Tinubu: Government cannot deliver Nigeria’s future alone

President Bola Tinubu has called on faith-based organisations, the private sector, civil society groups and public institutions to work closely with government in driving Nigeria’s development, declaring that governments alone cannot deliver the nation’s aspirations.

The President made the call on Saturday during the commissioning of the new National Headquarters of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria in Surulere, Lagos.

Represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Tinubu said sustainable national development requires collective responsibility, urging all sectors to contribute their expertise, resources and influence towards building a more prosperous, peaceful and united Nigeria.

According to the President, achieving the country’s development goals depends on stronger collaboration among government, faith-based organisations, civil society, businesses and citizens, particularly in the areas of education, good governance, healthcare, humanitarian services and socio-economic development.

He commended the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society and the Okunnu family for their enduring contributions to nation-building, describing the organisation as a trusted partner that has, for more than a century, advanced education, healthcare, humanitarian interventions, moral development and community service across Nigeria.

Tinubu said the country’s progress had continued to benefit from the society’s commitment to human capital development, noting that its legacy of service remains invaluable to national growth.

Also speaking at the event, Lagos State Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat urged Nigerians to uphold the nation’s core values, warning that no country can achieve sustainable development without integrity, discipline, patriotism and mutual respect.

Hamzat stressed that while physical infrastructure may deteriorate over time, the ideals and values upon which institutions are built must be preserved for future generations.

“One thing that we cannot lose is our values. They are the only things that can sustain us,” he said, urging religious leaders to continue promoting education, moral discipline and responsible citizenship.

Delivering a goodwill message, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Sulaimon Abu-Nolla, praised the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society for its longstanding contributions to education, healthcare and community development, noting that its numerous schools and health institutions across Lagos have positively impacted generations of Nigerians.

Earlier, the National President of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Prince Mosediq Adeniji Kazeem (SAN), reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting government efforts aimed at promoting national unity, peace, security and sustainable development.

He described the newly commissioned Alhaja Hassanat Abebi Okunnu House as more than a physical structure, saying it symbolises the society’s renewed commitment to strengthening its institutions and expanding its impact across the country through quality education, character development, humanitarian service and community engagement.

Founded more than a century ago, the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society remains one of Nigeria’s foremost Islamic organisations, with an extensive network of educational, healthcare and social welfare institutions dedicated to national development.