, tolerance, patience, perseverance, selflessness, love and compassion.
“This season, let us endeavour to multiply good deeds with our kindness to our fellow Muslims and others by helping and supporting the weak and vulnerable in our communities,” Tinubu stressed.
He believes that by so doing, everyone in the country will showcase the values and virtues of our faith.
Tinubu also admitted that at the moment, our country is going through some challenges especially with our struggling economy and simmering security challenges.
“While I acknowledge all of these, I want to assure you that they are not insurmountable. I am working day and night with my team, fleshing out solutions,” he added.
“We have started with the decisions taken so far, to reform our economy and remove all impediments to growth.”
Tinubu urged Nigerians to face the future with vigour and Renewed Hope with the confidence that our tomorrow shall be better and brighter.
The President also wished all Nigerians a happy Sallah celebration.