As Muslims across Nigeria and around the world celebrate Eid al-Fitr, President Bola Tinubu has congratulated the Muslim faithful, urging them to carry the spirit of unity, compassion, and selflessness beyond the holy month of Ramadan.
In a message released on Thursday through his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, the President called on Nigerian Muslims to renew their commitment to both national development and the shared values of humanity.
Tinubu said the lessons of Ramadan — rooted in piety, sacrifice, empathy, perseverance, and compassion — remain essential to strengthening social harmony and national cohesion, especially at a time when the country faces important economic and security challenges.
“We have much to learn from the noble lessons of Ramadan, particularly at a time like this. We must continue to uphold the virtues of piety, selflessness, perseverance, kindness, and compassion beyond this sacred period,” the President said.
He encouraged Muslims to extend acts of kindness to the less privileged, regardless of religious background, stressing that generosity across faith lines reinforces unity and national solidarity.
The President also urged Islamic leaders and faithful to use the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr to offer prayers for lasting peace, stability, and prosperity across the country.
Earlier, the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, officially declared Friday for the Eid celebration after confirming the completion of Ramadan.
The Sultan congratulated Muslims on successfully observing the month-long fast and called for continued prayers for national unity, peace, and development.
His announcement followed the declaration by the Federal Government of Nigeria of Thursday, March 19, and Friday, March 20, 2026, as public holidays to mark Eid-el-Fitr.
The declaration was made by Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo through a statement signed by Permanent Secretary Magdalene Ajani, congratulating Muslims on the successful completion of Ramadan and wishing them a peaceful celebration.
The government also used the occasion to encourage Nigerians to embrace peace, mutual understanding, and patriotic commitment as the country continues efforts toward national progress.
