By Kolawole Omotola | March 21, 2026
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to embrace peace, unity, and collective responsibility in strengthening national security as Muslims across the country marked the Eid-el-Fitr celebration.
The President, who returned to Lagos in the early hours of Friday after a brief state visit to the United Kingdom, joined other faithful at the Eid prayer ground in Dodan Barracks, where he emphasized that peace remains the foundation for sustainable development.
Speaking after the prayers, Tinubu stressed that ensuring security is not the sole duty of government but a collective obligation of all citizens. He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, noting that national stability depends on shared commitment.
“The peace, stability, and security of this country require the participation of every citizen. We must continue to look out for one another and act in the interest of our nation,” he said.
The President also encouraged Nigerians to sustain the virtues of compassion, charity, and tolerance imbibed during Ramadan, urging citizens not to abandon these values after the fasting period. According to him, unity across religious and ethnic lines is critical to national progress.
Reflecting on his recent UK trip, Tinubu described the visit as significant, highlighting its message of religious tolerance and mutual respect among diverse groups. He noted that differences in religious practices should not undermine the shared values of humanity.
Meanwhile, the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, joined Muslim faithful in Maiduguri, where he reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling insecurity and fostering national development.
Shettima noted that peace is essential for sustainable growth, adding that the convergence of Ramadan and the Christian Lenten season offers a unique opportunity for reflection, tolerance, and unity among Nigerians.
Also present at various Eid prayer grounds were key government officials, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, and former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola.
Religious leaders, including the Chief Imam of Lagos, urged Muslims to uphold the lessons of discipline, sacrifice, and peaceful coexistence cultivated during Ramadan, warning against actions capable of deepening divisions.
Across the country, the Eid celebration was marked by prayers, reflection, and renewed calls for unity, as leaders emphasized that lasting peace remains key to overcoming Nigeria’s socio-economic and security challenges.
