President Bola Tinubu on Sunday called on Nigerians to show more care for their neighbours and extend charity to all in the spirit of Eid-el-Kabir.
He made the call while speaking with journalists after Eid-el-Kabir prayers in Lagos on Sunday.
The President said some level of sacrifice will be required to move the nation forward.
He stated: “We have been told by the Chief Imam how we can follow the path of sacrifice. The sacrifice required of a good citizen. Citizenship comes with responsibilities. As citizens, what do we need to do to be committed members of our society? “Yes, that is sacrifice; loving your country. Loving your neighbours. Sharing what you have with each other. And to always be thankful to Almighty God.”
In his sermon, the Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Suleiman Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla, who led the prayers, reiterated the need for more love, sacrifice and care for the poor and the vulnerable.
“Our leaders like the late Sir Ahmadu Bello, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, Funmilayo Ransome Kuti, to mention a few, sacrificed their knowledge, wealth, sweat, and even life, to the growth and development of the country we call ours today. All their activities and actions were geared towards nation-building.
“We must therefore ensure that their sacrifices are not in vain. It is incumbent on us to follow their footsteps to ensure that this nation, Nigeria, continues to grow in leaps and bounds,” he said.
The Chief Imam of Lagos urged citizens to pray that God Almighty grants the President the strength and wisdom to deliver on his vision for a better and prosperous nation.
In a related development, former president, Muhammadu Buhari, has expressed delight that more Nigerians have taken to the farm to grow more food so as to bring prices down and feed the nation, warning however that uncontrolled population growth was a matter for concern.
Also speaking to journalists shortly after joining Emir of Daura, Dr Faruk Umar Faruk, to observe the Eid prayer at the township Eid ground on Sunday, the former president said: “I am Wishing everyone a Happy Sallah. May this special festival bring joy, prosperity and wonderful health to everyone.
“I use this occasion to make an appeal to all citizens to make Nigeria self-reliant. Let us grow our own food. We have shown that we can do it. This is not the time to relent when we see prices going up.
“Let us buy what is produced in the country.
“The foundation of a prosperous and stable country has been laid by successive governments, and I encourage our youth, in particular, to continue to play an active role in various nation-building efforts.
“I urge the youth of the country to seek to know about the founding fathers of the nation, the important personalities of their regions, and derive inspiration from them.”
A statement by his spokesman, Garba Shehu, said while reflecting on the massive crowds at the Eid in Daura, the former president expressed concern at unchecked population expansion, saying that it will bring a lot of problems to future generations.
“There is a need for greater discussion and awareness about this problem, as well as a need to invest more in education and health.”
In conclusion, he said “considering the situation in the country, and in the spirit of the Sallah, let us help one another and be our bothers’s keepers. I wish everyone a happy Sallah.”
Speaking to members of the National Youth Service, NYSC who have maintained a tradition of paying homage to him every Sallah, the former president said “the scheme continues to be a strong fabric holding the country together and urged successive administrations to continue to strengthen it.”
He described the NYSC as one of the greatest achievements of General Yakubu Gowon as Head of state.
As he has every year, the former president gave a cow, 10 bags of rice, and some cash to the NYSC members to celebrate the occasion.
ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
