By Teddy Nwanunobi
President Bola Tinubu has acknowledged that insecurity still persists in parts of the country, even after significant operational successes, including the recent joint Nigeria-US elimination of the ISIS senior leader, Abu-Bilal al-Manuki, in the Lake Chad Basin.
“I am aware that, despite the best efforts of our security and intelligence agencies, including the recent elimination of a wanted ISIS leader, heartless terrorists and bandits still attack some communities.
“I assure you: you are neither abandoned nor forgotten. We will ultimately defeat all the forces of evil,” Tinubu said on Tuesday.
In his Eid-el-Kabir message to Muslim faithful in Nigeria and across the world, Tinubu also declared that Nigeria’s difficult period of economic reforms is over.
He said the sacrifices of Nigerians of the past three years have yielded a more stable economy and that the country is now positioned as a preferred investment destination.
Tinubu linked the sacrifice, which is at the heart of Sallah, and the economic hardships Nigerians have endured under his administration’s reform programme.
He declared that the reforms are now delivering results while acknowledging that terrorists and bandits continue to attack communities and pledged that they would be defeated.
“Just as sacrifice brings reward, I am happy that the sacrifices and efforts we have made over the past three years have yielded a more stable economy, making our country a preferred investment destination that will drive job creation and economic growth. The walk through the dark tunnel is over, and the light is here,” Tinubu stated.
He said he remained confident that the reforms would continue to yield improved security and greater opportunities.
“By the Grace of God, the reforms we have diligently pursued will continue to yield improved security and greater opportunities for all,” he said.
Tinubu also used the message to call on religious and community leaders to pray for peace and for the country’s leadership, and to extend charity to the less privileged during the celebration.
“To our Muslim faithful, I urge you to use this sacred occasion to pray for our country, for peace in our communities, and for wisdom for those in leadership.
“Let us pray that those who commit crimes among us may rethink and abandon their evil ways, or face the full weight of the law,” Tinubu appealed.
Drawing on the theological significance of the occasion, Tinubu described the Festival of Sacrifice as a call on all Nigerians, not just Muslims, to embrace selflessness, unity, and compassion.
“Eid-el-Kabir reminds us of the enduring virtues exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim, faith, obedience, and the willingness to sacrifice for a higher purpose.
“This sacred festival calls on all Muslims, and indeed all Nigerians and the whole of humanity, to embrace sacrifice, selflessness, unity, and compassion,” he said.
He said his administration remains committed to investing in security, infrastructure, agriculture, and human capital to fulfill what he described as the great promise of the nation.