Tinubu vows to crush terrorism, calls religious leaders to back health reforms

President Bola Tinubu has pledged that Nigeria will defeat terrorism and banditry, urging traditional and religious leaders to join forces with government in tackling insecurity and driving health reforms.

Speaking at the National Traditional and Religious Leaders Summit in Abuja, Tinubu said insecurity remains a pressing challenge but assured Nigerians that his administration is working tirelessly to restore peace.

“The challenge of banditry and terrorism will be defeated with your cooperation. We are working around the clock, engaging all possible partnerships. We will win the battle,” he declared.

The president linked the fight against terrorism to broader efforts to strengthen national unity and improve public health.

He stressed that no health reform can succeed without the trusted voices of traditional and religious leaders, who serve as bridges between government and communities.

Tinubu outlined key priorities for the health sector, including reducing maternal and newborn deaths, improving immunization and epidemic response, and tackling malnutrition and food insecurity.

He noted that communities often listen to their leaders before government officials, making their role vital in mobilising households and countering misinformation.

Highlighting recent initiatives, Tinubu pointed to the expansion of universal health coverage and the National Health Fellowship Program, which deploys young Nigerians across all 774 local governments to strengthen primary healthcare systems.