President Bola Tinubu has urged political leaders across Nigeria to focus more on addressing the needs of the poor and vulnerable, directing resources and policies toward their welfare.
The President made this call on Monday night at an Iftar (Ramadan fast-breaking) event at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, where he hosted governors, members of the Federal Executive Council, Service Chiefs, and select heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies.
In his address, Tinubu stressed the importance of selfless leadership centered on the well-being of the people. “Thank you for responding to this invitation,” he said. “You honored it not because you lacked food or resources, but out of respect for the work we are doing.”
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Tinubu pointed out that people-oriented policies are starting to show positive results, particularly in terms of economic stability and human development. He credited the success of his administration’s economic reforms to collective efforts within the Federal Executive Council and partnerships with state governments.
“I recall in our first FEC meeting, I said we were going to work hard to fetch water from a dry well. We are still working hard to ensure that there is water to drink, and we must focus on spending money, not the people. You, the leaders at the state level, are also doing your part to spend money, not the people,” Tinubu remarked.
He also urged leaders to think with future generations in mind, ensuring they will be remembered for their contributions to the nation’s development. “Look at yourselves as navigators who will guide the country to its promised land,” he added. “Being President is a great honor, but the real value comes from the work you do for the people.”
Tinubu likened the nation to a large family, where people live in different rooms of the same house, emphasizing the importance of unity and collective responsibility.
Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, praised the President’s bold economic reforms, which, he said, were steering Nigeria toward recovery.
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, who led Christian prayers at the event, underscored the significance of both Muslims and Christians fasting simultaneously as a symbol of national unity.
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, lauded the administration’s efforts, pointing to the steady decline in food and commodity prices as evidence of the positive impact of its economic policies. He commended President Tinubu for his courage and commitment to stabilizing the economy and improving the lives of Nigerians.
The event provided a platform for reflection on governance and reinforced the commitment to policies aimed at uplifting the most vulnerable in Nigerian society.