Fatimah Otunsanya
President Bola Tinubu has declared that Nigeria has emerged from economic and security headwinds, assuring Nigerians that the country is now “out of the woods” and pledging to establish state police to tackle insecurity at the grassroots.
The President spoke at an interfaith breaking of fast held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Monday, attended by 20 governors, two deputy governors, senior government officials and religious leaders, as Muslims observe Ramadan and Christians mark Lent.
Tinubu expressed optimism about the nation’s trajectory, insisting that ongoing reforms were beginning to yield results despite initial pains.
“We are out of the woods. We are out of the dark tunnel of uncertainty,” the President declared, drawing applause from participants.
Tinubu reiterated his administration’s resolve to decentralise policing to strengthen the internal security architecture.
“To those unemployed, what I promise, we will establish State Police to combat security in our Local Government,” he said, underscoring the need to empower sub-national authorities to respond swiftly to local security challenges.
Earlier, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, who spoke on behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) Chairman, described the convergence of Ramadan and Lent as divinely ordained and praised the President for fostering unity.
He commended Tinubu’s reform initiatives and collaborative approach with governors, pledging continued partnership.
“My brother governors will continue to partner with you. We have appreciated the new reform policies you’ve given to state governments to operate, the support and the interventions, the ingenuity you have brought to bear, and the new tax reform you’ve introduced,” he stated.
Uzodinma also prayed for the President’s health and wisdom in steering the nation.
The event marked the third consecutive year of Tinubu’s annual interfaith fast-breaking tradition. Prayers were offered by the State House Chief Imam, Abdulwaheed, and Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila and several cabinet members were also in attendance, alongside governors from Abia, Ogun, Edo, Kogi, Borno, Gombe, Sokoto, Delta, Niger, Jigawa, Nasarawa, Kano, Taraba, Ebonyi, Cross River, Plateau and Benue States.
