Tinubu to Nigerians: Dark days over, light is here
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CHIGOZIE AMADI
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday declared that Nigeria’s difficult period of economic reforms is over.
He said the sacrifices of Nigerians of the past three years have yielded a more stable economy and that the country is now positioned as a preferred investment destination.
In his Eid-el-Kabir message to Muslim faithful in Nigeria and across the world, Tinubu linked the sacrifice, which is at the heart of Sallah, and the economic hardships Nigerians have endured under his administration’s reform programme.
He declared that the reforms are now delivering results while acknowledging that terrorists and bandits continue to attack communities and pledged that they would be defeated.
“Just as sacrifice brings reward, I am happy that the sacrifices and efforts we have made over the past three years have yielded a more stable economy, making our country a preferred investment destination that will drive job creation and economic growth.
“The walk through the dark tunnel is over, and the light is here,” Tinubu stated.
He said he remained confident that the reforms would continue to yield improved security and greater opportunities.
The President said, “By the Grace of God, the reforms we have diligently pursued will continue to yield improved security and greater opportunities for all.”
On security, Tinubu acknowledged that insecurity persists in parts of the country even after significant operational successes, including the recent joint Nigeria-US elimination of the ISIS senior leader Abu-Bilal al-Manuki in the Lake Chad Basin.
“I am aware that, despite the best efforts of our security and intelligence agencies, including the recent elimination of a wanted ISIS leader, heartless terrorists and bandits still attack some communities.
“I assure you: you are neither abandoned nor forgotten. We will ultimately defeat all the forces of evil,” the President said.
He also used the message to call on religious and community leaders to pray for peace and for the country’s leadership, and to extend charity to the less privileged during the celebration.
He appealed, “To our Muslim faithful, I urge you to use this sacred occasion to pray for our country, for peace in our communities, and for wisdom for those in leadership.
“Let us pray that those who commit crimes among us may rethink and abandon their evil ways, or face the full weight of the law.”
Drawing on the theological significance of the occasion, Tinubu described the Festival of Sacrifice as a call on all Nigerians, not just Muslims, to embrace selflessness, unity, and compassion.
According to him, “Eid-el-Kabir reminds us of the enduring virtues exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim, faith, obedience, and the willingness to sacrifice for a higher purpose.
“This sacred festival calls on all Muslims, and indeed all Nigerians and the whole of humanity, to embrace sacrifice, selflessness, unity, and compassion.”
He said his administration remains committed to investing in security, infrastructure, agriculture, and human capital to fulfill what he described as the great promise of the nation.
Also, President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has felicitated President Bola Tinubu, his vice, Kashim Shettima and Muslim faithful in Nigeria and around the world as they celebrate Eid El Kabir.
In a congratulatory message through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, the Senate President said the occasion calls for prayer and sober reflection on the theme of sacrifice.
“This sacred occasion reminds us of Prophet Ibrahim’s unwavering faith, obedience, and willingness to sacrifice for the sake of Almighty Allah.
“These timeless virtues of devotion, selflessness, and submission to divine will are values our nation desperately needs today”, he stated.
Akpabio said “To our dear President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, his vice, Senator Kashim Shettima and Muslim brothers and sisters, I felicitate with them on behalf of my family, constituents and the Senate on this blessed Eid. May the lessons of sacrifice, compassion, and generosity that define this season strengthen your faith and bring peace to your homes.
“As you share with the less privileged and extend love to neighbours of all faiths, you embody the true spirit of Nigeria.
“To all Nigerians, I urge us to use this solemn period to pray fervently for peace, security, and prosperity in our land. Let us pray for our troops on the frontlines, for farmers to return safely to their fields, and for unity to prevail over division in our Nation.
“Eid El Kabir also calls us to deep reflection on the future of our country. Just as Prophet Ibrahim was tested, Nigeria is in a season of testing.
“The sacrifices we make today in patience, in tolerance and in choosing hope over despair will determine the Nigeria our children inherit.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda of this administration, supported by the National Assembly, is anchored on that same principle: that meaningful progress often requires collective sacrifice.
“May Almighty Allah accept your prayers and sacrifices. May He heal our land, guide our leaders, and bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.
Also in his Sallah message, Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, has rejoiced with Muslims across the country on the occasion of this year’s Eid-El-Kabir celebration, calling for sustained prayers, unity, and support for the poor and vulnerable in society.
In a special Sallah message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Malam Ismail Mudashir, Senator Barau urged Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for peace, unity, and the continued progress of the country.
Senator Barau, who is also the First Deputy Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, also congratulated Nigerian pilgrims currently performing the Hajj in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, urging them to remember Nigeria and the leaders in their prayers at the holy sites.
