Muslims in Nigeria joined their counterparts worldwide on Wednesday to mark Eid-El-Fitr, signaling the end of the one-month Ramadan fast.
President Bola Tinubu joined other Muslim faithful at the Dodan Barracks Mosque prayer ground in Lagos to mark Eid-El-Fitr.
Some of the dignitaries who observed the Eid-El-Fitr prayer with the President include the deputy governor of Lagos State, Obafemi Hamzat; former governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola; among others.
The Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Sulaiman Oluwatoyin Abou-Nolla, in his message, said that the festivity promotes a culture of sacrifice, unity and tolerance among Muslim faithful.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the prayers, President Tinubu again urged Nigerians to continue to show resilience, and patriotism, as well as keep hope alive as the nation navigates socio-economic challenges.
“The kind of resilience, sacrifice, endurance that we have, we should preserve that for the country. Be a kind and 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.
Some state governors, also in their Eid-El-Fitr messages, called for forgiveness, peace and tolerance among Nigerians.
They also called on Nigerians to pray for the country and for leaders to pilot the affairs of the nation with the fear of God.
This year’s Eid-El-Fitr, which means “festival of breaking fast”, climaxed the month-long Ramadan fast which started on March 11, 2024, when the moon was sighted.
The fasting ended on Tuesday after the moon was not sighted on Monday, prompting Saudi Arabia and the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Abubakar, to declare Wednesday (today) as Eid-El-Fitr celebration day.
Having earlier declared Tuesday and Wednesday as public holidays, the Federal Government added Thursday after the declaration by the Sultan, giving Muslim faithful three days to mark the great occasion.
