Tinubu urges governors, faith leaders to empower underprivileged Nigerians

*President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at Ramadan and Lent, urges Muslim and Christian leaders to reflect further on the plight of others, and design programmes that will directly impact the livelihoods of millions of Nigerians

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Muslim and Christian leaders in Nigeria to show greater compassion for the poor and underprivileged through policies that cater to the needs of the majority at the grassroots.

Tinubu, who hosted governors for the breaking of an interfaith fast Monday, February 23, 2026, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, FCT, said the simultaneous periods of abstinence and penitence for both religions underscore a common humanity.

The President noted that Ramadan and Lent provide opportunities for leaders in both religions to reflect further on the plight of others and to design programmes that will directly impact the livelihoods of many people.

Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Monday noted in a statement President Tinubu said: “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 stated: “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.”

He also noted: “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.”

According to him, more could be achieved, especially in reducing poverty and empowering the youths in the country.

He further stated: “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.”

Tinubu as well welcomed Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf Kano State to the State House.

The President said: “I am glad I can see Abba from Kano. Even though the cap is red, it is not different from that of the Ebonyi State governor. “Ebonyi Governor, I saw the crisis on the news, please temper justice with mercy.”

He equally commended Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State for his magnanimity to both Muslims and Christians during the period of fasting.

Tinubu stated: “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.”

The President said: “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.”

He explained: “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.”

The President noted: “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.”

Tinubu stated: “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.”

Underlining his commitment to service, President Tinubu said: “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.”

On significance security to development

President Tinubu stated: “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.”

The Nigerian leader noted: “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.’’

Speaking at the forum, Governor (Sen.) Hope Uzodimma, representing the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Chairman, commended President Tinubu for fostering national unity amid religious and ethnic tensions during an interfaith.

Uzodimma said the simultaneous fasting was divinely inspired.

He also said: “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 our political activities.”

The Imo Governor used the occasion to commend President Tinubu’s leadership.

He stated: “Mr President, you have brought to bear in the goings on and activities of governance in Nigeria.

“I have been around for some time now, playing politics.

“Never in the history of this country have we had the opportunity to remove some situations in our political environment.”

Uzodimma further highlighted collaborative progress, saying, “you’ve done this and forged national partners in progress with governors. “There are also challenges with governors.”

The governor added: “This period of fasting is a holy time that God has enjoined on us to support the less privileged.

“In your wisdom, you invited us to come and eat together.”

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