President Bola Tinubu has called on political leaders across the country to channel more resources and policies toward addressing the needs of the poor and vulnerable.
Speaking on Monday night at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, during an iftar (Ramadan fast-breaking) event with governors, members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), Service Chiefs, and select heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), Tinubu emphasized the need for selfless leadership focused on the people’s welfare.
“I thank you all for responding to this invitation. You honored it out of respect, not because you don’t have enough to eat or share,” the President told his guests.
He acknowledged that while challenges remain, people-oriented policies are beginning to yield positive results in terms of economic stability and human development.
President Tinubu attributed the success of his administration’s economic reforms to the collective effort of FEC members and the collaboration of 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 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,”** he noted.
Tinubu urged political leaders to work with posterity in mind, ensuring that history remembers them for their contributions to national development.
**“Look at yourselves as navigators that will bring the country to the promised land. Standing here as President is a great honor, and you can’t trade it.
“Continue doing what you are doing. And do more for the people,”** he added.
He likened the country to a big family living in different rooms within the same house, stressing the importance of unity and collective responsibility.
Kwara State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq, commended Tinubu for his bold and decisive economic reforms, which he said were steering the country toward recovery.
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, who led Christian prayers at the event, noted the significance of both Muslims and Christians fasting at the same time, describing it as a symbol of national unity.
Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, highlighted the steady drop in food and commodity prices, attributing the improvement to the administration’s economic policies.
He praised the President for his courage and commitment to stabilizing the economy and improving livelihoods.
The event served as a platform for reflection on governance and renewed commitment to policies that will uplift Nigerians, especially the most vulnerable.