By Ayo Kehinde
President Bola Tinubu has called on political and religious leaders across Nigeria to prioritise policies and actions that uplift the poor and empower the underprivileged, urging greater compassion and inclusive governance during the ongoing religious fasting season.
The President made the appeal on Monday while hosting state governors and religious leaders to an interfaith breaking of fast at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, noting that the coincidence of the Muslim Ramadan and Christian Lenten seasons underscores shared values of sacrifice, discipline and service to humanity.
Tinubu said the simultaneous observance of fasting by Christians and Muslims offers leaders an opportunity to reflect on the plight of vulnerable citizens and design programmes that directly impact grassroots communities.
“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 said, adding that both Ramadan and Lent symbolise humility, resilience and love for one another.
He urged leaders to translate the spiritual lessons of the season into governance outcomes that reduce poverty and expand opportunities, particularly for young Nigerians.
“Tolerate everybody and build structure in this period of faith, unity, harmony and sacrifice that you are experiencing. Let the young ones breathe too”, Tinubu stated.
The President welcomed Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to the State House and appealed for moderation and compassion in leadership while referencing political developments in Ebonyi State.
Tinubu also commended Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, for extending Ramadan outreach programmes to both Muslims and Christians, describing the initiative as an example of unity and inclusive leadership.
Reaffirming his administration’s economic agenda, the President expressed optimism that Nigeria was emerging from economic uncertainty, urging governors to intensify efforts to support unemployed citizens and expand development opportunities at the grassroots level.
“We are out of the woods, out of the dark tunnel of uncertainty. The economy is showing up. Let’s help the unemployed”, he said.
Tinubu further reiterated plans to establish state police as part of broader reforms to strengthen security across the country.
“Security is the foundation of prosperity. Without it, farms cannot flourish, businesses cannot grow, and families cannot sleep in peace”, he said, stressing that the proposed reform was aimed at empowering states to better protect citizens.
He emphasised that development must transcend ethnic, religious and social divisions.
“Development must not recognise religion. Compassion must not recognise tribe. Opportunity must not recognise status”, the President added, pledging continued collaboration with governors to deliver hope and economic progress.
President Tinubu also commended Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, for agricultural initiatives while encouraging state leaders to deepen grassroots-oriented policies.
Speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, commended Tinubu for promoting unity amid religious and ethnic differences, describing the convergence of Ramadan and Lent as divinely inspired.
“This convergence is a special situation created by God to remind Christians and Muslims not to allow religious and ethnic differences to guide our political activities”, Uzodimma said.
He also commended the President’s collaborative engagement with governors, noting that the interfaith gathering reinforced the responsibility of leaders to support the less privileged during the fasting season.
