President Bola Tinubu has said no religion supports killing people or engaging in violence.
Tinubu made the statement on Wednesday after observing the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at Dodan Barracks in Lagos.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said the festival teaches Muslims about sacrifice, obedience, love for humanity, and submission to the will of Allah, following the example of Prophet Ibrahim.
The President urged Nigerians to avoid banditry, ethnic hatred, and discrimination.
“Nowhere in the holy teachings does it say you should engage in banditry or take a human life.
“The sacrifice we speak of, even from the beginning of life, where we take these lessons, teaches us that a child was replaced with an animal.
“That is the value placed on human life.”
Tinubu also encouraged Nigerians to show kindness and generosity during the festive season.
“We thank Almighty Allah for making us witness another year of Eid-el-Kabir,” he said.
“No discrimination, no ethnicity, no hatred. We should share love and be generous to one another in a way that reflects the values of our country and humanity.”
He added that citizens should obey the rule of law and remain tolerant of one another.
The President said Nigeria’s diversity should unite the country rather than divide it, stressing that peace and development are more important than ethnic, religious, or political differences.
In his sermon, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaimon Abou-Nolla, urged Muslims to fear Allah and promote unity, sacrifice, and generosity.
Top government officials and traditional leaders joined Tinubu for the prayers, including Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, former Governor Babatunde Fashola, the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, and National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.