President Bola Tinubu on Monday expressed optimism that Nigerians should expect better days ahead, stating that the country has now emerged from its economic and security challenges.

The President made the remarks while speaking at an interfaith breaking of fast event held at the State House Banquet Hall in Abuja. The gathering included 20 governors, two deputy governors, and senior officials.

He declared that the country is “out of the woods.”

The President rekindled discussions on the need for state police to address insecurity. He assured that terrorists will no longer hold any section of the country to ransom.

While outlining his administration’s plans to tackle insecurity, Tinubu reaffirmed his earlier promise, adding “To those unemployed what I promise we will establish State Police to combat securities in our Local Government.”

The President called for unity, sacrifice, and inclusivity during the coinciding periods of Ramadan and Lent.

He stated: “The result of hard work is more work… But as long as we bridge together and we move together and determine to rescue this country, the best is yet to come to Nigeria.”

He further said: “We are out of the woods. We are out of the dark turnel of uncertainty.”

Tinubu commended Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno for initiating the Ramadan feeding program in his state. He emphasized the importance of empowering youth and promoting grassroots development.

He remarked: “You know what it means, discipline, sacrifice, Faith, perseverance, strong determination for us to continue to bridge together, pray together and love one another. Love for the community, love for our neighbors and service for humanity.”

The President also commended other governors for their achievements. He noted that he had not expected such a large turnout given ongoing party congresses and local engagements.

He said: “I thank God for what we’ve been able to achieve together… We’ve seen progress. We’ve seen commitment to duty.”

Tinubu reiterated his call to extend development opportunities to local governments. He urged: “Let’s go further to embrace the young ones and all the supporters… with compassion and let’s spread the development opportunity across to the grassroots.”

Prayers were offered by Chief Imam of the State House Abdulwaheed Suleiman and Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State.

Earlier, Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, speaking on behalf of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), commended President Tinubu for fostering national unity amid religious and ethnic tensions during the interfaith breaking of fast.

He described the gathering as divinely inspired, stating: “It is not usually often that the Muslim Ramadan fast coincides with the Lent season, the last time was 33 years ago. This convergence is a special one created by God to remind us Christians and Muslims, not to allow religious and ethnic differences to guide our thoughts and our political activities.”

Uzodinma added: “Mr President you have brought to bear in the goings on and activities of governance in Nigeria, I have been around for some time now, playing politics. Never in the history of this country have we had the opportunity of removing political situation in our political environment.”

He highlighted collaborative progress: “You’ve done this and forged national partners in progress with governors. There are also challenges with governors.”

Uzodinma continued: “So this period of fasting is a holy period that God has enjoined us support the less privileged. In your wisdom, you invited us to come and eat together.”

He assured that the governors would continue to partner with the federal government to accelerate development in the country.

He said: “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.”

Vice President Kashim Shettima, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, and several cabinet members were also present.

Governors in attendance included Alex Otti of Abia, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Monday Okpebholo of Edo, Usman Ododo of Kogi, Babagana Zulum of Borno, Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe, Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto, Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Mohammed Bago of Niger, Umar Namadi of Jigawa, Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa, Abba Kabir Yusuf of Kano, and Agbu Kefas of Taraba.

Others were Francis Nwifuru of Ebonyi, Bassey Otu of Cross River, Gabriel Mutfwang of Plateau, and Hyacinth Alia of Benue, among others.