President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Friday praised officers and men of the Armed Forces for their sacrifices against bandits and terrorists during an interfaith breaking of fast, assuring troops that recent economic turbulence has passed and that their welfare remains a top priority.
The event held at the Presisential Villa, Abuja, brought together Muslim and Christian leaders to break the Ramadan fast.
President Tinubu thanked the leadership of the military for embodying the nation’s “complexity and diversity.”
He noted the “laudable” spirit of interfaith peace, saying God had ordained the occasion for “self-integration and self-actualization.”
Addressing the military directly, the President commended their service amid family separations and frontline dangers.
“You have been working to serve the country deeply and protecting our sovereignty,” President Tinubu said.
“This nation will always be grateful to you, and your sufferings will not be in vain.”
While responding to recent remarks by Liutenant General Waidi Shaibu, the Chief of Army Staff who had noted government approvals for salary increases, enhanced allowances for the Brigade of Guards, equipment procurement, and better accommodations, the President quipped lightly “Your remark didn’t pay for the dinner.”
“However, I take it that of recent approvals and commitment we have given to the Army is well placed.”
The President also acknowledged ongoing challenges like housing shortages but pledged collective action.
Invoking a local proverb—“you cannot clap with one hand”— President Tinubu urged unity: “It’s collectively that we will move this country forward … and we are not going to look back.”
Shifting to the economy, the President declared stabilization after an initial “rough ride and very serious turbulence..We are out of the dark tunnel. We are seeing the daylight and bright light ahead of us,” the President said.
Nigeria, he said has “always prevailed” through challenges by pulling together.
President Tinubu also expressed sympathy for a recent incident in Borno State.
“My sympathy goes to the Vice President and the entire country, and the people of Borno for the incident that occurred. I made a call to Zulum to share the pain with him,” he added.
In his remarks, the Chief of Army Staff Liutenant General Waidi Shaibu expressed deep gratitude for recent salary hikes and equipment upgrades aimed at booating national security.
Among those who attended the event were Vice President Kashim Shettima, members of the Federal Executive Council, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Staff to the President Femi Gbajabiamila, Defense Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, service chiefs, and senior paramilitary officials.
“We remain the defenders of our democracy and will do all it takes to safeguard it,” the Army Chief noted.
