Lagos State Deputy Governor, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, has called on Nigerians, particularly Muslims, to demonstrate loyalty, empathy, and a deep sense of responsibility towards one another and the nation.
The Deputy Governor gave the admonition today, after observing the Eid-el-Kabir prayers held at Dodan Barracks, Obalende, where he emphasized the importance of the spiritual values underpinning the celebration.
“We must express gratitude to Almighty Allah for granting us the grace to witness another Eid-el-Kabir. The essence of this Eid is compassion, loyalty, and devotion. That is the spiritual essence of it. So, we must be loyal to each other, to our country. We must be compassionate to each other, to the less privileged,” he said.
Hamzat stated that these values must be practiced across all sectors of society, be it in politics, business, or daily life, “we all have a duty to show compassion and uplift those around us,” he said.
Besides, the Deputy Governor underscored the importance of implementing people-centered policies that promote security, peace, and social well-being, noting that such efforts are key to attracting divine growth and ensuring sustainable development.
He urged Nigerians of all religions and ethnic backgrounds to offer continuous prayers for the nation’s armed forces, stressing that they enable a peaceful environment, urging citizens to actively support the military by providing credible information that can aid national security.
“If you see something, say something. Sharing the right information with the right authorities is a vital way we can all contribute to the safety and stability of our nation,” he concluded.
In his sermon, Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Sulaiman Olohuntoyin Abou-Nolla, urged Nigerians to be united and rise above religious and tribal sentiment.
Sheikh Abou-Nolla added that if Nigerians want to see the Nigeria of their dreams, they must be ready to let go of their habits, attitudes, and systems that hinder national growth.
“We are one family, one people. Nigeria must be one. We must rise above tribal and religious sentiments. Whether Muslims, non-Muslims, Hausa, Igbo, or Yoruba, we all share the same fears, the same concerns, and the same dreams. Let us be united. Let us be one body together. As we celebrate this fiftieth anniversary, let us churn all arts of indiscipline,” he said.
The Cleric stated that the only essence of Eid-al-Kabir is sacrifice, adding that Muslim faithful must sacrifice for their family, sacrifice for their nation, sacrifice for their constituency, sacrifice for their community, and render service to Allah and the entire humanity in general.
He admonished Nigerians to shun hate speech, violence, tribalism, banditry, and terrorism, to ensure peaceful coexistence and progress of the nation.
The Chief Imam, therefore, prayed for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, asking Almighty Allah to bless his leadership and to grant Nigeria lasting peace and harmony
