By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, the National Patron, Religious Affairs of Relax, Tinubu Is Fixing Nigeria [RTIFN], Dr. Emmanuel Simon, has called on Nigerians to remain hopeful, prayerful and united, saying the country’s current economic pains are part of a necessary rebuilding process.
In an Independence Day address released on October 1, 2026, Dr. Simon acknowledged the hardship brought by fuel subsidy removal, exchange-rate reforms and other policies of the Tinubu administration, but insisted that “meaningful national transformation requires difficult decisions, patience and perseverance.”
“It is against this background that I say to Nigerians today: RELAX, TINUBU IS FIXING NIGERIA,” he stated.
Speaking in his capacity as National Patron, Religious Affairs, Dr. Simon directed RTIFN members and religious leaders across the 36 states and FCT to use their platforms to promote peace and national responsibility rather than despair.
“Our religious differences should never become weapons of division. Rather, our faith should be a bridge that brings us closer to one another and closer to the Nigeria we all desire,” he said.
He urged churches and mosques to move “beyond religious tolerance to genuine religious harmony” by preaching honesty, patriotism, compassion and hard work.
Citing Psalm 33:12 and the Qur’an, he added: “We cannot pray for a better Nigeria while refusing to become better Nigerians. Our prayers must be matched with integrity. Our faith must produce action.”
The RTIFN leader listed subsidy reform, exchange-rate harmonization, infrastructure development, the Students Loan Scheme, local government financial autonomy, agriculture and security investments as key areas where the Tinubu administration is “laying the foundation for sustainable growth.”
“We recognize that some of these reforms have brought pain, pressure and difficult adjustments for citizens. We must not pretend that these difficulties do not exist,” Dr. Simon said.
“But difficult moments do not define the destiny of a nation. Nigeria is bigger than its challenges. Nigeria is stronger than its difficulties.”
Dr. Simon charged RTIFN members to organize interfaith prayers for the nation, discourage conflict, and encourage young people that “their future is not finished.”
He said nation building cannot be left to government alone, but requires teachers, farmers, entrepreneurs, workers and religious leaders acting with integrity.
“Let us forgive one another. Let us embrace one another. Let us pray for one another. And above all, let us believe in Nigeria and do our part to build her,” he said.
He concluded with prayers for peace in troubled communities, wisdom for leaders, and for “God to heal Nigeria.”
The RTIFN address comes as civil society groups and opposition voices continue to criticize the impact of federal reforms on cost of living, even as government officials insist the measures will yield long-term benefits.
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