Tinubu Urges Faith Leaders to Champion Compassion, Grassroots Development

Tinubu Urges Faith Leaders to Champion Compassion, Grassroots Development

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Monday in Abuja called on Muslim and Christian leaders across the country to demonstrate deeper compassion for the poor and underprivileged by promoting policies that directly impact citizens at the grassroots.

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The President made the appeal while hosting governors to the breaking of an interfaith fast at the Presidential Villa, noting that the coincidence of Ramadan and Lent highlights a shared humanity rooted in discipline, sacrifice, faith, and service.

“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,” Tinubu said. “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.”

He urged leaders to use the sacred period for reflection and renewed commitment to reducing poverty and empowering the youth.

“Tolerate everybody and build structure in this period of faith, unity, harmony and sacrifice that you are experiencing. Let the young ones breathe too,” the President added.

Tinubu welcomed Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano State to the State House and also called on Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi State to temper justice with mercy amid reported tensions in his state.

The President commended Babagana Zulum for extending Ramadan outreach programmes to both Christians and Muslims, describing the gesture as a demonstration of unity and 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,” he said.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to economic recovery, Tinubu declared that Nigeria was “out of the woods” and emerging from economic uncertainty. He promised to tackle unemployment and reiterated plans to establish state police to strengthen security nationwide.

“Security is the foundation of prosperity. Without it, farms cannot flourish, businesses cannot grow, and families cannot sleep in peace,” he stated. “We will establish state police to curb insecurity. This is not about politics. It is about practicality.”

Representing the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodimmaof Imo State described the rare convergence of Ramadan and Lent as divinely inspired and commended the President for fostering national 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 Christians and Muslims not to allow religious and ethnic differences to guide our political activities,” Uzodimma said.

He also praised the President’s efforts at building partnerships with governors across party lines, describing the interfaith gathering as a symbol of unity and shared responsibility toward supporting the less privileged.

The event underscored renewed calls for inclusive governance, interfaith harmony, and people-focused development across Nigeria.

Tinubu Urges Faith Leaders to Champion Compassion, Grassroots Development