President Bola Tinubu on Monday urged Muslim and Christian leaders across Nigeria to show greater compassion for the poor and underprivileged by pursuing policies that directly address grassroots needs.
Speaking while hosting governors for an interfaith breaking of fast at the Presidential Villa, the President highlighted the simultaneous observance of Ramadan and Lent as an opportunity to reflect on common humanity.
Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga said Tinubu emphasised that the periods of abstinence and penitence encourage leaders to design programmes that directly impact livelihoods, reduce poverty, and empower the youth.
“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… a great Ramadan that coincides with that of the Christian faith, Lent,” the President said.
Tinubu urged leaders to be inclusive, giving opportunities for young people and ensuring development reaches all levels of society.
“Tolerate everybody and build structure in this period of faith, unity, harmony and sacrifice that you are experiencing. Let the young ones breathe too,” he added.
He welcomed Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, advising restraint amid local political tensions, and commended Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum for generosity to both Muslims and Christians during the period of fasting.
The President stressed that development must transcend religion, tribe, or status, noting, “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.”
Tinubu also reiterated his administration’s plans to establish state police to curb insecurity, describing security as the foundation of prosperity.
“What I promise you will not be postponed. We will establish a state police to combat insecurity… Security is the foundation of prosperity. Without it, farms cannot flourish, businesses cannot, and families cannot sleep in peace,” he said.
The President concluded by highlighting the importance of unity and bold reforms, stating, “We must be bold enough to reform what is not working. We must be united enough to protect what we hold dear. As long as we work together in delivering hope to our citizens, the best is yet to come for Nigeria.”
