Tinubu Urges Leaders to Prioritize the Poor at Iftar Gathering with Governors, Ministers

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on political leaders to focus on policies and programs that benefit the poor and vulnerable, emphasizing that leadership is a duty of service rather than a privilege....CONTINUE READING>>>

Speaking at an Iftar dinner on Monday night in Abuja, Tinubu hosted governors, Federal Executive Council (FEC) members, service chiefs, and key officials from ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) at the State House.

Expressing gratitude to his guests, Tinubu acknowledged their presence as a sign of respect, not necessity. “I thank you all for responding to this invitation. You honoured it out of respect, not because you don’t have enough to eat or share,” he stated, as conveyed by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga.

Tinubu highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to improve the economy and human development indicators, attributing progress to the collective work of the FEC and subnational leaders.

“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 that we spend money, not the people. You, the leaders at the subnational levels, are also doing all you can to spend money, not the people,” Tinubu remarked.

He urged leaders to govern with a long-term vision, ensuring that history remembers them positively. “Look at yourselves as navigators that will bring the country to the promised land. Standing here as President is a great honour, and you can’t trade it. Continue doing what you are doing. And do more for the people,” he added.

Support for Tinubu’s Economic Reforms

Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) and Kwara State Governor, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, praised Tinubu for taking bold steps in implementing economic reforms.

Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia, who led Christian prayers at the event, pointed out the significance of both Muslims and Christians fasting at the same time, calling it a symbol of national unity.

Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, noted that food and commodity prices had begun to decline, crediting Tinubu’s economic policies. He acknowledged the reforms’ positive impact on citizens and commended the President’s courage in making difficult but necessary decisions.

Dignitaries in Attendance

Among the key figures present were Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, and several cabinet members.

Governors in attendance included:

• Alex Otti (Abia)
• Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom)
• Bala Mohammed (Bauchi)
• Hyacinth Alia (Benue)
• Babagana Zulum (Borno)
• Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta)
• Monday Okpebholo (Edo)
• Muhammad Yahaya (Gombe)
• Umar Namadi (Jigawa)
• Uba Sani (Kaduna)
• Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano)
• Nasir Idris (Kebbi)
• AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara)
• Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa)
• Mohammed Bago (Niger)
• Dapo Abiodun (Ogun)
• Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo)
• Duoye Diri (Bayelsa)
• Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi)

Also in attendance were heads of key government agencies, including:

• Prof. Abdullahi Mukhtar Muhammad (Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria)
• Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche (Acting Controller General, Nigerian Correctional Service)
• Jaji Abdulganiyu (Comptroller General, Federal Fire Service)
• Bashir Adeniyi (Comptroller General, Nigeria Customs Service)

From the oil and gas sector, the event saw the presence of:

• Abba Kyari (Group CEO, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited – NNPCL)
• Farouk Ahmed (CEO, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority)

Tinubu’s Iftar dinner served as both a spiritual gathering and a platform for reinforcing the government’s commitment to economic recovery and social welfare.