President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians to use the opportunity of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration to entrench the values of tolerance, generosity and peaceful coexistence.
This was disclosed in a statement made available to newsmen by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Speaking while leading the congregational prayers at Dodan Barracks in Lagos on Wednesday, he called on citizens to shun ethnic divisions and all forms of hatred that undermine national unity.

He was joined in prayers by Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat, former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, Oba of Lagos Rilwan Akiolu, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu and other dignitaries.
Tinubu said the holy occasion remains a great reminder of obedience, sacrifice, love for humanity and total submission to the will of Almighty Allah, as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim.
We are thanking Almighty Allah for allowing us to see another year of Eid-el-Kabir. We thank Him for His mercy and we should learn from the lessons of this season which is to show love one to another. No discrimination, no ethnicity, no hatred We should love and be kind to each other in a way that reflects the values of our country and humanity.
\”It is very important that we be very tolerant and obedient to the wishes of Allah and the rule of law that must guide our society\”, the President said.
He stressed that the strength of Nigeria is in its diversity and common humanity, adding that no ethnic, religious or political difference should be more important than the collective aspiration for peace, progress and national development.
He called on the citizenry to learn the lessons of the season which are kindness to one another, helping those who are less privileged and holding human life more sacred, adding that banditry has no place in the holy books.
“There is no place in the holy teachings where it says you should do banditry or take a human life. And the sacrifice, of which we speak, even from the beginning of life, we get these lessons, that a child was replaced by an animal. “That is the price of a human life,” said the President.
The Grand Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaimon Abou-Nolla, in his sermon, implored Muslims to fear Allah and to embrace unity, generosity and sacrifice in the spirit of the Holy Book.
“May God continue to bless the President with good health and wisdom,” he prayed and commended the sacrifices of the past leaders of Nigeria who built a united nation.
Vice President Kashim Shettima also urged Nigerians to come together and accept shared sacrifice as the country pushes ahead with its economic and security reforms under President Bola Tinubu.
In his Eid-el-Kabir message on Wednesday, Shettima said the values of faith, obedience and compassion exhibited by the Prophet Ibrahim were still relevant to Nigeria’s quest for peace, stability and inclusive growth.
“This is a time for reflection, for stepping out to the vulnerable, for bridging our communities,” he said. “ What divides us is far less than what brings us together. ‘To move forward in Nigeria we must build the spirit of tolerance and peaceful co-existence.’
The vice-president said division and mistrust would eat into national development. He called on citizens to set aside ethnic, religious and political differences to confront the challenges facing the country together.
He said the Tinubu administration was committed to the fight against insecurity, stabilisation of the economy, job creation and expansion of opportunities.
He said the reforms are necessary to ensure a stronger future but acknowledged they will take patience.
“I call on Nigerians to support the government’s agenda, emphasizing that unity and shared sacrifice are crucial in tackling insecurity, poverty and social dislocation.
He said restoration of peace remains a top priority for the citizens, adding that the sacrifices of the armed forces and security agencies were commendable.
Nigeria is moving steadily towards peace, recovery and sustainable development.
“But the morning will come whatever the night,” he said.
Governor Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi has advised the Muslim faithful to use the opportunity of the Eid el-Kabir to pray for peace, unity, love and social harmony in Nigeria.
Nwifuru made the call in a goodwill message issued on Wednesday in Abakaliki by his Chief Press Secretary, Dr. Monday Uzor.
The governor said the many challenges facing the country needs spiritual intervention through prayer and supplication to Allah.
He said religious occasions such as the Eid-el-Kabir, presented an opportunity for Nigerians to seek divine intervention in the challenges facing the nation.
The truth is that sacred occasions, events and seasons like these provide us not only the opportunity, but the rare privilege to look for spiritual solutions to the plethora of physical challenges confronting us as a nation.
“Eid-el-Kabir is such an opportunity graciously given us to seek Allah’s face and intervention,” Nwifuru stated.
He said peace, unity and love were key ingredients for national development and harmonious co-existence in a pluralistic society.
He added: “As we celebrate this sacred event, I urge our Muslim brothers and sisters to pray for peace across the country, unity in pursuit of a common national goal and love for one another to ensure social cohesion.”
The governor also reaffirmed the resolve of his administration to promote interfaith relations through sustained engagement with religious organisations.
He said working with faith-based groups continued to be critical to delivering good governance under his administration’s “People’s Charter of Needs” agenda.
“We will continue to work with religious organisations in delivering good governance as enshrined in the People’s Charter of Needs agenda,” he said.
Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has described the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration as a sacred season of faith, sacrifice, obedience and compassion, urging Muslims and all Nigerians to continue to pray for peace, unity and progress in the country.
The governor who was represented by his Deputy, Hon Dennis Idahosa said this during the annual Eid-al-Adha celebration with Muslim faithfuls in Government House Benin City, reiterated his administration’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunities for all citizens irrespective of religion and tribe.
He said the present administration remains committed to building a government that reflects the diversity of Edo State, saying competent and qualified Muslims have continued to play vital roles in his government because of their capacity, integrity and commitment to service.
“As a government, we are committed to fairness, inclusivity and equal opportunity for every Edo citizen irrespective of religion, ethnicity or political affiliation. That is why quality and competent Muslims are serving in key positions in our administration.”
Governor Okpebholo thanked the Muslim community in Edo State for their steady support and constant prayers for his administration, stating such prayers and support have contributed immensely to the peace and steady development across the state.
He called on all Nigerians to use the occasion of the Eid-al-Adha to pray for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, stressing that the country requires collective prayers, unity and cooperation to overcome its present economic and security challenges.
“I call on all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to seize this moment to pray for our beloved nation and the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Nigeria needs our collective prayers, unity and support as we seek to surmount our challenges and forge a better future for all.”
Earlier, the Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor Esq, commended the Governor, Okpebholo for his support and goodwill to the Muslim Ummah in Edo State.
He said the governor was a leader who had always shown love, fairness and inclusiveness in governance, adding that Muslims in the state were still thankful for the opportunities and recognition given by the present administration.
He said the policies and appointments of Governor Okpebholo have continued to be a source of hope and joy to the Muslim faithful and assured him of the continued loyalty and support of the community.
Chief Imam of Edo State, Abdulfatai Enabulele, in his remarks, commended the governor for what he described as remarkable developmental strides recorded in less than two years in office.
The cleric commended the administration on the ongoing infrastructural development and efforts towards improving governance in the state, but appealed to the government to revisit and complete some abandoned projects inherited from the previous administration for the benefit of the people.
Minister of Works, Senator David Umahi has called on Nigerians especially the Muslim faithfuls across the country to continue to pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as a leader who is very passionate about addressing the challenges of Nigeria and moving the country forward.
The call came when he received leaders and members of the Muslim community in Ebonyi State at his residence in Abakaliki as part of activities marking the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
He said the gathering is in the spirit of unity and peaceful co-existence that has continued to define Ebonyi State over the years.
“Igbo, Hausa and Yoruba Muslims of various ethnic backgrounds have always been part of the yearly Sallah celebration hosted by me and my family,” he said.
“And those of Igbo extraction, Hausa extraction, and Yoruba extraction, all in Ebonyi State, every year, during Sallah, we have always invited them. Sometimes we join them with the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN to celebrate because I strongly believe that we are worshiping one God,” he said.
Senator Umahi said he urged the Muslim faithfuls to assist them with gifts including cash, bags of rice and groundnut oil, to enable them celebrate the Sallah festival happily with their families.
“Today I invited them to give them presents, money, rice and groundnut oil so that they can buy their rams and celebrate,” he said.
The Minister used the occasion to passionately appeal to Nigerians to pray for the success, strength and re-election of President Tinubu, saying the President remains focused on solving the country’s numerous challenges.
“I also ask for them to pray for the President. We must pray for the President for his health and strength and for his re-election because the President means well for Nigeria. “He has the good of our country at heart,” Umahi said.
He also expressed confidence in the leadership capacity of President Tinubu, saying none of the critics of the administration has presented a more practical alternative to the reforms being implemented.
I don’t see any other person with the kind of commitment he has to the daunting challenges we have in Nigeria and nobody has been able to come out and say, ‘Listen, this particular area that you are criticizing, this is the best way to go about it.” “Let us pray for the President,” he said.
The Minister also prayed for Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru and all candidates of the All Progressives Congress in the state, praying God to continue to strengthen them to deliver more democratic dividends to the people.
Pray for all our governors as well. We pray for the President, we pray for Governor Nwifuru, we pray for all the APC candidates, that God will strengthen and keep them, and continue to help them deliver the dividends of democracy, especially in Ebonyi State,” he said.
Senator Umahi also wished the Muslim faithfuls in Ebonyi State and Nigeria happy Sallah, and specially wished President Tinubu happy Sallah celebration.
I want to wish our muslim brothers and sisters all over the country a happy Sallah, not just those in ebonyi state. And I say happy Sallah especially to Mr President”.

