President Bola Tinubu held an interfaith breaking of fast at the State House Banquet Hall on Monday evening, bringing together 20 governors, two deputy governors, and senior government officials. During the event, he expressed optimism about Nigeria’s progress, declaring that the country had overcome its economic and security challenges, while promising that the best was still ahead.
Speaking to the gathering, Tinubu said, “We are out of the woods, we are out of the dark tunnel of uncertainty,” highlighting the resilience needed to continue efforts to rescue the country. He acknowledged ongoing complaints alongside achievements, noting one from Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State, whom he referred to as “my son, the farmer from Niger.” Tinubu emphasized that collective effort and unity would ensure further progress, saying, “The result of hard work is more work. But as long as we bridge together and we move together and determine to rescue this country, the best is yet to come to Nigeria.”
Addressing security concerns, the president reaffirmed his commitment to tackling insecurity, promising to establish state police in local governments to protect citizens. He also called for unity, sacrifice, and inclusivity during the coinciding Ramadan and Lent periods.
Tinubu praised the governors’ contributions, particularly Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum for Ramadan feeding initiatives, and emphasized youth empowerment and grassroots development. “Discipline, sacrifice, faith, perseverance, strong determination are needed for us to continue to bridge together, pray together, and love one another. Love for the community, love for our neighbours, and service for humanity,” he said.
He also commended the governors for their achievements despite party congresses and other local commitments, stating, “I thank God for what we’ve been able to achieve together… We’ve seen progress. We’ve seen commitment to duty.” Tinubu reiterated the need to expand development opportunities to local governments, saying, “Let’s go further to embrace the young ones and all the supporters… with compassion and let’s spread the development opportunity across to the grassroots.”
The dinner marked the third consecutive year of Tinubu’s annual interfaith tradition. Prayers were offered by State House Chief Imam Abdulwaheed and Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas.
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum chairman AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq of Kwara State, praised Tinubu for fostering national unity amid religious and ethnic diversity. Uzodinma described the gathering as divinely inspired, noting that the convergence of Ramadan and Lent, which last coincided 33 years ago, reminded Christians and Muslims not to let religion or ethnicity dictate politics.
He commended Tinubu for promoting inclusivity in governance, supporting state governments through reforms, and introducing new tax policies. Uzodinma said, “My brother governors will continue to partner you. We have appreciated the new reform policies you’ve given to state governments to operate, the support and the interventions, the ingenuity you have brought to bear, and the new tax reform you’ve introduced. We pray to Almighty God to give you strength, good health, stronger wisdom in navigating the affairs of the country. We continue to pledge our loyalty, to the glory of Almighty God.”
Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, and several ministers were also in attendance.
Among the governors present were Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Abba Yusuf (Kano), Alex Otti (Abia), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Monday Okpebholo (Edo), Usman Ododo (Kogi), Babagana Zulum (Borno), Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe), Ahmed Aliyu (Sokoto), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Mohammed Bago (Niger), Umar Namadi (Jigawa), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Francis Iwunfuru (Ebonyi), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Gabriel Mutfwang (Plateau), and Hyacinth Alia (Benue), among others.
