President Bola Tinubu yesterday urged Nigerians to see national stability and security as everyone’s responsibility and not that of one person.

“The stability, peace and security of the nation is not just one man’s responsibility. We are all involved,” the President said in Lagos against the background of this week’s foiled terrorists’ attack in Maiduguri.

President Tinubu spoke to reporters at the end of the Eid-el-Fitr prayers at Dodan Barracks to mark the end of the 30-day long Ramadan.

He said citizens should play their part in ensuring Nigeria’s stability,peace and security by assisting security agencies with information.

“Report suspicious movements of people across the length and breadth of the country. These are our responsibilities too,” he said.

He also asked Nigerians to embody the lessons of Ramadan and Lent—patience, tolerance, and neighbourliness—as cornerstones of nation-building.

He prayed for peace in the country.

Highlighting the importance of extending Ramadan’s charity beyond fasting, President Tinubu said: “We give thanks to God for guiding us through the month of Ramadan. We have accepted the principles, philosophy and doctrine of giving, peace, security and love of our nation, and of neighbours, and kindness to all humanity in any way we can.

“We should assist the needy and help the vulnerable. That is the teaching. May God accept our sacrifices. We must continue not because Ramadan has come and it’s over… The teaching must continue even after Ramadan. We must continue to be our brother’s keeper. Good behaviour, good neighbours, and love for humanity.

“The focus of all religions in the country remains the worship of one God… The task of nation-building is collective, inclusive and shared by all Nigerians.”

Reflecting on his just concluded State visit to the UK, he said it went a long way in showcasing Nigeria’s global economic rise and interfaith tolerance.

His words: “Our visit was a very big opportunity for us to be a good example of the diversity in our society, being able to accept one another as our brothers’ keepers. Tolerance among all faiths. The fact that we worship the same God doesn’t mean our styles have to be the same. Our behaviour could be different, but we serve God Almighty.”

The Grand Chief Imam of Lagos State, Alhaji Sulaiman Oluwatoyoyin Abou-Nolla, led the prayers.

He spoke of the enduring virtues of Ramadan—penitence and piety—amid global unrest. “Today, we are witnessing a world unsettled by tensions and fear. Nations are on edge, and economies are fragile,” he said.

He added: “for Nigerians… this is a time for calmness, not chaos—a time for wisdom, not provocation. Ours is a religion of peace and discipline and care,” the Imam implored, urging brotherhood despite challenges.”

With the President at the Eid grounds were National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila,Lagos State Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, former Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, associates, and family members.

Shettima joins worshippers in Maiduguri, reaffirms commitment to security

Vice President Kashim Shettima joined thousands of Muslim faithful at Ramat Square in Maiduguri to observe the Eid-el-Fitr prayers where he reassured Nigerians of Federal Government’s resolve to tackle insecurity and other national challenges.

The expansive prayer ground was filled to capacity as worshippers gathered in a remarkable display of faith and unity to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

The Eid prayers were led by the Chief Imam of Borno State, Shettima Mamman Saleh, and attended by prominent dignitaries, including Governor Babagana Zulum, Senator Ali Ndume, Senator Kaka Shehu Lawan, as well as other notable sons and daughters of the state.

Addressing journalists after the prayers, the Vice President expressed optimism that insecurity across the country would soon be brought under control, citing ongoing proactive measures by both the Federal Government and state authorities.

Shettima emphasized the need for national unity, noting that the coincidence of Ramadan and the Christian Lenten season presents a unique opportunity for reflection and collective action.

According to Shettima, meaningful national progress cannot be achieved without peace, urging Nigerians to work together in confronting shared challenges such as insecurity and underdevelopment.

He also commended the people and leadership of Borno State for their resilience in the face of adversity, praising their sustained commitment to peace, harmony, and development despite years of security challenges.

In his sermon, the Chief Imam charged Muslim faithful to uphold the virtues learned during Ramadan, including discipline, sacrifice, and devotion, even after the holy month.

