President Muhammadu Buhari has called on Nigerians to strengthen the bonds of friendship and unity in order to keep the country together.
The President, in his Eid-El-Kabir message to Nigerians from his home in Daura, Katsina State, on Thursday reassured Nigerians that the country can make rapid progress on all fronts.
The President further thanked Nigerians who prayed for his recovery and have continued to extend their goodwill and support to him after his return to the country from his medical vacation in London, United Kingdom, where he spent about 103 days.
The President’s Eid-El-Kabir message reads:
“Fellow Compatriots, I felicitate with you all, particularly, the Muslim faithful, on the celebration of this year’s Eid-El-Kabir.
“I congratulate our Muslim brothers and sisters who are currently in Saudi Arabia to participate in the rites of the Hajj.
“From the outset, I want to use this opportunity to thank all Nigerians who prayed for my recovery and have continued to extend their goodwill and support after my return to the country.
“Indeed, your fervent and sincere prayers, which cut across religion, political and ethnic divides, has energised me to re-dedicate myself and this administration to the task of building a great Nigeria.
“On the joyous occasion of this year’s Eid-El-Kabir celebration, I appeal to all Nigerians to rise against the odds, keep our prejudices aside and strengthen the bonds of friendship and unity to keep our country together.
“For Muslims all over the world, this celebration is to commemorate the trials and triumph of Prophet (Abraham) Ibrahim.
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“As we celebrate, I sincerely believe that our nation can make rapid progress on all fronts if we re-enact the exemplary virtues, typified by Prophet (Abraham) Ibrahim, through his sacrifice, patience, steadfastness, generosity and obedience to Allah’s command and constituted authority.
“We must learn to see ourselves as brothers and sisters from the same heritage, who must come to terms with the African proverb that ‘a family tie is like a tree, it can bend but it cannot break’.
“Once again, I assure you that this administration, which has made the security, economic well-being and prosperity of all Nigerians its priority, will not rest on its oars until we see the Nigeria of our dream.
I wish everyone happy Sallah celebrations.”