.To visit Ogun monarchs Thursday
.As Sultan charges government to strengthen security
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday in Lagos urged Nigerians to have faith in God that the country will experience peace, stability and prosperity.
Speaking to reporters after observing the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at Dodan Barracks prayer ground, the President stressed the need for unity and cooperation, appealing to Nigerians to eschew ethnic and religious rivalries.
While noting that Allah would not burden the country with what it cannot bear, the President said:
”I thank Almighty Allah for keeping us in good health till today and pray to Him to grant us robust health and prosperity. May our sacrifices turn to prosperity. We have to make the sacrifices and that is clear, we have to.
”But Allah will not give you a burden that you cannot carry. He is there for us. We must have faith in the country. Have faith in ourselves, believing that as citizens of this country, we must join hands to build the nation.
”No religious identity, no tribal identity, let us live with one another in joy and prosperity. Nigeria will see peace, stability and God will grant peace to those of us at the warfront.”
The President also used the occasion to pray for Nigerian troops in the frontline in the fight against insurgency, saying it is his earnest desire and that of the nation that they emerge victorious.
The Eid prayer, which started at 9 a.m. was led by the Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaiman Oluwatoyin Abu-Nolah.
The Chief Imam later performed the obligatory slaughtering of ram at the Eid prayer ground in celebration of the significance of the noble act of Prophet Ibrahim in total obedience to Allah’s command.
Speaking on behalf of Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat felicitated Muslims across Nigeria and in the state for the joy of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, urging them to unite behind President Tinubu in his determination to make the country better.
“It is our duty to pray for our leaders. We must pray for our President that God should help him to succeed in the task before him.”
The prayer was attended by the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, former Governor of Lagos State and immediate past Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, among other notable government officials and top politicians.
Meanwhile, Barring any last-minute change, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will today (Thursday) visit Ogun State.
A statement issued by the Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun, Babatunde Olaotan indicated that Tinubu will be in Abeokuta, the State capital and Ijebu-Ode area of the State.
Tinubu is expected to visit the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo and the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona.
The President will be in the State on a thank-you visit after winning the February 25 Presidential election.
The statement urged the people of the State and supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to converge at Ake Palace in Abeokuta by 8 am while those in Ijebu-Ode should gather at the Awujale’s place by 12pm.
It would be recalled that Tinubu was in Ogun State in January for his Presidential campaign.
.As Sultan charges government to strengthen security
In his Eid-el-Kabir message to Muslims on Wednesday in Sokoto, Mr Abubakar also urged Nigerians to pray more for the leaders to succeed.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, who is also the President-General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, has urged Nigerian leaders to do more to improve the nation’s security.
In his Eid-el-Kabir message to Muslims on Wednesday in Sokoto, Mr Abubakar also urged Nigerians to pray more for the leaders to succeed.
“Our prayers are always key toward the success of the leaders. We should sustain the tempo in order for them to succeed in the tasks ahead.
“Government should be more committed to strengthening security.
“Security remains the bedrock of any societal development. As such, strengthening it will enable us to excel,” he said.
Abubakar congratulated Nigerian Muslims for celebrating the Eid-el-Kabir in good health, urging them to embrace peaceful coexistence.