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The African Democratic Congress, ADC, in Rivers State has dismissed fears of internal stability, saying it is still united and kicking, despite recent happenings on the national political scene.

It said its structure of organisation is intact and functioning in all the 23 local government areas.

In a statement to journalists in Port Harcourt, the state chairman elect, Chukwudi Dimkpa gave the assurance.

The reaction comes after the defection of former Anambra State governor Peter Obi and former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso from the ADC to join the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC.

But Dimkpa said the defections do not weaken the party, stressing that the party’s strength is anchored on shared principles and not personalities.

He added that the present situation provides a window for the party to deepen grassroots mobilisation and consolidate its presence at ward, local government and state levels.

The African Democratic Congress in Rivers State wishes to reassure its members, supporters and the good people of the state that the party remains strong, united and firmly committed to its mission of delivering people-oriented leadership and governance.

“The ADC in Rivers State reiterates that the strength of the party lies not in individuals, but in its values, structures and the collective will of the people.

“We are committed to providing relief, restoring dignity and building a future of shared prosperity for all.”

The party also reaffirmed its commitment to provide a viable alternative through accountable leadership, economic opportunities, social justice and inclusive governance.

It called on members to hold firm and encouraged residents to take part in the ongoing registration exercise as a means of expanding its support base.

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In an effort to defuse growing tensions within the African Democratic Congress (ADC), former Senate President David Mark has assured supporters and members that the party’s unity will not be compromised by the present leadership crisis.

Speaking during a church ceremony held in his honor to commemorate his 78th birthday on Wednesday, Mark reportedly made the assurance.

The troubled national chairman addressed worries about the party’s internal strife, saying it shouldn’t be viewed as a danger to the party’s stability.

“I want to reassure our members and Nigerians at large that there is no reason for alarm regarding the ongoing developments within our great party, the African Democratic Congress (ADC),” he stated.

Recent internal conflicts and conflicting leadership claims have cast doubt on the ADC’s preparedness for the national elections in 2027.

Mark emphasized that the party stays committed to its long-term goals and characterized the conflicts as a normal stage in the growth of any political organization.

“Any expanding organization will inevitably face difficulties. Our shared determination to defeat them is crucial, he stated.

Despite the conflicts, he insisted that the party’s members and leadership are still unified.

He continued, “We remain unified, determined, and focused on strengthening the party and upholding democratic values.”

The stability of the party was also connected by the previous Senate president to the general well-being of Nigeria’s democratic system.

He declared, “Let me reiterate that we are fully committed to the survival of democracy and the development of our dear nation, Nigeria.”

Mark promised that the party would keep advancing democratic principles and making sure that citizens receive real advantages from governing.

He declared, “We will continue to work tirelessly, guided by discipline, integrity, and patriotism, to ensure that our democratic institutions are preserved and that the dividends of democracy reach all our people.”

As he thought back on his birthday, Mark reiterated his dedication to the advancement of the country and thanked everyone for their support throughout the years.

“At seventy-eight, my determination hasn’t wavered. He declared, “I am more motivated than ever to do my fair share to national harmony, peace, and advancement.

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Following the issuing of Executive Order 09, which requires the repatriation of oil income to the federation account, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received advice on the next steps from energy experts and petroleum retailers.

According to reports, Nigeria’s oil industry has been uneasy since the President announced the executive order in a statement released by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, last Wednesday.

The decree eliminates the Frontier Exploration Fund and the 30% management charge on profit oil and gas, two sources of income that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited had previously kept.

Additionally, it transfers other revenue streams from the state-owned oil company, like gas flaring penalties, to the federation account.

The Executive Order is anticipated to increase the federation account by around N14 trillion while enhancing the national oil company’s transparency, according to the Federal Government.

Nonetheless, the development has generated discussion among oil and gas sector players, especially on its consequences for the Petroleum sector Act (PIA) 2021. According to reports, the action has also caused ambiguity among the NNPCL’s leadership about its future plans.

Festus Osifo, president of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), urged President Tinubu to revoke the executive order last week, citing concerns that it may jeopardize the PIA and destroy investor confidence.

Wumi Iledare, an energy specialist and Professor Emeritus of Petroleum Economics, disagreed with PENGASSAN’s position, claiming that the union was misdirecting its efforts.

He had already discussed the broad ramifications of the president’s order, but he issued a warning that some of its provisions clearly conflict with those of the PIA.

The executive order was defended by the Presidency in a statement released by Bayo Onanuga on Monday, stating that it is in accordance with the Nigerian Constitution.

However, Tim Okon, TENO Energy Resources Limited’s managing partner and energy expert, and Billy Gillis-Harry, president of the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria, both urged the president to call for the National Assembly to amend the PIA as the next step in exclusive interviews on Monday.

Speaking on the subject, Dr. Okon argued that a legislative amendment would have been a better course of action than an executive order.

However, I would also simply say that if the goal is to change a law, we just suggest it to the National Assembly.

The best way to change any law, in my opinion, is to take it before the National Assembly. Simply put, allowing the National Assembly to modify legislation is preferable to issuing executive directives. That’s just my opinion, then.

Laws are made by the National Assembly, which also drafts and amends them. Therefore, he stated that the process of amending the PIA basically involves taking it to the National Assembly.

According to Gillis-Harry, the presidential order is a first step toward a legislative modification to the PIA.

“One of the steps is this. Eventually, the executive orders will push the PIA to the point where the National Assembly will need to erase and restore some of its most damaging and vital contents.

It makes me joyful. I consider Executive Order 9 every day. He remarked, “I am pleased because it is evident that this president is now understanding what is wrong with Nigeria.”

Additionally, he cited ongoing claims of unpaid and unaccounted-for oil earnings, pointing out that data that is accessible to the public shows the extent of financial losses over time.

“If you search for “stolen money” or “lost money in Nigeria,” you’ll be surprised to see how many billions and trillions of dollars are mentioned—specific sums that weren’t sent,” he said.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited’s management, led by Bayo Ojulari, has reportedly failed to account for N210 trillion in cash that were identified as unaccounted for in audited financial accounts covering the years 2017 through 2023.

The Senate Committee on Public Accounts, led by Aliyu Wadada, has been bringing up the matter since last year.

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Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has urged residents of the state to embrace unity, peace and collective responsibility as they step into the year 2026.

The governor made the call in his New Year message to the people of the state, describing the period as a time for reflection on national and global developments and a renewed commitment to harmony and stability.
Idris enjoined residents to remain patriotic, peace-loving and law-abiding, stressing that national development begins with respect, tolerance and compassion among citizens.

He also called on the people to sustain prayers and collective efforts towards building a stronger, more prosperous and resilient Kebbi State, noting that meaningful development can only thrive in an atmosphere of peace and unity.
The governor assured residents that the 2026 Budget of Transformation and People’s Empowerment would deliver tangible improvements in their living standards through expanded income-generating opportunities, improved healthcare services, access to quality education and sustained infrastructural development across the state.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the welfare and security of the people, Idris said the state government, in collaboration with the Federal Government, was intensifying efforts to tackle insecurity.
He expressed optimism that 2026 would usher in greater development, enhanced empowerment initiatives and improved service delivery, while calling on all stakeholders to support government efforts in making Kebbi a peaceful and prosperous state.

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