- First lady canvasses sustenance of lessons of Ramadan
Deji Elumoye in Abuja
President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday joined the Muslim faithful in Lagos to observe Eid-el-Fitr prayers, urging Nigerians to continue to have faith in his government and remain patriotic citizens.
Speaking with newsmen after the prayers at the Eid Ground at the Dodan Barracks in Obalende, the president said the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration, which is aimed at bringing prosperity to Nigerians, is being diligently implemented.
While encouraging Muslims celebrating the conclusion of Ramadan to extend the values of sacrifice and resilience beyond the fasting period, President Tinubu emphasized the need for Nigerians to prioritize the exhibition of love for their country.
According to him, ”The resilience and sacrifice that we have shown and made during these months should be preserved. Be a kind and cheerful giver. We must love our country more than any other country, because that is the only one we have.
”We must continue to protect the integrity of our government and leadership. The Renewed Hope Agenda is alive, well and fine and Nigerians should continue to be very hopeful. Without hope, there is no salvation. Without hope, there is no development. Without hope, there is no life. Eid Mubarak.”
Earlier in his sermon, the Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Sulaiman Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla, urged Nigerians to shun all acts of violence, ensure peaceful co-existence and continue to have faith in the country.
He asked those in leadership positions to remain faithful to their oaths of office and work towards alleviating the suffering of the less privileged.
‘‘Let us not forget our brothers and sisters in Gaza and other areas of conflict,’’ the Islamic cleric said.
He offered prayers of God’s guidance, wisdom and protection for President Tinubu and the Lagos State government, as well as for peace and stability in the country.
On her part, the wife of the president, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, rejoiced with the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria on the occasion of completion of the Holy Month of Ramadan.
In a release issued on Monday, Mrs Tinubu enjoined Muslims to sustain the good deeds exhibited during the Holy Month.
According to her, Ramadan is a period of reformation and the teachings of how to live a selfless and godly life.
She said: “The lessons learnt during the one month of fasting should not be eroded on the altar of celebration. We should be modest in our celebration and continue to extend love to others. Our kindness to one another and service to humanity should extend beyond the month of Ramadan. Let us sustain those virtues of self-purification, sacrifice, self-discipline and being compassionate to fellow Nigerians.
“Our priority as a people should include praying for our nation.”
She commended the women folk for their sacrifice of preparing meals for the family and generally taking care of the home front during Ramadan, saying their sacrifices will be rewarded by Almighty Allah.
Mrs Tinubu charged the youth to shun negative acts, channel their energies positively and join hands with the government towards achieving a greater nation.
