Tinubu made the remarks in his 2026 Eid-el-Kabir message released by the State House on Tuesday, May 26, where he acknowledged persistent attacks by terrorists and bandits but insisted that the country was gradually emerging from what he described as a difficult phase.
The President’s message comes at a period of sustained public anxiety over rising living costs, insecurity in parts of the country, and intensifying scrutiny of the social impact of ongoing economic reforms introduced since the beginning of his administration.
In the message marking the Muslim festival of sacrifice, Tinubu appealed to Nigerians to remain patient and hopeful. He established that the sacrifices demanded by recent government policies were necessary for long-term national recovery.
Tinubu said, “The reforms we have undertaken are challenging but necessary to build a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria for future generations.”
He further declared, “The walk through the dark tunnel is over, and the light is here.”
The President linked the Eid-el-Kabir celebration to themes of sacrifice, endurance, and collective responsibility, drawing parallels between the Islamic story of Prophet Ibrahim and the present condition of the country.
While defending the administration’s economic direction, Tinubu also addressed the security situation where he admitted that attacks by armed groups had not completely ended despite ongoing military operations.
He said, “Heartless terrorists and bandits still attack some communities.”
The President, however, assured the affected communities that the government remained committed to defeating violent groups operating across parts of the country.
Tinubu said, “You are neither abandoned nor forgotten. We will ultimately defeat all the forces of evil.”
The statement also referenced what the President described as the recent elimination of a wanted ISIS leader, although no further details were provided in the message.
The Eid message points to the balancing act currently facing the administration which has continued to defend reforms such as subsidy removal and fiscal restructuring while confronting public frustration over inflation, food prices, and declining purchasing power.
Tinubu nevertheless maintained that the country is moving towards stability and improved opportunities.
He expressed confidence that the ongoing reforms would produce stronger security outcomes and broader economic gains in the coming years.
Beyond the economy and security, the President used the occasion to call for national unity and religious tolerance.
He urged Nigerians to support one another during the festive period and extend assistance to vulnerable members of society.
Tinubu also appealed to citizens to pray for peace, wisdom in leadership, and national progress.
He said, “Let us also reach out to the less privileged, share with our neighbours, and strengthen the bonds of brotherhood that unite us as one people.”
The President further reiterated his administration’s commitment to investments in infrastructure, agriculture, human capital development, and national security.
His message arrives against the backdrop of heightened security alerts in parts of northern Nigeria ahead of the Eid celebrations, with military authorities recently warning of possible attacks by insurgent groups during the festive period.
Even so, Tinubu projected confidence that the country would overcome both its economic and security difficulties through sustained reforms and collective national effort.
He concluded by wishing Muslims in Nigeria and across the world a peaceful and blessed Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
SEE Full Details ➜