At Lagos Eid Praying Ground, Tinubu Expresses Optimism Nigeria Will Know Peace, Stability, Prosperity

* Urges Nigerians to have faith in country, themselves 

* Prays for victory of troops in battle field against insurgency 

* Sanwo-Olu wants Nigerians to unite behind president for better Nigeria 

Deji Elumoye in Abuja 

President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to have faith in God that the country will experience peace, stability and prosperity. 

Speaking to newsmen Wednesday after observing the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at the Dodan Barracks prayer ground in Obalende, Ikoyi-Lagos, the president, according to a release issued by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication and Strategy, Mr Dele Alake, 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, President Tinubu 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 forum 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. 

Speaking earlier 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,” Hamzat said.

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.  

The prayer was attended by the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; former Governor of Lagos State and former Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola and Speaker of the atate House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, among other top government officials and politicians.