Nigeria emerging stronger, best yet to come – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has declared that Nigeria has overcome its most difficult economic and security challenges, assuring that better days lie ahead as his administration pushes ahead with reforms.

Speaking during an interfaith breaking of fast with governors across party lines at the Presidential Villa on Monday night, the President expressed optimism about the country’s trajectory, stating that Nigeria had moved past a period of uncertainty.

“We are out of the woods; we are out of the dark tunnel of uncertainty,” Tinubu said, while emphasising the need for sustained cooperation among leaders to consolidate recent gains.

State Police Promise

The President reiterated his commitment to establishing state police as part of efforts to tackle insecurity at the grassroots level.

“To those unemployed, what I promise is that we will establish state police to combat insecurity in our local governments,” he said.

Tinubu stressed that the fight against insecurity and economic hardship required resilience and collaboration between federal and state governments.

Responding to concerns raised by Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago, Tinubu noted that progress often comes with additional responsibilities.

“The result of hard work is more work. But as long as we bridge together and move together and determine to rescue this country, the best is yet to come to Nigeria,” he said.

Call for Unity During Ramadan and Lent

The President urged Nigerians to embrace unity and sacrifice, noting the rare coincidence of Ramadan and the Christian Lenten season.

He commended Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum for his Ramadan feeding programme and called for greater support for vulnerable citizens.

Tinubu emphasised the importance of discipline, faith and perseverance, urging leaders to empower young people and expand development to grassroots communities.

“You know what it means — discipline, sacrifice, faith, perseverance and strong determination for us to continue to bridge together, pray together and love one another,” he said.

Governors Commend Tinubu’s Leadership

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, who represented the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, described the interfaith gathering as a symbol of national unity.

Uzodinma noted that the coincidence of Ramadan and Lent was rare and should encourage both Christians and Muslims to promote harmony and peaceful coexistence.

He praised Tinubu’s leadership style, saying the President had promoted inclusiveness and strengthened cooperation with state governments.

Governors present included Alex Otti, Dapo Abiodun, Monday Okpebholo, Usman Ododo, Inuwa Yahaya, Ahmed Aliyu, Sheriff Oborevwori, Umar Namadi, Abdullahi Sule, Bassey Otu, Gabriel Mutfwang and Hyacinth Alia, among others.

Vice President Kashim Shettima and Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila were also in attendance alongside ministers and senior government officials.

The dinner marked the third consecutive year Tinubu has hosted an interfaith fast-breaking event with political leaders, featuring prayers led by Muslim and Christian clerics.