Are Nigerians feeling hopeful again?

Dear brothers and sisters! Many are asking if Nigerians feel hopeful again with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in charge.

Honestly, whether Nigerians feel renewed hope under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu really depends on who you talk to. The country is going through big economic changes. Some people see signs of hope, like lower inflation and economic growth. Others worry about insecurity and rising cost of living. The national mood shows a divided but changing view.

Inflation reached a high of 34.8 percent in late 2024, the highest in nearly 30 years. But strong economic measures have brought it down significantly. The IMF expects Nigeria's economy to grow by 4.4 percent.

The National Economic Council has backed the Renewed Hope Development Plan (2026, 2030). This plan aims to support ongoing reforms and target a $1 trillion economy, which aligns with Nigeria Agenda 2050.

Government actions like the Nigeria First Policy are changing how contracts are awarded to support local businesses. The NDE Renewed Hope Employment Initiative (RHEI) is also helping unemployed Nigerians with skills training and support for entrepreneurs.

The Renewed Hope Infrastructure drive is making progress in fixing major roads, especially in the Northeast. This is meant to make travel easier and help with trade.

The administration's Renewed Hope Ward Development Programme and the Renewed Hope Initiative plan to bring social support directly to poorer communities and grassroots people.

Leaders and supporters of the Renewed Hope agenda believe that the government's tough initial actions are necessary. They say these steps have led to noticeable improvements and restored faith in governance.

But despite these ambitions, many Nigerian families are still coping with tough economic conditions. Business owners across various sectors are pushing for policies that bring relief and ensure the promised benefits come through.

Dear brothers and sisters! In Islam, renewed hope is based on strong faith in Allah’s mercy and the promise of relief after hardship. It is the belief that no matter how dire things get, turning to Allah with sincere repentance and patience opens doors to a brighter future. Allah the Almighty tells us:

“For indeed, with hardship will be ease. Indeed, with hardship will be ease.” [Qur’an, 94:5-6]

Dear brothers and sisters! Notice how the Qur’anic verses say hardship is singular but ease is plural. This means that for every problem you face, Allah promises many ways out. True hope starts when you stop looking at your problems and start focusing on Allah’s greatness. Your struggle is just a setup for a great breakthrough.

When Prophet Yusuf (AS) lost his beloved son and later his brother, the pain was heavy. But Prophet Ya’qub (AS) never let despair take hold. He told his sons:

“And despair not of relief from Allah. Indeed, no one despairs of relief from Allah except the disbelieving people.” [Qur’an, 12:87]

Even when everything seems impossible, a Muslim's hope stays strong. Prophet Ya’qub’s (AS) unwavering trust in Allah eventually led to a joyful reunion. Do not lose hope, for Allah can change your situation in an instant.

Praise be to Allah, who hears the cries of the distressed and brings light to our darkest times.

My dear brothers and sisters! No matter how heavy your sins feel, Allah’s mercy is bigger. In Surah Az-Zumar, Allah the Almighty says:

“O My servants who have transgressed against themselves! Do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins.” [Qur’an, 39:53]

Respected servants of Allah! Real hope comes from sincere repentance. The door to Allah’s forgiveness is always open. If you are breathing, it is never too late to start new and move forward with confidence in His love.

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) taught us to be optimistic. He said:

“Strange is the affair of the believer, for there is good in every affair for him… and if an adversity befalls him, he is patient, and that is better for him.”

Difficulties are not punishments from Allah; they often bring us closer to Him. View every setback as a stepping stone that strengthens your reliance on Allah. Always say:

“Hasbunallahu wa ni’mal-wakil (Allah is sufficient for us and He is the best disposer of affairs).”

Allah the Almighty said in a Hadith Qudsi:

“I am as My servant thinks of Me.”

Expect the best from Allah, and He will provide it.

