From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja President Bola Tinubu has extended warm Eid-el-Kabir greetings to Muslims in Nigeria and across the world, calling on citizens to embrace sacrifice, compassion and unity as the country continues its ‘journey of reconstruction and renewal.’ In a message he personally signed, Tinubu framed the festival, which commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion and willingness to sacrifice as an occasion for collective prayer, mercy and support for vulnerable Nigerians. “One central lesson of Eid-el-Kabir is the call to show mercy and compassion, regardless of race, ethnicity or creed,” Tinubu said, urging the faithful to “pray for our country, for peace in our communities and for wisdom for those in leadership.” Reforms and economic gains Tinubu used the message to defend and highlight the administration’s policy direction, saying the reforms implemented over the past three years have begun to stabilise the economy and positioned Nigeria as a preferred investment destination. “The walk through the dark tunnel is over, and the light is here,” he declared, adding that the sacrifices Nigerians have made are now yielding job creation and economic growth. He expressed confidence that continued reforms would yield improved security and greater opportunities for all and reiterated his government’s commitment to investing in security, infrastructure, agriculture and human capital. Acknowledging the ongoing security challenges, the President commended security and intelligence agencies for recent successes, including the killing of a wanted ISIS leader, but conceded that “heartless terrorists and bandits still attack some communities.” He assured affected citizens they were neither abandoned nor forgotten and pledged that the administration would ultimately defeat all the forces of evil. He urged criminals to rethink and abandon their evil ways, or face the full weight of the law, while calling on Nigerians to “reach out to the less privileged, share with our neighbours and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood.” The President reiterated his administration’s pledge to build “a Nigeria where all citizens can live in peace, worship freely and pursue their dreams without fear.” He concluded by praying for acceptance of sacrifices and for continued blessings on the Federal Republic of Nigeria. “Eid Mubarak! Happy Sallah!” the President concluded.