- Shower praises on Prof Zulum, urges others to prioritise the needs of the poor
President Bola Tinubu has called on governors across Nigeria to implement policies that prioritise the needs of the poor and underprivileged, emphasising the importance of compassion and inclusive development. He made this appeal while hosting governors for the breaking of an interfaith fast at the Presidential Villa on Monday, highlighting the simultaneous observance of Ramadan and Lent as a testament to the shared humanity among Nigerians.
According to a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Tinubu noted that the periods of abstinence and penitence provide leadership with an opportunity to reflect on the challenges faced by citizens and to design programmes that directly impact their livelihoods.
“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. “This great Ramadan coincides with the Christian faith’s Lent, which signifies discipline, sacrifice, faith, resilience, and a strong determination to come together, pray together, and love one another.”
He expressed gratitude to the governors for their achievements thus far while stressing that more could be done to reduce poverty and empower young people.
“I didn’t expect this number because some governors are still engaged in various congresses and other local government or state-level activities. Tolerate everybody and build structures during this period of faith, unity, harmony, and sacrifice. Let the young ones breathe too,” he added.
Tinubu welcomed Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to the State House, noting the significance of unity among the governors. He also commended Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum for extending Ramadan outreach to both Muslims and Christians, highlighting the spirit of generosity.
“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,” the President remarked.
The President reiterated his commitment to tackling insecurity and expressed optimism about the economy, stating, “We are out of the woods, out of the dark tunnel of uncertainty. The economy is improving. Let’s help the unemployed. What I promised you will not be postponed. We will establish state police to combat insecurity.”
He urged governors to reach out to the forgotten and vulnerable members of society, emphasising that development must transcend religion, tribe, and status.
“We must be bold enough to reform what is not working. We must be united enough to protect what we hold dear,” he concluded.
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, who represented the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, commended President Tinubu for promoting national unity amid religious and ethnic tensions during the interfaith gathering, describing the overlapping fasting periods as divinely inspired and a reminder to transcend differences in political and social realms.
The event formed part of the activities marking the concurrent observance of Ramadan and Lent.
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