He stressed the importance of sustained piety, compassion, and social responsibility, describing them as critical ingredients for fostering a peaceful and cohesive society.

FG working to improve security in all parts of Nigeria – Information minister

Also speaking on national security yesterday, Information and National Orientation Minister, Mohammed Idris, urged Nigerians to remain calm as the Federal Government is working hard to ensure security across the country.

Idris told reporters shortly after observing Jumaat prayer at Yahaya Road Mosque in Kaduna that government was determined to check a repeat of the Maiduguri bomb explosions.

“Indeed, our country is challenged as government is working hard to ensure that it brings security to all parts of this country,” he said.

“We have witnessed what has happened, especially in Borno State.

“We pray to Allah to make this be the last one, as government is working seriously to ensure that there is no repeat of that kind of incident.

“We must also be very prayerful, and we must work together to ensure that all the challenges that we have in this country go away,” he said.

Idris urged all Muslims and non-Muslims to come together in the interest of the development and unity of the country.

“Our message is consistent with the message of President Bola Tinubu.

“He has urged all Nigerians to be steadfast, to take the lessons of Ramadan, and to continue to do all the good deeds of Ramadan and continue with them even after the month of Ramadan.

“It is important for all of us to take the lessons of Ramadan and ensure that we pray for our country, leaders, and all the people of Nigeria so that we can have a prosperous Nigeria beyond our expectation.”

According to Idris, this is a time for reflection for all Nigerians.

“We pray that all of us will really look at this moment and see the need for unity, for progress, and for the development of our country.

“Nigeria is indeed taking its rightful place. The country is respected more than ever before on the international scene.

“The reforms that the President has instituted, as challenging as they are, are meant for the benefit of all Nigerians,” he said.

The minister said that all hands must be on deck for the unity of the country.

“As we gain respect in the international arena, we also hope and pray for unity around our country,” he said.

Sultan urges prayers, unity for Nigeria

The Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, urged Nigerians to sustain their prayers for unity in the country.

He also called for continued commitment toward national progress during his Eid-el-Fitr message.

Abubakar made the call in Sokoto on the occasion of the Eid el Fitri, emphasising the need for genuine unity and stronger dedication among leaders in addressing persistent national challenges and finding lasting, inclusive solutions for development.

He commended Islamic scholars for educating the public during Ramadan Tafsir and preaching sessions, urging them to sustain the efforts and intensify both individual and collective prayers for the country’s peace.

The Sultan encouraged Nigerians to embrace positive changes in attitudes, expressing optimism that the country’s best days lay ahead if citizens remained committed to unity, discipline, and shared national responsibility.

He urged citizens to remain God-fearing in conduct, adhere strictly to religious teachings, and demonstrate patriotism in contributing meaningfully to national development and peaceful coexistence across communities in the country.

Abubakar also commended Gov. Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State and President Bola Tinubu for implementing policies and programmes that had directly impacted citizens, while urging sustained efforts to address pressing challenges.

He said:“In Sokoto, government has spent significantly on free feeding programmes, and no amount spent on people is wasted, but more empowerment and poverty reduction initiatives are still needed.

“We are aware leaders are doing their best to ease hardship, but more must be done, especially in addressing security challenges currently affecting many communities across the country.”

He urged citizens to continue supporting government efforts, expressing confidence that positive developments would soon emerge, bringing relief and renewed hope that would be widely welcomed and celebrated by the people.

Abubakar stressed the need for Muslims to continue praying for leaders, noting that sincere prayers remained vital in supporting governance and achieving the desired progress and stability in any society.

Sanusi leads Sallah durbar as Bayero holds parallel Eid at mini-palace

The Emir of Kano,Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi and the 15th Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, led separate Eid prayers in the city- Sanusi at Kofar Mata Eid Ground and Bayero in his palace .

After prayers, Sanusi addressed the crowd, thanking Allah for the peaceful completion of Ramadan.

He urged residents to sustain the virtues of patience, charity and discipline, and called for peace and unity.

The emir warned youths against violence, encouraging them to pursue knowledge and skills, and admonished traders to avoid arbitrary price hikes.

