Imam urges Tinubu to stay focused on national vision at Jumat prayers in Lagos
President Bola Tinubu on Friday joined Muslim faithful at the Lekki Central Mosque, Lagos, for Jumat prayers, where an Islamic cleric urged him to remain focused on his vision for Nigeria despite challenges and criticisms.
Delivering the sermon, the visiting Imam of the mosque, Dr. Salahudeen Munirudeen Arriyadhi, commended President Tinubu for the developmental projects being executed by his administration and encouraged him to remain steadfast in the face of opposition.
“You cannot satisfy everyone at the same time,” the Imam said, while offering prayers for the President’s success.
Quoting from the Holy Quran, Dr. Arriyadhi noted that Allah is pleased with leaders who listen to the cries of their followers and attend to the needs of the people, while expressing displeasure with those who fail in this responsibility.
“We are praying for you, and you will succeed,” he told the President.
In his sermon titled “Unity in Diversity” and “Remembering the Day of Judgement,” the Imam emphasised that human diversity in colour, tribe, religion, language and nationality is divinely ordained and should be embraced rather than feared.
He explained that diversity is a reflection of Allah’s wisdom and a foundation for unity, harmony and learning.
“Diversity is a sign of Allah’s wisdom. If Allah had wanted everyone to be the same, He would have created them as one. Diversity in religion and tribe should not be a source of problems,” Dr. Arriyadhi said.
President Tinubu was accompanied to the mosque by his Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila; the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; and other senior officials. He was received by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, alongside members of the mosque’s management.
The President is in Lagos to spend the end-of-year festive season, having arrived in the nation’s commercial capital on Saturday, December 20.
The Jumat service highlighted messages of unity, leadership responsibility and perseverance, underscoring the importance of harmony in Nigeria’s diverse society.
