President Bola Tinubu on Monday declared that Nigeria has overcome its recent economic and security headwinds, assuring citizens that the country is “out of the woods” and promising the establishment of state police to strengthen grassroots security.
The President spoke at an interfaith breaking of fast held at the State House Banquet Hall, where he hosted 20 governors, two deputy governors and senior government officials as Ramadan coincided with the Christian Lent season.
Expressing optimism about the nation’s trajectory, Tinubu said ongoing reforms were beginning to yield results. “We are out of the woods. We are out of the dark tunnel of uncertainty,” he stated, adding that greater progress lies ahead if leaders remain united and focused.
On insecurity, the President reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to decentralising policing. He pledged to establish state police structures to help tackle security challenges at the local government level, particularly in rural communities.
Tinubu called for unity, sacrifice and compassion, urging political leaders to use the solemn period of Ramadan and Lent to deepen national cohesion. He emphasised love for community, service to humanity and collective responsibility as essential pillars for national renewal.
Representing the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma described the interfaith gathering as symbolic and timely. He noted that the rare convergence of Ramadan and Lent serves as a reminder that religious and ethnic differences should not dictate political engagement.
Uzodinma commended Tinubu for fostering cooperation between the Federal Government and the states, praising recent reform initiatives and describing the partnership as unprecedented in Nigeria’s political history. He pledged continued support from governors and prayed for strength and wisdom for the President.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, and members of the Federal Executive Council were also in attendance.
Governors present included 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), Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano), Agbu Kefas (Taraba), Francis Iwunfuru (Ebonyi), Bassey Otu (Cross River), Gabriel Mutfwang (Plateau) and Hyacinth Alia (Benue), among others.
