ABUJA, Nigeria — President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to embrace patriotism and good citizenship as Muslims across the country and the world marked the Islamic New Year, 1st Muharram 1448AH.
In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu reflected on the significance of the Hijra, the migration from Mecca to Medina that begins the Hijri calendar, saying its lessons of sacrifice, renewal, patience, and faith remain relevant for national renewal. “As Muslims mark the beginning of a new Hijri year, I admonish all Nigerians, particularly the Muslim faithful, to embrace the spirit of the new year by rededicating themselves to the ideals of good citizenship,” Tinubu said.
He called for acts of kindness, tolerance, honesty, and devotion to duty, describing them as necessary contributions to national unity, security, and development. The president also prayed that the new Islamic year would bring blessings, peace, and prosperity to every household, asking Allah to guide Nigeria “on the path of progress.”
Tinubu’s message comes at a time when his administration faces economic challenges and public debate over reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and currency adjustments. Religious holidays often serve as moments for Nigerian leaders to call for unity, particularly in a country where faith plays a central role in public life.
Reactions were swift across different sectors. On social media, many Muslims welcomed the president’s message, with one user writing: “Faith and patriotism must go hand in hand if Nigeria is to progress.” Others were more critical, saying, “Patriotism is hard when citizens are struggling with rising costs.”
From the political class, members of the ruling APC praised Tinubu’s call as timely, arguing that national unity is essential for reforms to succeed. Opposition figures, however, accused the president of using religious occasions to deflect attention from economic hardship. “Nigerians need relief, not rhetoric,” one PDP lawmaker said.
Within the Islamic community, clerics emphasized the importance of the Hijrah’s lessons. “The Prophet’s migration was about resilience and building a just society. We must apply those values today,” an imam in Lagos noted.
Civil society and opinion leaders added that patriotism must be matched with accountability. “Citizens will embrace good citizenship when leaders demonstrate integrity and transparency,” a governance advocate said.
The Islamic New Year, though less publicly celebrated than Eid festivals, remains significant for Muslims worldwide as a time of reflection and renewal. Tinubu’s appeal underscores his effort to tie spiritual values to Nigeria’s broader quest for stability and progress.
