As part of the Ramadan fasting tradition, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu hosted an Iftar dinner at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, bringing together key political figures, including embattled Rivers State Governor Sim Fubara and his estranged political mentor, Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
A Tradition of Unity and Reflection
As a Muslim tradition, Iftar is a special evening meal where Muslims break their fast after sunset. President Tinubu uses these gatherings as an opportunity to foster unity and discuss national matters with invited guests.
Who Attended the Iftar Dinner?
Among those present at the high-profile event were:
Vice President Kashim Shettima
Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila
Several ministers and cabinet members
State Governors in Attendance
The Iftar dinner also saw the presence of numerous state governors from across party lines, including:
✅ Dr. Alex Otti (Abia)
✅ Pastor Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom)
✅ Bala Mohammed (Bauchi)
✅ Hyacinth Alia (Benue)
✅ Babagana Zulum (Borno)
✅ Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta)
✅ Monday Okpebholo (Edo)
✅ Muhammad Yahaya (Gombe)
✅ Umar Namadi (Jigawa)
✅ Uba Sani (Kaduna)
✅ Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano)
✅ Nasir Idris (Kebbi)
✅ AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq (Kwara)
✅ Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa)
✅ Mohammed Bago (Niger)
✅ Dapo Abiodun (Ogun)
✅ Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo)
✅ Duoye Diri (Bayelsa)
✅ Francis Nwifuru (Ebonyi)
Key Government Agency Heads Present
Several top government officials and agency heads also graced the occasion, including:
🔹 Prof. Abdullahi Mukhtar Muhammad – Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria
🔹 Sylvester Ndidi Nwakuche – Acting Controller General, Nigerian Correctional Service
🔹 Jaji Abdulganiyu – Comptroller General, Federal Fire Service
🔹 Bashir Adeniyi – Comptroller General, Nigeria Customs Service
🔹 Abba Kyari – Group CEO, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL)
🔹 Farouk Ahmed – CEO, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority
A Night of Diplomacy and Reflection
The event highlighted the importance of Ramadan in fostering unity, reflection, and national dialogue. Given the ongoing political rift between Governor Fubara and Minister Wike, their presence at the same gathering adds an interesting layer of political significance to the occasion.
