Senate Leader Bamidele Urges Unity, Tolerance, and Updated Security Strategies as Nigerians Celebrate Eid al-Fitr

As Muslims across Nigeria and worldwide celebrate the end of Ramadan, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele extended heartfelt Eid al-Fitr greetings to all.

The statement, issued by Senator Bamidele in his capacity as Leader of the Senate and Chairman of the Ad-hoc Committee on National Security Summit, was made available to journalists in Abuja.
He highlighted that during Ramadan, the faithful devoted themselves to fasting, prayer, charity, and reflection, particularly amid global uncertainties. Referring to recent tragedies, including the bomb explosions in Maiduguri, Borno State, he described Eid al-Fitr as a vital symbol of peace and coexistence. He emphasized that the lessons of Ramadan should guide individuals, leaders, and governments to act responsibly and compassionately.
While commending Nigeria’s defence, intelligence, and security agencies for their resilience, Bamidele stressed the need to rethink approaches to violent extremism and terrorism. He noted that military action alone cannot ensure lasting peace and called for greater investment in people-focused strategies.
He urged religious leaders to promote tolerance and prevent radicalization and encouraged socio-cultural leaders to prioritize dialogue over conflict in resolving inter-ethnic tensions. He also reminded that security is a shared responsibility, calling on state governments to enhance human capital development through improved education, healthcare, nutrition, social protection, and innovation.
At the National Assembly, he noted ongoing efforts to implement a comprehensive national development and security strategy, including the work of the Ad-hoc Committee on National Security Summit to identify root causes of insecurity and reviewing the 1999 Constitution to empower subnational governments in security matters.
Senator Bamidele concluded by reaffirming the National Assembly’s commitment to strengthening legal frameworks against violent extremism and wished all Muslims a joyful and peaceful Eid al-Fitr celebration.