Tinubu, Ribadu Join Jumat Prayers at Lekki Central Mosque Amid National Security Concerns
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday attended the Jumat prayer at the Lekki Central Mosque in Lagos, where he joined Muslim worshippers in a solemn religious gathering that drew public attention amid heightened national discourse on security and governance. The President was accompanied by top government officials, including the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, his Chief of Staff, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, and his Principal Private Secretary, Hakeem Muri-Okunola.
The President was received at the mosque by the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, alongside members of the mosque’s management and other dignitaries. The prayer session formed part of President Tinubu’s activities since his arrival in Lagos on December 20, where he is spending the end-of-year festive period in Nigeria’s commercial capital.
According to a statement released on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, the sermon during the Jumat prayer was delivered by the visiting Imam, Dr. Salahudeen Arriyadhi. In his message, the Imam praised the Tinubu administration for its ongoing developmental efforts and urged the President to remain resolute despite public criticism.
Addressing the congregation, Dr. Arriyadhi reminded the President that leadership often attracts differing opinions and reactions. “You cannot satisfy everyone at the same time,” the Imam said, stressing that criticism is an inevitable part of governance. He further quoted from the Quran, noting that Allah is pleased with leaders who listen to the concerns of their people and respond to their needs, while disapproving of leaders who ignore the plight of those they govern.
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“We are praying for you, and you will succeed,” the Imam added, offering prayers for the President and the nation.
The sermon, titled “Unity in Diversity” and “Remembering the Day of Judgement,” focused on the importance of tolerance, coexistence, and accountability. Dr. Arriyadhi emphasized that human diversity—across color, tribe, religion, language, and nationality—is a deliberate creation of Allah and should not be a source of division.
“Diversity is a sign of Allah’s wisdom,” he said. “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.”
He urged Nigerians to view their differences as opportunities for mutual learning, harmony, and national unity rather than conflict. The Imam also reminded leaders and citizens alike of the inevitability of the Day of Judgement, stressing that power and authority come with moral responsibility.
The President’s appearance at the mosque came against the backdrop of intense national conversations surrounding recent security developments, including counter-terrorism operations and international cooperation in addressing violent extremism. While the presidency did not directly address these issues during the prayer session, the presence of the National Security Adviser alongside the President underscored the continued focus on security matters.
Reactions to the visit have been mixed, with some Nigerians welcoming the President’s engagement in religious activities during the festive season, while others expressed skepticism and criticism on social media. Nonetheless, the mosque visit highlighted the intersection of faith, leadership, and national unity at a time when the country faces complex economic and security challenges.
As the year draws to a close, the administration continues to balance governance responsibilities with calls for inclusiveness, stability, and reassurance amid a polarized public atmosphere.