President Bola Tinubu has called on public institutions, private organisations, faith-based groups, civil society and citizens to work together with the government in advancing Nigeria’s economic growth and national unity.
The president said lasting progress could not be achieved by government alone, stressing that building the country Nigerians desire requires collective effort, shared responsibility and active participation from every sector of society.
He noted that public institutions, businesses, religious organisations, civil society groups and individuals all have vital roles to play by contributing their expertise, resources and influence toward improving education, strengthening governance and promoting national cohesion.
Tinubu made the remarks on Saturday during the inauguration of the new national headquarters of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria in Lagos. He was represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi.
According to the president, stronger partnerships among stakeholders would fast-track socio-economic development and enhance the well-being of Nigerians.
He also applauded the Okunnu family and the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society for their longstanding contributions to the country’s development, particularly in education, healthcare and humanitarian services.
“Nigeria remains grateful for the family’s enduring legacy of service and the society’s remarkable impact on education, healthcare and humanitarian interventions,” he said.
Tinubu described the organisation as a dependable partner in nation-building, praising its sustained commitment to moral values, education and community development.
Also speaking at the event, Lagos State Deputy Governor, Obafemi Hamzat, urged Nigerians to uphold values such as integrity, discipline, patriotism and mutual respect, saying they are essential for national unity and sustainable development.
Hamzat said while physical structures may deteriorate with time, the ideals upon which the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society was established should be preserved and passed on to future generations.
He further encouraged religious leaders to continue promoting education, noting that an enlightened population is critical to national progress.
Earlier, the Grand Chief Imam of Lagos, Sheikh Sulaimon Abou-Nolla, commended the widespread impact of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society, highlighting its numerous schools and healthcare institutions across Lagos as evidence of its commitment to community service and social development.
In his address, the National President of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society, Alhaji Mosediq Kazeem (SAN), reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting government efforts in promoting peace, security, unity and national prosperity through education and character development.
Kazeem described the society as one of Nigeria’s oldest faith-based organisations, with a century-long record of contributions to education, healthcare and humanitarian work.
He said the newly inaugurated national headquarters, named after the late Alhaja Hassanat Abebi Okunnu, reflects the society’s renewed resolve to strengthen its institutions and expand its developmental impact across the country.
“The commissioning of this headquarters is more than opening a new building; it represents our renewed dedication to serving the nation,” Kazeem said.
The event ended with renewed calls for greater collaboration among government, religious organisations and other stakeholders in advancing Nigeria’s development.