On Friday, June 6, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu joined thousands of Muslim faithful at the Dodan Barracks prayer ground in Lagos State to observe the Eid-el-Kabir prayers, marking one of Islam’s most significant religious celebrations. The event was attended by a host of top government officials, dignitaries, and prominent figures from various sectors of Nigerian society.
Among those accompanying President Tinubu were his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Defence, Muhammed Badaru Abubakar; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammed Matawalle. The gathering also included former Lagos State Governor and Minister of Power, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, as well as leading business magnates such as Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Group, Abdul Rabiu of BUA Group, and Wale Tinubu, Group CEO of Oando. Professor Shaffideen Amuwo, a close friend of the president, was also present.
Following the prayers, President Tinubu addressed the congregation, urging Nigerians to embrace unity, compassion, and generosity. He emphasized the importance of caring for the vulnerable and standing together as one nation. “As we make sacrifices, we should remember to pray and give to those who are vulnerable. We must come together to be one and another’s brothers keeper and love everyone fully. We must pray hard for our troops who are keeping us safe and making the sacrifices in the challenges of terrorism and banditry that we face,” he said.
The Chief Imam, in his sermon, echoed this call for peace and unity, urging worshippers to rise above ethnic divisions and focus on collective progress. “If we are to see the Nigeria of our dreams, we must be ready to make sacrifices. We must unite as Nigerians to make progress. We must rise above tribal sentiments. Whether you are Igbo, Yoruba, or Hausa, we must live above ethnic sentiments,” he said.
In his Eid message for 2025, President Tinubu also appealed for patience from Nigerians as his administration continues with reforms aimed at economic recovery and national development. “We may not yet be where we aspire to be, but I urge all Nigerians not to lose hope. Let us hold on to our faith and persevere. Our reforms are gaining traction, with key economic indicators now moving in a positive direction. Soon, all will feel the benefits,” he assured.
The Eid-el-Kabir celebration this year was marked by a strong sense of national solidarity, with the president and key leaders emphasizing the need for peace, sacrifice, and collective progress in the face of ongoing security challenges.