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FACT CHECK

Claim

A viral post claims President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said:

“Let your churches feed you. That’s why you are a member. Before I was born there was hunger. I don’t have control over the population.”

Verdict

🟡 MOSTLY TRUE (Missing Context)

The Facts

NEWSNEXUS has verified that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made remarks substantially similar to the viral quotation during a public engagement while responding to concerns about hunger, economic hardship, and Nigeria’s growing population.

In his remarks, Tinubu argued that hunger predated his administration, stating:

“Before I was born, there was hunger in this country.”

He also said that no president has direct control over population growth and called on religious institutions and communities to complement government efforts in supporting vulnerable Nigerians. It was in that context that he remarked that churches should help care for their members.

What Is Missing?

The viral post presents only selected portions of the President’s remarks, omitting the broader discussion on food insecurity, population growth, and shared social responsibility. It also adds “2027” to the quote, even though that was not part of Tinubu’s original statement.

NEWSNEXUS Conclusion

The circulating quote is substantially authentic, but it lacks the context in which it was made. While Tinubu did make the statements attributed to him, presenting them in isolation can create a misleading impression of the full message.

Final Rating

🟡 MOSTLY TRUE (Missing Context)

Source: Public video of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s address and verified media reports.