President Bola Tinubu has called on Muslim and Christian leaders to show greater compassion toward the poor and vulnerable by supporting policies that directly impact Nigerians at the grassroots.

The President made the appeal on Monday while hosting governors for the breaking of an interfaith fast at the Presidential Villa. In a statement issued by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu said the simultaneous observance of Ramadan and Lent underscores shared values and common humanity between both faiths.

He noted that the seasons of fasting and reflection present leaders with an opportunity to reassess priorities and implement programmes that improve livelihoods.

“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,” the President was quoted as saying.

“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.

“For the humility, self-restraint, love for our neighbours, and their service for humanity, I want to thank all of you for what you have been able to get and achieve so far. I thank God for what we have been able to achieve together.”

While acknowledging achievements so far, Tinubu stressed that more efforts are needed, particularly in addressing poverty and creating opportunities for young people.

“I didn’t expect this number because some governors are still buried in various congresses and other local government or state-level activities.

“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.

During the gathering, Tinubu welcomed Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, to the State House and referenced developments in Ebonyi State.

“I am glad I can see Abba from Kano. Even though the cap is red, it is not different from that of the Ebonyi State governor. Ebonyi Governor, I saw the crisis on the news, please temper justice with mercy,’’ he stated.

He also praised Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, for supporting both Muslims and Christians during the fasting season.

“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. I watched the story.

“To all of you, I am very grateful because we have seen progress and commitment to duty. But please, I appeal again, let’s go further to embrace the downtrodden, the young ones and all the supporters.

“Let it be all encompassing so that we can spread the development opportunity across to the grassroots and local governments. I have seen a lot of progress being made in the States. The reward of hard work is more work, including for my son, the farmer from Niger State, Mohammed Umar Bago.

“There are lots of gains and commendations coming from all angles. As long as we stay together, work together, and are determined to rescue this country, the best is yet to come for Nigeria.

“We are out of the woods. Out of the dark tunnel of uncertainty. The economy is showing up. Let’s help the unemployed. What I promise you will not be postponed. We will establish a state police to combat insecurity. Start looking around you,” the President noted.

Reaffirming his administration’s focus on inclusive growth and security reform, Tinubu said:

“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, where hope sometimes flickers. Development must not recognise religion. Compassion must not recognise tribe. Opportunity must not recognise status.

“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.

“Security is the foundation of prosperity. Without it, farms cannot flourish, businesses cannot, and families cannot sleep in peace.

“We will establish state police to curb insecurity. 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.

“We must be bold enough to reform what is not working. We must be united enough to protect what we hold dear.”