President Bola Tinubu has challenged state governors to scale up efforts aimed at directly improving the lives of Nigerians at the grassroots, declaring that development must transcend politics, religion and ethnicity.
Speaking during an interfaith Ramadan Iftar dinner with governors at the State House, Abuja, the President said the country’s best days were still ahead but stressed that leadership must deliberately reach citizens who feel left behind.
In a statement shared via his verified X handle after the meeting, Tinubu said the sacred season of Ramadan and Lent offered a moment of reflection beyond governance and public policy.
“Tonight, I hosted our State Governors to an interfaith breaking of the fast as Muslims observe Ramadan and Christians journey through Lent,” he said.
“In this sacred season for two of the major faiths in our dear country, we are reminded that beyond politics and policy, we are first a people of conscience.”
While commending governors for their efforts and outreach programmes during the holy month, the President urged them to intensify interventions that directly touch vulnerable citizens.
“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. Development must not recognise religion. Compassion must not recognise tribe. Opportunity must not recognise status,” he said.
Tinubu reiterated his administration’s commitment to national renewal, declaring that he remained resolute in his promise to reposition the country.
“I am determined to rescue this country. And as long as we work together in delivering hope to our citizens, the best is yet to come for Nigeria. What I promised Nigerians will not be postponed,” he stated.
On security, the President described it as the bedrock of economic growth and social stability, insisting that without safety, meaningful development would remain elusive.
“Security is the foundation of prosperity. Without it, farms cannot flourish, businesses cannot grow, and families cannot sleep in peace,” he said.
Tinubu reaffirmed plans to establish state police as part of broader reforms to curb insecurity across the federation.
“This is not about politics. It is about practicality. It is about empowering states with the tools to protect their people while strengthening our national framework,” he said.
Calling for unity and courage in governance, the President urged political leaders to pursue reforms necessary to strengthen institutions and safeguard national cohesion.
“We must be bold enough to reform what is not working. We must be united enough to protect what we hold dear.
“Nigeria will be safer. Nigeria will be stronger. And together, we must commit to making it so,” he added.