President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged governors across Nigeria to implement policies that prioritise the poor and vulnerable, stressing the need for compassion, tolerance and inclusive development.
The President made the call on Monday while hosting governors for the breaking of an interfaith fast at the Presidential Villa, marking the rare coincidence of Ramadan and Lent.
According to a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said the overlapping seasons of abstinence and reflection highlight Nigerians’ shared humanity and offer leaders a moment to reassess their impact on citizens’ lives.
A great Ramadan that coincides with that of the Christian faith, Lent… discipline, sacrifice, faith, resilience, and strong determination to continue to bridge together, pray together, and love one another,” Tinubu said.
The President challenged governors to deepen efforts to reduce poverty and expand opportunities for young people.
Tolerate everybody and build structures in this period of faith, unity, harmony and sacrifice… Let the young ones breathe too,” he urged.
Tinubu also used the occasion to commend several governors for their efforts. He welcomed Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, and praised Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, for extending Ramadan outreach to both Muslims and Christians.
I saw the layout of the Ramadan outreach for both Christians and Muslims. That is a very good spirit,” he said.
The President also acknowledged Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, describing him as a hardworking “farmer,” and encouraged broader grassroots development across local governments.
Reaffirming his administration’s security agenda, Tinubu reiterated his commitment to establishing state police to tackle insecurity nationwide.
Security is the foundation of prosperity… We will establish state police to curb insecurity. This is not about politics. It is about practicality,” he declared.
He expressed optimism about the economy, saying Nigeria is “out of the dark tunnel of uncertainty,” and called for renewed efforts to assist the unemployed and vulnerable.
Development must not recognise religion. Compassion must not recognise tribe. Opportunity must not recognise status,” the President said, pledging that promises made to Nigerians would not be postponed.
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, who represented the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, described the simultaneous observance of Ramadan and Lent as divinely ordained.
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 political activities,” Uzodimma said.
He commended the President for fostering national unity and strengthening collaboration with state governors despite political differences.
The interfaith gathering formed part of activities marking the concurrent observance of Ramadan and Lent, underscoring calls for unity, shared sacrifice and inclusive governance.
