Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat has urged Nigerians to be patient with one another, respect the rule of law and live in harmony as Muslims celebrate the Eid-el-Kabir.

Mr Hamzat made the appeal shortly after observing the Eid prayer at Dodan Barracks in Lagos on Wednesday.

According to the deputy governor, the essence of the celebration was rooted in obedience to God, sacrifice, compassion and peaceful coexistence among citizens.

He admonished Nigerians to imbibe the fear of God in their daily activities, stressing that genuine reverence for God would discourage violence, hatred and injustice in society.

“We should be patient with each other, be obedient to the rule of law, and fear God,” he said.

According to him, fearing God entails respecting the sanctity of human life and refraining from actions that could harm others.

“To fear God means you do not kill another human being, and you do not hurt another human being. Therefore, we must live in peace and harmony,” Mr Hamzat said.

He noted that the Eid-el-Kabir celebration offered another opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the virtues of love, tolerance and sacrifice exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.

The deputy governor prayed for divine guidance, protection and prosperity for the nation and its people.

Delivering the Eid-el-Kabir message, the grand chief imam of Lagos, Suleiman Abou-Nolla, urged Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice, patriotism and compassion.

Mr Abou-Nolla reflected on the significance of the festival and the lesson it held for national development and peaceful coexistence.

(NAN)