The details of President Bola Tinubu’s message to governors have emerged following a high-level Iftar dinner at the State House in Abuja on Monday night.
The president broke his fast alongside the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike.
Tinubu also hosted other governors, ministers, and heads of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
The breaking of fast with governors, ministers, heads of MDAs, and security chiefs is a long-standing annual tradition observed by the President during the Ramadan period.
Addressing the state governors, Tinubu charged them to intensify their efforts in delivering policies and programmes that directly benefit the poor and vulnerable in society.
“Continue doing what you are doing. And do more for the people,” the President urged, emphasizing the need for governors to prioritize the welfare of their citizens.
Tinubu acknowledged the challenges of governance, reminding the governors that when he first met with his cabinet, he likened their task to “fetching water from a dry well.”
He, however, reassured them that his administration was committed to ensuring that resources were used for development rather than burdening the people.
“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 stated.
The President urged governors to embrace a long-term vision for their states, encouraging them to see themselves as “navigators” leading Nigeria toward progress and prosperity.
“Look at yourselves as navigators that will bring the country to the promised land,” Tinubu said.
Beyond governance, Tinubu called for unity among the governors, reminding them that despite ethnic and religious differences, Nigeria remains one big family.
He stressed that leaders must foster national cohesion to achieve lasting peace and development.
