President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians to use the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir to promote tolerance, generosity and peaceful coexistence among citizens, while shunning ethnic divisions and hatred capable of threatening national unity.

Speaking with journalists on Wednesday after observing the Eid prayers at Dodan Barracks in Obakende, Lagos, the president said Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity and shared humanity, stressing that ethnic, religious and political differences should never outweigh the collective desire for peace, progress and national development.

Tinubu, who was joined at the prayers by Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Obafemi Hamzat, Babatunde Raji Fashola, Rilwan Akiolu, Femi Gbajabiamila and Nuhu Ribadu, described Eid-el-Kabir as a sacred season that symbolises obedience, sacrifice, love for humanity and total submission to the will of Allah, as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim.

“We thank Almighty Allah for making us witness another year of Eid-el-Kabir. We must learn from the lessons of this season by showing love to one another. No discrimination, no ethnicity, no hatred; we should reflect the values of humanity through generosity and compassion,” Tinubu said.

The president also stressed the need for obedience to the rule of law and called on Nigerians to support one another, especially the less privileged, while placing greater value on human life.

“Nowhere in the holy teachings does it say you should engage in banditry or take human life. The lessons of sacrifice teach us the importance and sanctity of human life,” he added.

Earlier, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaimon Abou-Nolla, urged Muslims to fear Allah and uphold the virtues of unity, sacrifice and generosity. He also prayed for wisdom, strength and good health for the president and commended the sacrifices of Nigeria’s past leaders in building national unity.

Meanwhile, Vice-President Kashim Shettima called on political leaders and citizens to approach the 2027 election season with maturity, tolerance and patriotism, warning against divisive rhetoric capable of undermining peace and stability in the country.

Speaking after observing Eid prayers at the Ramat Square Eid Ground in Maiduguri, Shettima assured Nigerians that the Federal Government and sub-national governments are working to ease the economic challenges facing citizens through ongoing reforms and interventions.

“Governments at all levels are poised to ameliorate the sufferings of the Nigerian people,” the vice-president stated.

He urged Nigerians to remain patient and supportive of the administration as efforts continue to stabilise the economy, improve national security and expand opportunities for citizens.

“As we enter the political season, there is a need for maturity, forbearance and generosity of spirit in our political interactions. We must avoid inflammatory statements and actions capable of overheating the polity because what unites us as Nigerians is greater than whatever divides us,” Shettima said.

The vice-president also called for continued prayers for peace and stability across the country, noting that ongoing global tensions, including the crisis in the Middle East, further underscore the need for unity and national solidarity among Nigerians.

Shettima was joined at the Eid prayers by Umar Usman Kadafur, Abubakar Kyari, members of the National Assembly and other senior government officials.

During a traditional Sallah homage paid to the vice-president at his Maiduguri residence, Kadafur commended Shettima for his continued support to the government and people of Borno State and prayed for wisdom and strength for him and President Tinubu in steering the country toward greater progress and prosperity.