President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday received Pastor Tunde Bakare, the Serving Overseer of the Citadel Global Community Church, at his Lagos residence, where both men held a closed-door meeting focused on Nigeria’s future.
The visit, which was made public by presidential aide Bayo Onanuga via a photo shared on his official X handle, comes amid increasing national conversations around unity, development, and governance.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Pastor Bakare emphasized that his discussion with the President revolved around how to move the country forward. He said, “It’s not about just reservations. It’s about how the country will go well. My personal vision is to see a nation that works in my lifetime, and those things I’ve discussed with Mr President, they’re not hidden things, but I’ve learned that when you discuss with the person in charge, you leave it with him to do whatsoever he wills with what you have suggested.”
Although he refrained from disclosing specific details of their conversation, the outspoken cleric expressed satisfaction with the reception he received from the President, stating, “So I’ve had a private conversation with Mr President and I’m glad that he received me well and I trust that God will help our nation.”
Bakare, who has long been a vocal figure in national affairs, reiterated his commitment to seeing a peaceful, united, and prosperous Nigeria. He called for meaningful collaboration across regional divides to tackle the country’s enduring challenges.
“I’d like to see Nigerians being their brother’s keeper. I like to see good collaboration between the best of the north and the best of the south to steer Nigeria in the right direction. I’d like to see predictable progress in our nation,” he said.
He further noted that it was time for decisive steps to be taken in alleviating poverty and improving the lives of ordinary citizens. “We have danced around some subjects for too long a time; it’s time to take concrete action to ensure that the masses of our country do not live in abject poverty, that’s all.”
