President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday joined Muslim faithful for Jumat prayers at the Lekki Central Mosque in Lagos, where he was urged to remain steadfast in the face of criticisms of his administration.
The visiting Imam, Dr. Salahudeen Arriyadhi, praised the President for what he described as ongoing developmental efforts across the country, encouraging him not to be distracted by dissenting voices.
“You cannot satisfy everyone at the same time,” the cleric told the President during his sermon.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, Dr Arriyadhi quoted the Qur’an, stressing that Allah rewards leaders who listen to the cries and needs of their followers.
“We are praying for you, and you will succeed,” the Imam said.
In his sermon titled ‘Unity in Diversity’ and ‘Remembering the Day of Judgement’, Dr Arriyadhi described human diversity in colour, tribe, religion, language and nationality as divinely ordained.
“Diversity is a sign of Allah’s wisdom. If Allah had wanted everyone to be one, He would have created them as one,” he said, adding that religious and ethnic differences should not be sources of division.
He urged Nigerians to see diversity as a foundation for harmony, learning and national unity.
President Tinubu was accompanied to the mosque by the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and the National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu. They were received by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, alongside members of the mosque management.
The President arrived in Lagos on December 20 to spend the end-of-year festive season in the commercial capital.
