Nigerian Muslims joined others worldwide to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan. Worshippers gathered at Eid grounds across the country for prayers, dressed in festive attire. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu encouraged Muslims to uphold the values learned during Ramadan. Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, emphasized tolerance, while Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, led a traditional Sallah visit to the Presidential Villa. Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and House of Representatives Speaker Abbas Tajudeen attended prayers at the Airport Road Eid ground in Abuja. Chief Imam Dr. Abdulkadir Salman Sholagberu led the prayers, urging Muslims to maintain the discipline and kindness shown during Ramadan.
Dr. Sholagberu warned against abandoning good deeds after Ramadan, comparing it to demolishing a house after building it. He called for cooperation, unity, and peace.
After the prayers, President Tinubu expressed gratitude for completing Ramadan in good health. He urged Nigerians to continue caring for the less privileged and to follow the teachings of Ramadan. This was his first Eid-el-Fitr in the FCT since taking office in 2023.
Sultan Abubakar III also called for peace, national unity, and religious tolerance. He advised Nigerians to support national growth and offer constructive criticism of leaders instead of baseless attacks. He praised security agencies but stressed the need for continued prayers for stability.
Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, former Governor Babatunde Fashola, and Senator Tokunbo Abiru urged Nigerians to promote peaceful coexistence. Hamzat emphasized the importance of compassion and charity, while Grand Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheik Suleiman Abou-Nolla, encouraged Muslims to uphold patience, unity, and discipline.
Fashola called on Nigerians to reconcile and work together for a better country, while Abiru highlighted the values of sacrifice, love, and harmony taught by Ramadan. He encouraged Muslims to continue embracing these virtues throughout the year.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen, and his deputy Benjamin Kalu also urged Muslims to remain committed to the values of Ramadan and pray for the nation's progress. Abbas noted that the coincidence of Ramadan and Christian Lent was a unique blessing, calling for divine intervention in Nigeria's affairs.
Kalu reassured citizens of the government's commitment to improving lives and promoting peace and unity.