By Adedapo Adesanya
President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that he is “working day and night” to resolve the challenges facing the country as he commemorated with Muslim faithful celebrating the Eid-el-Kabir festivities.
Mr Tinubu, in a statement he personally signed on Tuesday, upon the absence of his aides, said that the decisions taken so far by his administration would “reform our economy and remove all impediments to growth,” referring to the removal of fuel subsidy, harmonisation of the foreign exchange market, as well as the replacement of top government and military officials.
“At the moment, our country is going through some challenges, especially with our struggling economy and simmering security challenges,” the President stated.
“While I acknowledge all of these, I want to assure you that they are not insurmountable. I am working day and night with my team, fleshing out solutions. We have started with the decisions taken so far to reform our economy and remove all impediments to growth.
“As we embrace the present challenges, we must face the future with vigour and Renewed Hope with the confidence that our tomorrow shall be better and brighter.”
The President also asked Nigerians to remember the less privileged while celebrating.
The President, who practices the Islamic faith, joined fellow other Muslim faithful for the Eid prayers on Wednesday at the Obalende Eid Prayer Ground, located at Dodan Barracks in Lagos.
The President returned to his home state on Tuesday after a five-day trip to France starting June 22, 2023.
He was in Paris alongside world leaders like French President, Mr Emmanuel Macron, for the New Global Financial Pact summit held at the Palais Brongniart.
After the two-day summit, the President proceeded to London, United Kingdom, for a private visit, according to his media aide, Mr Dele Alake, said in a statement last Saturday.
In a statement upon his arrival, the President thanked Nigerians for the overwhelming reception accorded him in Lagos.
Read the President’s full statement below:
WE MUST MULTIPLY OUR GOOD DEEDS
I join Muslims in Nigeria and all over the world in observance of Eid-el-Kabir. We must thank Almighty Allah for the grace to witness another Eid.
As we immerse ourselves in the joy of this moment and celebrate, let us remember those who may not be as fortunate as us.
Coming as the end of religious activities spanning the first ten days of the Islamic Month of Dhul Hijjah, Eid-el-Kabir enjoins us as Muslims to show mercy and compassion to our fellow humans.
Eid-el-Kabir is a festival of sacrifice and total obedience to Allah as exemplified in the exceptional action of Prophet Ibrahim.
There is no greater sense of duty ever recorded in history outside the ennobling example of Prophet Ibrahim in offering his only son Ismail as a sacrifice to Allah.
The best way by which we can demonstrate this example is in how we conduct ourselves in relation to our fellow citizens and in our duties to our beloved country. We must imbibe and manifest those values inherent in Prophet Ibrahim’s life, namely; complete devotion to Allah, tolerance, patience, perseverance, selflessness, love and compassion.
This season, let us endeavour to multiply good deeds with our kindness to our fellow Muslims and others by helping and supporting the weak and vulnerable in our communities. By so doing, we showcase the values and virtues of our faith.
At the moment, our country is going through some challenges, especially with our struggling economy and simmering security challenges. While I acknowledge all of these, I want to assure you that they are not insurmountable. I am working day and night with my team, fleshing out solutions. We have started with the decisions taken so far, to reform our economy and remove all impediments to growth.
As we embrace the present challenges, we must face the future with vigour and Renewed Hope with the confidence that our tomorrow shall be better and brighter.
I wish you all a happy Sallah celebration.
Bola Tinubu
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
June 27, 2023
Modupe Gbadeyanka