As Muslims across Nigeria commemorate Eid-el-Maulud, First Lady Oluremi Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima have called on Nigerians to draw inspiration from the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W), particularly his values of compassion, forgiveness, justice and peaceful coexistence.
In separate messages marking the celebration of the birth of the Holy Prophet, both the First Lady and the Vice President emphasised the need for Nigerians to reflect the virtues associated with the Prophet in their relationships, communities and service to the nation.
For Oluremi Tinubu, Eid-el-Maulud offers an opportunity for Muslims to reflect on the lessons of compassion, forgiveness and peaceful coexistence that defined the life of Prophet Muhammad. The First Lady extended her goodwill and best wishes to Islamic faithful across the country, urging them to emulate the noble virtues exemplified by the Prophet and use them to promote peace in their homes, communities and the nation at large.
She noted that the values demonstrated by Prophet Muhammad remain relevant to fostering unity and strengthening peaceful relationships among Nigerians at a time when the country continues to navigate social and economic challenges.
According to her, the celebration should not only serve as a remembrance of the Prophet’s birth but also as an opportunity for citizens to renew their commitment to living peacefully with one another.
She expressed hope that the occasion would strengthen the bonds of unity among Nigerians while bringing renewed hope, peace and blessings to families and communities across the country. The First Lady also prayed for a peaceful and prosperous Nigeria as Muslims mark the occasion.
Shettima Calls for Compassion and Unity
Echoing the call for peace, Vice President Kashim Shettima urged Nigerians to use the occasion to renew their commitment to compassion, unity, justice and service to humanity.
Shettima said the life and teachings of Prophet Muhammad provide enduring lessons in mercy, humility, patience, fairness and concern for others. He stressed that the Prophet’s example demonstrated that true strength lies in compassion, while leadership must be guided by justice and a genuine concern for the wellbeing of others.
The Vice President urged Nigerians to draw from these values as the country continues to pursue economic progress under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Beyond economic development, he called for greater attention to the social bonds that hold the country together, encouraging citizens to support vulnerable members of society and reject hatred, division and intolerance. For Shettima, Nigeria’s diversity remains one of its greatest strengths, and citizens must work towards building a country where people of different faiths and backgrounds can coexist in peace, dignity and mutual respect.
“As we celebrate this sacred occasion, I urge Nigerians to remember those who are less privileged and extend kindness, generosity and compassion to our neighbours and communities,” he said.
Beyond Celebration
The Vice President further emphasised that the significance of Eid-el-Maulud should extend beyond the commemoration itself. He said the true spirit of the occasion should be reflected in the everyday conduct of believers and in their commitment to the values exemplified by Prophet Muhammad.
The messages from the First Lady and the Vice President therefore converge on a broader appeal for Nigerians to make peace, compassion and unity part of their daily lives.
At a time when social divisions and intolerance can deepen tensions within communities, their calls place renewed emphasis on empathy, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence as essential ingredients for national development.
As Muslims celebrate Eid-el-Maulud, both leaders have encouraged citizens to look beyond the festivities and embrace the enduring lessons of the Prophet’s life—extending kindness to others, supporting those in need and working towards a more united and peaceful Nigeria.
