We are out of the Woods, I am determined to rescue Nigeria – Tinubu

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

President Bola Tinubu on Monday declared that Nigeria has emerged from economic uncertainty, assuring governors and religious leaders that his administration is firmly committed to rescuing the country and delivering tangible relief to citizens.

Speaking at an interfaith breaking of fast with governors at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the President struck an optimistic tone, saying the nation had exited “the dark tunnel of uncertainty” and was beginning to see positive economic signals.

“We are out of the woods. Out of the dark tunnel of uncertainty. The economy is showing up,” Tinubu said.

The President used the occasion which coincided with the Muslim Ramadan and Christian Lent seasons, to urge governors and religious leaders to prioritise policies that uplift the poor, empower young people and strengthen grassroots development.

“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,” he declared.

Tinubu stressed that the season of fasting and penitence for both faiths symbolises discipline, sacrifice and shared humanity, urging leaders to reflect those values in governance.

“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,” he said.

The President emphasised that poverty reduction and youth empowerment must remain central to state and federal policies.

“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,” he urged.

Addressing insecurity, Tinubu reiterated his pledge to establish state police as part of broader reforms aimed at restoring safety and economic confidence.

“What I promise you will not be postponed. We will establish a state police to combat insecurity,” he stated.

He added: “Security is the foundation of prosperity. Without it, farms cannot flourish, businesses cannot grow, 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.”

The President underscored the need for bold reforms and unity.

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

Tinubu described the coincidence of Ramadan and Lent as a powerful reminder of national unity.

“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,” he said.

He also commended Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum for extending Ramadan outreach to both Muslims and Christians, describing it as “a very good spirit.”

Speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma described the overlapping fasting seasons as divinely inspired.

“It is not often that the Muslim Ramadan fast coincides with the Lent season. The last time was 33 years ago. This convergence is a special situation created by God to remind us Christians and Muslims, not to allow religious and ethnic differences to guide our thoughts and our political activities,” Uzodimma said.

He praised Tinubu’s leadership and collaborative approach with governors, noting that the period of fasting should inspire greater support for the less privileged.

While acknowledging that more work remains, Tinubu maintained that the country is on a path of recovery.

“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,” he said.