President Bola Tinubu has urged governors across the country to prioritise policies that uplift the poor and vulnerable, stressing the need for compassion, tolerance and inclusive development.
The President made the call on Monday while hosting state governors to an interfaith Iftar at the Presidential Villa, noting that the concurrent observance of Ramadan and Lent highlights the shared humanity of Nigerians.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said the twin seasons of fasting and penitence offer leaders an opportunity for reflection and renewed commitment to programmes that directly improve citizens’ livelihoods.
“It is a joy and great honour to be with you again this year to give thanks to the Almighty God for sparing our lives and keeping us together to see another Ramadan,” he said.
Describing the coincidence of Ramadan and Lent as significant, the President noted that both periods symbolise discipline, sacrifice, faith, resilience and unity.
“For humility, self-restraint, love for our neighbours and service to humanity, I want to thank all of you for what you have been able to achieve so far. I thank God for what we have been able to achieve together,” he said.
Tinubu, however, stressed that more must be done, particularly in reducing poverty and empowering young people.
“Tolerate everybody and build structures in this period of faith, unity, harmony and sacrifice that you are experiencing. Let the young ones breathe too,” he added.
The President welcomed Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State to the State House and made light remarks about his attire, while also advising the Governor of Ebonyi State to “temper justice with mercy” amid reports of political tensions in the state.
He commended Babagana Zulum of Borno State for extending Ramadan outreach to both Muslims and Christians, describing the gesture as a demonstration of unity and good leadership.
“To all of you, I am very grateful because we have seen progress and commitment to duty. But please, I appeal again, let’s go further to embrace the downtrodden, the young ones and all the supporters,” Tinubu said.
He also praised Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State for his agricultural initiatives, noting that hard work would yield greater responsibilities and rewards.
Expressing optimism about the economy, the President declared that Nigeria was emerging from a period of uncertainty and reiterated his administration’s commitment to tackling insecurity.
“We are out of the woods, out of the dark tunnel of uncertainty. The economy is improving. Let’s help the unemployed. What I promised you will not be postponed,” he said.
Tinubu reaffirmed plans to establish state police as part of broader security reforms.
“Security is the foundation of prosperity. Without it, farms cannot flourish, businesses cannot grow and families cannot sleep in peace. We will establish state police to curb insecurity. This is not about politics; it is about practicality,” he stated.
He emphasised that development must transcend religious, ethnic and social divides.
“Development must not recognise religion. Compassion must not recognise tribe. Opportunity must not recognise status. I am determined to rescue this country, and as long as we work together in delivering hope to our citizens, the best is yet to come for Nigeria,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimma of Imo State commended the President for fostering unity amid religious and ethnic tensions.
Uzodimma described the simultaneous observance of Ramadan and Lent as divinely inspired.
“It is not often that the Muslim Ramadan fast coincides with the Lent season. The last time was 33 years ago. This convergence is a special situation created by God to remind us Christians and Muslims not to allow religious and ethnic differences to guide our thoughts and political activities,” he said.
He also praised the President’s leadership style, noting that the interfaith gathering reflected a commitment to national partnership and support for the less privileged.
The event formed part of activities marking the concurrent observance of Ramadan and Lent.
