By Laide Akinboade, Abuja, Jude Dangwam, Jos, Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu, Abel Zwànke, Lafia

As Nigeria joined the rest of the world to mark this year’s Eid el-Fitr, President Bola Tinubu has urged all Nigerians to demonstrate greater love and compassion, particularly toward the vulnerable and extending acts of charity to all.

This was even as the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar admonished leaders at all levels to prioritise the wellbeing of Nigerians.

Tinubu spoke in an interview with journalists after the Eid-el-Fitr prayers marking the end of Ramadan at the Abuja National Eid Prayer Ground yesterday.

The President urged Nigerians not to return to the old and unacceptable paths but to remain steadfast in practising the righteous virtues they had learned during Ramadan.

“We should give thanks to the Almighty Allah. We saw the beginning; we started together and ended together in good health and happiness, in prayers for our country and all our people.

“We should continue the good deeds as taught during the Holy month of Ramadan: care for the vulnerable, the orphans and the less privileged.

“Everything that we have observed, we should not revert to the path that is not acceptable to the teachings of this month,” the President said.

In his sermon, the Chief Imam of National Mosque, Abuja, Dr Abdulkadir Salman Sholagberu, who led the prayers, reiterated the need for Muslims to continue in the spirit of Ramadan, which included exhibiting a life of love, cooperation in righteousness, and care for the poor and the vulnerable. He stressed that it was imperative to continue in the life of worship, holiness, and obedience to Allah even after Ramadan.

Dr Salman urged the Muslim faithful to live in peace, harmony, and love of the country, devoid of discrimination.

Yesterday was President Tinubu’s first Eid-el Fitr celebration in Abuja since 2023.

Atiku Urges Leaders to Prioritise Wellbeing of Nigerians

Former vice president, Atiku Abubakar has admonished leaders at all levels to prioritise the wellbeing of Nigerians.

Abubakar made the plea in a statement by his Media Adviser, Paul Ibe on Sunday in Abuja.

He also urged leaders to lead in the fear of God.

“While the Ramadan season encourages charity to the less privileged, it becomes imperative on leaders to make sure that after Ramadan, governments initiate interventions that will ensure that wellbeing and welfare of the people are sustained.

“It is important to call the attention of those in positions of authority to the practices of the Noble Prophet Muhammad (SAW) that teaches about obligations of leadership to the people.

“It is not enough that the government will ask that the people should brace themselves for harsh economic conditions.

“It is more sufficient for the leadership to show compassion on the masses and by acting with fear of God,” Abubakar said.

Abubakar congratulated the Muslim faithful in Nigeria and around the world on the successful completion of the Ramadan fasting.

He described the completion of Ramadan fasting as a blessing from the Almighty.

He reminded Muslim faithful that the celebration of Eid-el-fitri, “should be an opportunity to remind ourselves to continue to intensify the good deeds that were embraced during Ramadan.

He also advised people to continue to pray for progress in their private lives and that of Nigeria.

Also, some Governors including; Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau, Dr. Peter Mbah of Enugu, Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa States as well as the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), among others all called for a harmonious coexistence irrespective of the diverse religious backgrounds.

Wike Leads FCT Delegation for Sallah homage to Tinubu

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, led a delegation of Abuja residents to the presidential villa on Sunday to pay Sallah homage to President Bola Tinubu.

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohamed Idris and other prominent FCT indigenes were also present at the Sallah homage.

President Tinubu commended Wike for working hard to give Abuja a befitting status as the nation’s capital city.

The development came amidst partisan rumours that the minister had collapsed at a meeting on Friday and flown to France for medical help.

It would be recalled that Wike had on Friday afternoon received the leadership of the Body of Benchers and thereafter went on inspection of several ongoing projects in the territory till 5pm.

Speaking at the Villa during the homage, the minister congratulated President Tinubu and the Muslim Ummah on the completion of 30 days of fasting, prayers, sacrifice and supplications to God.

He said the visit marked a historic moment, as it was the first time the FCT residents have had the opportunity to extend their greetings and best wishes to the president in person during this blessed period.

According to him, these projects, designed to improve infrastructure, economic opportunities, and the overall quality of life, stand as evidence to the president’s commitment to national development.

“We look forward to hosting Your Excellency in the FCT to witness firsthand the tangible progress that has been made under your leadership over the last 12 months.

“Despite our different backgrounds, we are united in our unwavering support for your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda. This unity demonstrates the collective commitment of the people of the FCT to national progress and development under your visionary leadership”, he added.

Thanking the president for his unparalleled support for the FVT Administration, Wike said none of the significant strides the Administration has recorded in governance and development would have been possible without the president’s commitment to the well-being of the FCT and its residents.

IGP Orders Water Tight Security Nationwide

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has directed heightened security measures nationwide to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free celebration of Eid-el-Fitr.

Egbetokun also said he has deployed officers to strategic locations, including Eid prayer grounds, recreational centres, and other public spaces, to bolster security during the festivities.

In a statement on Sunday, by the Force Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, Egbetokun added that

Commissioners of Police, Tactical Commanders, and their supervisory Assistant Inspectors-General of Police have been tasked with strengthening surveillance, intelligence-led patrols, and stop-and-search operations to forestall any potential security threats.

He said, “The IG has also directed heightened security deployments across the country to ensure a peaceful celebration.

In a bid to ensure a safe celebration, Commissioners of Police (CPs), Tactical Commanders, and their supervisory Assistant Inspectors-General of Police (AIGs) have been instructed to strengthen security at Eid prayer grounds, recreational centres, and other public spaces.

Additionally, officers have been tasked with conducting intelligence-led patrols, surveillance operations, and strategic stop-and-search duties to forestall any security threats during the festive period.

While urging Nigerians to remain law-abiding and celebrate in an atmosphere of peace and brotherhood, the IG calls on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or individuals to the nearest security agency.

The IG also extended warm felicitations to the Muslim faithful, acknowledging the spiritual significance of Ramadan and urging Nigerians to uphold the values of self-discipline, tolerance, and compassion fostered during the holy month.

He emphasized that these virtues are essential for promoting national unity and peaceful coexistence.

The IG, however, urged Nigerians to remain law-abiding and celebrate responsibly, emphasizing the importance of vigilance.

He encouraged the public to report any suspicious activities to security agencies for prompt intervention.