President Bola Tinubu and VP Kashim Shettima during the interfaith Iftar with governors at Presidential Villa. Photo credit: State House Abuja
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his commitment to national unity, security, and inclusive development as he hosted state governors to an interfaith breaking of fast, bringing together Muslim and Christian leaders during Ramadan and Lent.
The President said the gathering on Monday was meant to remind leaders that governance must be guided by conscience and compassion.
“Tonight, I hosted our State Governors to an interfaith breaking of the fast as Muslims observe Ramadan and Christians journey through Lent,” Tinubu said. “In this sacred season for two of the major faiths in our dear country, we are reminded that beyond politics and policy, we are first a people of conscience.”
Commending governors for their humanitarian outreach during the holy period, the President acknowledged their efforts but urged them to intensify their commitment to the people.
“I commended the Governors for their efforts so far and for the various outreaches they have carried out this holy month. But I also challenged them to do more,” he said.
According to him, leadership must focus on ordinary Nigerians who are often overlooked.
He added, “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.”
Tinubu stressed that development and governance must be free from discrimination, insisting that national progress depends on fairness and inclusion.
“Development must not recognise religion. Compassion must not recognise tribe. Opportunity must not recognise status,” he declared.
Reiterating his resolve to improve the lives of citizens, the President said he remained committed to fulfilling his campaign promises.
“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 said. “What I promised Nigerians will not be postponed.”
On security, Tinubu described safety as the backbone of economic growth and social stability, warning that insecurity continues to hinder farming, business activities, and family life.
“Security is the foundation of prosperity. Without it, farms cannot flourish, businesses cannot grow, and families cannot sleep in peace,” he stated.
He announced that his administration would move forward with plans to establish state police as part of efforts to curb rising insecurity.
“We will establish state police to curb insecurity,” Tinubu said. “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.”
The President also called for bold reforms and collective responsibility among leaders, urging them to put national interest above personal or political considerations.
“We must be bold enough to reform what is not working. We must be united enough to protect what we hold dear,” he said.
Expressing optimism about the country’s future, Tinubu assured Nigerians that his administration remains focused on building a safer and stronger nation.
“Nigeria will be safer. Nigeria will be stronger. And together, we must commit to making it so. Nigeria First,” he concluded.
The President signed the statement as “Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
