Tinubu Calls for End to Ethnic Division, Violence in Eid-el-Kabir Message

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to embrace unity, tolerance and compassion, urging citizens to reject hatred, discrimination and violence as Muslims across the country marked Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.

Speaking after observing Eid prayers in Lagos on Saturday, the President said the spiritual lessons of the season should inspire Nigerians to demonstrate love, generosity and respect for one another regardless of ethnic, religious or social differences. “We must learn from the lessons of this season,” Tinubu said. “It is about showing love to one another no discrimination, no ethnicity, no hatred.”

The President thanked Almighty Allah for preserving the lives of Nigerians to witness another Eid celebration and stressed the importance of reflecting the values of humanity and national unity in daily life. “We should share love and be generous to one another in a way that reflects the value of our country and the humanity in us,” he added.

Tinubu also emphasised the need for citizens to remain tolerant and law-abiding, describing obedience to lawful authority as essential to maintaining peace and stability within society. “It is essential that we be tolerant and obedient to the wishes of Allah and obedient to the rule of law, which must guide our society,” the President stated.

Addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, Tinubu condemned violence, banditry and the unlawful taking of human life, noting that no religious teaching supports criminality or bloodshed. “Nowhere in holy teachings does it say you should engage in banditry. Nowhere does it say you should kill another human being,” he said.

The President linked the significance of Eid-el-Kabir to the value of sacrifice and the sanctity of human life, referencing the Islamic account of Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son before a ram was provided in his place. “The sacrifice we are talking about, even from the beginning where this lesson comes from, shows the value of life,” he said.

Tinubu’s remarks come at a time when Nigeria continues to grapple with insecurity, communal tensions and economic pressures, issues that have increasingly shaped public discourse ahead of the 2027 political cycle.

Religious and traditional leaders across the country have repeatedly used major national celebrations to call for peace, national cohesion and stronger social harmony amid growing concerns over divisive rhetoric and violent crime.

The Eid-el-Kabir celebration, one of the most important festivals in the Islamic calendar, commemorates sacrifice, obedience and devotion to God and is widely observed across Nigeria with prayers, charity and community gatherings.