The President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on state governors across Nigeria to deepen efforts aimed at reducing poverty and empowering the underprivileged, urging them to use the ongoing Ramadan and Lent seasons as a moral compass for compassionate governance.
He made the appeal on Monday, 23rd February,2026 while hosting governors to an interfaith Iftar (breaking of fast) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. He said the rare convergence of the Muslim Ramadan and the Christian Lenten season underscores a shared humanity and offers leaders an opportunity to reflect on policies that directly impact citizens at the grassroots.
“It is a joy and great honour to be with you again this year…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,” Tinubu said.
He urged political leaders to go beyond rhetoric and ensure that development efforts reach the downtrodden, unemployed youth, and struggling families across local governments.
“Let the young ones breathe too,” the President said, emphasizing the need for inclusive policies that cut across religious, ethnic, and social divides. “Development must not recognise religion. Compassion must not recognise tribe. Opportunity must not recognise status.”
President Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to establishing state police as part of broader security reforms to combat insecurity nationwide.
“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,” he stated.
Declaring that Nigeria is emerging from economic uncertainty, the President expressed optimism about the country’s recovery. “We are out of the woods. Out of the dark tunnel of uncertainty. The economy is showing up,” he said, pledging that promises made to Nigerians “will not be postponed.”
Tinubu used the occasion to welcome Abba Kabir Yusuf, Governor of Kano State, to the State House, and offered light-hearted remarks about the governors’ attire. He also urged the Governor of Ebonyi State to “temper justice with mercy” amid reported tensions in the state.
The President commended Babagana Zulum of Borno State for extending Ramadan outreach programmes to both Muslims and Christians, describing it as a demonstration of unity and generosity.
In a similar vein, he praised Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, referring to him as “my son, the farmer from Niger State,” in recognition of agricultural strides in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Chairman, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma described the simultaneous fasting period as divinely ordained to foster unity.
“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… not to allow religious and ethnic differences to guide our political activities,” Uzodimma remarked.
He commended President Tinubu for strengthening collaboration between the federal and state governments and for fostering national unity amid religious and ethnic tensions.
The interfaith gathering concluded with renewed calls for harmony, sacrifice, and collective resolve to address poverty, insecurity, and youth unemployment.
“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 affirmed.
