Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has urged Nigerians, especially Muslims, to demonstrate unwavering loyalty, empathy, and a sense of collective responsibility towards one another and the country.
Speaking after observing the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at Dodan Barracks, Obalende, Hamzat emphasized the spiritual essence of the festival, which he described as rooted in compassion, loyalty, and devotion.
“We must thank Almighty Allah for the grace to witness another Eid-el-Kabir. The core of this celebration is about compassion, loyalty, and devotion. We must remain loyal to one another and to our country. We must show compassion to the less privileged and uplift those around us,” he said.
The Deputy Governor stressed that these values should guide every aspect of national life—politics, business, and daily interactions—adding that the promotion of people-oriented policies that foster peace, security, and well-being is crucial to national progress.
He called on citizens across religious and ethnic lines to keep the armed forces in their prayers, describing them as essential to national peace. He also encouraged the public to support security efforts by sharing timely and accurate information with authorities.
“If you see something, say something. Providing credible information to the right authorities is a meaningful way we can all contribute to the nation’s security and stability,” he said. In his sermon, the Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Sulaiman Olohuntoyin Abou-Nolla, echoed similar sentiments, urging Nigerians to rise above religious and ethnic divides to build a united nation.
“If we truly want to see the Nigeria of our dreams, we must discard harmful attitudes and systems that hinder growth. We are one people—Muslims, non-Muslims, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba—we share the same fears and hopes. Let us be united and disciplined,” he stated.
The cleric noted that the true meaning of Eid-el-Kabir lies in sacrifice—calling on Muslims to be willing to make sacrifices for their families, communities, and country, while remaining devoted to Allah and service to humanity.
He also warned against hate speech, tribalism, and violence, describing them as threats to peaceful coexistence and national development.
The Chief Imam offered special prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and asked Almighty Allah to bless his leadership and grant Nigeria enduring peace and unity.