Dear servants of Allah! Despair can take over during tough times, calamities, and when faced with enemies or oppressors. Despair can lead to hopelessness. Imam Ibn Hajar said:

“Despair can bring an even worse condition: believing that no mercy will reach the person. This is true hopelessness, as mentioned in the Qur’an:

“But when harm touches him, he gives up all hope and is lost in despair.” [Surah Fussilat: 49]

Allah has forbidden despair and hopelessness, warning us against them. He says:

“And who despairs of the mercy of his Lord except those who are astray?” [Surah Al-Hijr: 56]

He also said:

“Indeed, no one despairs of relief from Allah except the disbelieving people.” [Surah Yusuf: 87]

Imam Ibn Kathir noted:

“Prophet Ya’qub (Peace be upon him) urged his sons to go out and seek news of Yusuf and his brother Binyamin. He encouraged them not to cut off hope in Allah’s mercy. No one should lose hope in Allah except those who do not believe.”

My people! Our beloved Prophet was always hopeful and trusting in Allah. Despite his hardships, he remained positive, sharing glad tidings of victory and security, even in tough times.

The Renewed hope is the deep belief that Allah’s mercy is greater than any problem. It needs trust, patience, and the understanding that every delay has its wisdom. Despair is a trap of Shaitan (Satan), while continuous prayer keeps faith alive.

So, whether Nigerians feel renewed hope or not really depends on who you ask, as the country goes through big changes under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. While leaders and observers see growth and stabilizing policies, everyday people still face rising living costs that challenge their hopes.

Dear brothers and sisters! In good times and bad, we rely on Allah the Almighty. When things are good, our beloved Prophet (Peace be upon him) showed gratitude to Allah. When times are tough, he always turned to Allah. With the recent insecurity and attacks from bandits, here are some Du’as from the Qur’an and Hadith that can help and, In Shaa Allah, reduce violence:

When Prophet Nuh (AS) felt overwhelmed, he prayed:

“Ya Allah, I am overpowered, so assist me.” [Surah Qamar, verse: 10]

When Prophet Ibrahim (AS) left his family in a strange land, he prayed:

“Ya Allah… turn the hearts of the people in their favour.” [Surah Ibrahim, verse: 37]

Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and his followers prayed:

“Ya Rabb, do not make us a test for the disbelievers, and forgive us, O our Rabb, indeed you are most Powerful most Wise.” [Surah Mumtahinah, verse: 5]

When Prophet Musa (AS) was forced out of his home, he prayed:

“Ya Allah protect me from the oppressing people.” [Surah Qasas, verse: 21]

Followers of Prophet Musa (AS) prayed for help against Fir’aun (Pharaoh):

“Ya Allah, do not make us a test for the oppressive ones, and rescue us through your mercy from those who do not believe.” [Surah Yunus, verses: 85-86]

Whenever the Prophet (Peace be upon him) feared harm, he would say this Du’a:

“Ya Allah, We place you in front of them, and we seek your refuge from their harms.” [Sunan Abi Dawud and Sahih Ibn Hibban]

These Du’as should come from the heart. We should ask Allah earnestly with these words.

Along with these Du’as, we should give plenty of sadaqah and charity. This can mean helping those affected by insecurity and bandit attacks. By aiding them, we help secure our own safety, In Shaa Allah.

The Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) said:

“Show mercy to those on earth, Allah will show you His Mercy.” [Hadith]

We should also stay away from sins. Sins can cause many of our difficulties.

Ya Allah, guide our hearts, forgive our sins, relieve our distress, and take away our worries.

Ya Allah, help us and do not help others against us; grant us victory and do not let others win over us; plan for us and not against us; and grant us victory over those who wrong us.

Ya Allah, grant us safety in our homes, correct our leaders, and place leadership among those who fear You, who are conscious of You, and seek Your pleasure.

May Allah the Almighty ease the suffering of all people around the world.

Our Lord, grant us goodness in this life and goodness in the Hereafter, and protect us from the punishment of the Fire, ameen Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum!