President Bola Tinubu has appealed to Muslim and Christian leaders across the country to demonstrate greater empathy toward the poor and vulnerable by championing policies that directly address the needs of people at the grassroots.
The President made the appeal on Monday while hosting state governors at the Presidential Villa for an interfaith breaking of fast. He noted that the concurrent observance of Ramadan and Lent highlights a shared humanity and common values between both faiths.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the President observed that the sacred periods of Ramadan and Lent offer an opportunity for leaders to reflect on the conditions faced by ordinary citizens and to craft programmes capable of improving livelihoods on a broad scale.
“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,” the President was quoted as saying.
“A great Ramadan that coincides with that of the Christian faith, Lent. You know what it means: discipline, sacrifice, faith, resilience, and strong determination to continue to bridge together, pray together, and love one another.
“For the humility, self-restraint, love for our neighbours, and their service for humanity, I want to thank all of you for what you have been able to get and achieve so far. I thank God for what we have been able to achieve together.”
While acknowledging progress made so far, the President stressed that more remains to be done, particularly in tackling poverty and creating opportunities for young people.
“I didn’t expect this number because some governors are still buried in various congresses and other local government or state-level activities.
“Tolerate everybody and build structure in this period of faith, unity, harmony and sacrifice that you are experiencing. Let the young ones breathe too,” he added.
President Tinubu also welcomed the Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to the State House, making light-hearted remarks about the colour of his cap and drawing parallels with that of the Ebonyi State governor. He also addressed the Ebonyi governor, urging him to balance firmness with compassion in addressing reported issues in the state.
The President commended Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum for extending Ramadan outreach support to both Muslims and Christians, describing the gesture as commendable.
“I must refer to the generosity of Prof. Zulum. I saw the layout of the Ramadan outreach for both Christians and Muslims. That is a very good spirit. I watched the story.
“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.
“Let it be all encompassing so that we can spread the development opportunity across to the grassroots and local governments. I have seen a lot of progress being made in the States. The reward of hard work is more work, including for my son, the farmer from Niger State, Mohammed Umar Bago.
“There are lots of gains and commendations coming from all angles. As long as we stay together, work together, and are determined to rescue this country, the best is yet to come for Nigeria.
“We are out of the woods. Out of the dark tunnel of uncertainty. The economy is showing up. Let’s help the unemployed. What I promise you will not be postponed. We will establish a state police to combat insecurity. Start looking around you,” the President noted.
He further emphasized the importance of inclusive development, stressing that assistance and opportunities must transcend religious, ethnic, and social lines.
“To reach the young man who feels forgotten. To lift the woman who carries her family on tired shoulders. To touch the communities at the grassroots, where hope sometimes flickers. 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.
“What I promised Nigerians will not be postponed.
“Security is the foundation of prosperity. Without it, farms cannot flourish, businesses cannot, and families cannot sleep in peace.
“We will establish state police to curb insecurity. This is not about politics. It is about practicality. It is about empowering states with the tools to protect their people while strengthening our national framework.
“We must be bold enough to reform what is not working. We must be united enough to protect what we hold dear.”
What You Should Know
President Bola Tinubu has urged Muslim and Christian leaders to use the periods of Ramadan and Lent as a platform to design policies that uplift the poor and empower young people.
Speaking during an interfaith breaking of fast with governors, he pledged that his promises, including the establishment of state police to address insecurity, would not be delayed.
The President emphasized unity, inclusive development, and security as foundations for Nigeria’s continued recovery and growth.
