Without hope, there is no development — Tinubu charges Nigerians at Eid prayers

By Sodiq Adelakun

President Bola Tinubu, alongside several dignitaries including the deputy governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat, and former governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, participated in the Eid-el-Fitr prayers on Wednesday in Lagos.

Addressing the Muslim faithful at Dodan  Barracks prayer ground, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of maintaining faith in his government and urged citizens to remain patriotic.

The Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Suleiman Abdussallah, highlighted the significance of the festivity in fostering a culture of sacrifice, unity, and tolerance among Muslims.

Speaking to newsmen after the prayers, President Tinubu reiterated his call for resilience, patriotism, and hope among Nigerians amidst prevailing challenges.

“The kind of resilience, sacrifice, endurance that we have, we should preserve that for the country. Be kind and a cheerful giver, love our country better than any other country – that is the only one that we have.

“And we must continue to protect the integrity of our government and leadership. The new hope is alive, well and fine and Nigerians should continue to be very hopeful.

“Without hope there is no salvation, without hope there is no development, without hope there is no life,” Tinubu said.

In their Eid-El-Fitr messages, several state governors called for forgiveness, peace, and tolerance among Nigerians.

They emphasised the importance of praying for the country and for leaders to govern with the fear of God.

Eid-El-Fitr, signifying the “festival of breaking fast,” commenced with the Ramadan fast on March 11, coinciding with the sighting of the moon. The fasting period concluded on Tuesday, as the moon remained unseen on Monday.

Consequently, both Saudi Arabia and the Sultan of Sokoto, President of the National Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, declared Wednesday as Eid-El-Fitr celebration day.

Earlier, the Federal Government had announced Tuesday and Wednesday as public holidays. Following the Sultan’s declaration, Thursday was also added, allowing Muslim faithful three days to observe the significant occasion.