President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the economic reforms implemented by his administration are beginning to yield positive results, declaring that the country has emerged from difficult times and is now on the path to sustained growth and stability. In his 2026 Eid-el-Kabir message delivered yesterday, the President also affirmed the government's commitment to defeating terrorists and bandits threatening national peace and stability.
First Lady Calls for Sacrifice and Compassion
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu urged Nigerians to uphold the values of sacrifice, compassion, and peaceful coexistence during the celebration. She encouraged citizens to live in harmony and strengthen the bonds of unity and mutual respect needed to build a peaceful and prosperous nation.
APC Chairman and Senator Urge Support for Reforms
National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, called on Muslim communities across the country to support President Tinubu's reforms. Senator Orji Kalu (APC, Abia North) appealed to citizens to remain patient as the policies bear fruit, emphasizing that the reforms, though painful in the short term, are designed for the overall interest of the nation.
President Highlights Economic Progress
In his message, President Tinubu congratulated Muslims in Nigeria and worldwide on the celebration, urging citizens to embrace the virtues of sacrifice, compassion, unity, and selflessness exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim. He noted that the administration's reform agenda, though challenging, was necessary to reposition the country for prosperity and long-term development. According to him, the sacrifices made by Nigerians over the past three years have contributed to a more stable economy and enhanced Nigeria's attractiveness as an investment destination capable of driving job creation and economic growth. "The walk through the dark tunnel is over, and the light is here," the President stated, expressing confidence that ongoing reforms would continue to deliver improved security and greater opportunities for citizens across the country.
Security Challenges Acknowledged
The President acknowledged persistent security challenges in parts of the country, despite recent gains recorded by security agencies, including the elimination of a wanted Islamic State leader. He assured affected communities, "I assure you: you are neither abandoned nor forgotten. We will ultimately defeat all the forces of evil." He called on Muslims to use the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir to pray for Nigeria, peace in communities, and wisdom for leaders, while also urging Nigerians to support the less privileged and strengthen national unity.
Senator Kalu Preaches Unity and Patience
Senator Orji Kalu, in his message released yesterday, urged citizens not to lose faith in the country despite prevailing economic hardship, stressing that the reforms were aimed at rebuilding the economy and securing a more stable future for Nigerians. The former Senate Chief Whip said that the policies introduced by the Federal Government may be difficult in the short term, but insisted they were designed in the overall interest of the nation. "The reforms may be painful today, but they are for good reasons and in the overall interest of Nigerians. I appeal to citizens to remain patient and supportive of the government as efforts are being made to rebuild the economy and secure a better future for all," he said. The former governor of Abia State used the occasion of the Sallah celebration to preach national unity, peace, and religious tolerance, warning against divisive tendencies capable of undermining the country's stability. Kalu expressed optimism that with unity, resilience, and collective sacrifice, Nigeria would overcome its current economic difficulties and emerge stronger.
APC Chairman Emphasizes Spiritual Lessons
Professor Nentawe Yilwatda noted that Eid al-Kabir remains one of the most significant celebrations in Islam, symbolizing the virtues of selflessness, unity, compassion, tolerance, and total submission to the will of God, as exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim. The APC National Chairman, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, stated that the spiritual lessons of the celebration are highly relevant to Nigeria at this critical stage of national development. He urged Nigerians, particularly the Muslim Ummah, to continue to promote peaceful coexistence, national unity, and harmony across ethnic, religious, and political lines, adding that the Sallah celebration should further strengthen the bonds of love, understanding, and brotherhood among citizens.