On his part, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero urged unity and law-abiding conduct.

Maiduguri residents defy fear, turn out in large numbers for Eid prayers

In a remarkable show of resilience and faith, residents of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, yesterday thronged Eid prayer grounds in large numbers to observe the Eid-el-Fitr, undeterred by the deadly attacks that shook parts of the state some 96 hours earlier.

The city, which has endured over a decade of insurgency, demonstrated its enduring spirit as thousands gathered at the Ramat Square and other designated grounds for the two-rakat congregational prayers, choosing unity and devotion over fear.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, Governor Babagana Umara Zulum and others worshipped at the the Ramat Square prayer ground, in what many described as a symbolic act of defiance against terror.

The Eid prayer at Ramat Square was led by the Imam Idaini of Borno, Shettima Saleh, who, in his sermon, urged Muslims to remain steadfast, prayerful, and calm in the face of adversity.

Highlighting the spiritual essence of the season, the cleric emphasized the importance of Zakatul Fitr as an act of purification, encouraged the observance of the six-day Shawwal fast, and called for unity, discipline, and peaceful coexistence among citizens.

He described the Eid period as a time for sober reflection and spiritual renewal, urging residents not to lose hope despite ongoing security challenges.

Across the Maiduguri metropolis, the celebrations remained largely peaceful, with a visible deployment of security personnel ensuring safety at prayer grounds and key locations.

For many residents, the day was more than a religious observance; it was a reaffirmation of their resolve to live, worship and endure in the face of persistent threats.

CAN urges Nigerians to embrace unity, national reset

In a goodwill message on the occasion, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) asked Nigerians to use the 2026 Eid-el-Fitr celebrations as a catalyst for a “national reset,” urging citizens to prioritise unity amid economic and security challenges.

CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, extended warm wishes to the Muslim Ummah, describing the end of Ramadan as a period of spiritual renewal and strengthening.

Okoh highlighted that the core values of Ramadan, kindness, sacrifice, and care for the vulnerable, should serve as a roadmap for national healing and cohesion across communities in Nigeria.

The Archbishop acknowledged the difficult realities facing the nation, emphasising that Nigeria’s diversity should be seen as a source of strength rather than a point of friction or division.

“At a time like this, our nation needs unity more than ever. From insecurity to economic hardship, the challenges before us are real, but so too is our shared strength,” the statement said.

He said CAN maintained that Nigeria thrived only when its people stood together, “not divided by faith or ethnicity, but united by a common purpose and a shared future.”

He urged Nigerians to reject division, prioritise dialogue over distrust, and to act in ways that would heal rather than harm the national fabric, emphasising the need to strengthen collective peace and progress.

Catholic Bishops preach unity

In a similar message, the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Archbishop Matthew Man-Oso Ndagoso, urged Nigerians to embrace peace at all times.

Ndagoso commended Muslims for their commitment to fasting, prayer, and almsgiving, describing it as a strong demonstration of faith, discipline, and devotion to God.

He noted that such virtues provide a positive example in a world often challenged by excess, distraction, and division.

Archbishop Ndagoso highlighted the unique significance of this year’s religious calendar, pointing out that both Christians and Muslims commenced their fasting periods simultaneously.

According to him, the convergence underscores shared values of sacrifice, prayer, and reliance on God, while reinforcing the need for unity and mutual understanding among Nigerians.

He stressed that the country is currently grappling with serious challenges, including insecurity, economic hardship, and social divisions. In light of this, he called on citizens of all faiths to go beyond peaceful coexistence and work collectively towards building a nation anchored on justice, truth, and mutual respect.

The cleric further urged Nigerians to embrace enduring values such as forgiveness, solidarity with the poor, and reverence for God as pathways to national healing and renewal.

“As you celebrate, we join you in thanksgiving to Almighty God, praying that the spiritual benefits of Ramadan will continue to renew hearts, deepen compassion, and strengthen unity across the nation,” he said. (The Nation)

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