ABUJA/Nigeria: President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to remain resilient, united, and committed to nation-building as the country marks its 65th Independence anniversary. In a landmark address, the president reflected on Nigeria’s journey since 1960, paying tribute to the founding fathers whose vision laid the foundation for a prosperous and united nation.
Speaking on the significance of the day, Tinubu recalled the sacrifices of leaders such as Herbert Macaulay, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Tafawa Balewa, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, Margaret Ekpo, Anthony Enahoro, Michael Okpara, Aminu Kano, and Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti. “They believed it was Nigeria’s manifest destiny to lead the entire black race as the largest black nation on earth,” he said.
The president highlighted Nigeria’s remarkable progress over six and a half decades. From a country with just 120 secondary schools and two tertiary institutions at independence, Nigeria now has over 23,000 secondary schools, 274 universities, 183 polytechnics, and 236 colleges of education. Healthcare, telecommunications, aviation, and defence infrastructure have also expanded significantly.
Acknowledging the nation’s turbulent past, including the civil war, military rule, and recurring political crises, Tinubu praised Nigerians for their courage and resilience. “We weathered every storm and overcame every challenge with grit and determination,” he said.
On the economic front, the president credited his administration’s reforms for stabilizing and growing the nation. Measures such as ending the corrupt fuel subsidy regime and abolishing multiple foreign exchange rates have redirected resources toward education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and social investment programmes.
Tinubu detailed key achievements, noting that Nigeria’s economy grew by 4.23% in Q2 2025, surpassing IMF projections, while inflation fell to 20.12%. Non-oil revenue reached N20 trillion by August 2025, with N3.65 trillion collected in September alone. He also highlighted improvements in fiscal health, foreign reserves, oil production, domestic fuel refining, and a robust stock market performance.
On security, the president lauded the armed forces and security agencies for degrading terrorist and criminal groups across the country, restoring peace to hundreds of communities and enabling displaced citizens to return home.
Emphasizing youth empowerment, Tinubu described young Nigerians as the nation’s greatest asset. He highlighted programmes including NELFUND Student Loans, Credicorp Loans, YouthCred consumer credit for NYSC members, and the iDICE initiative to support digital and creative innovators.
Recognizing the temporary hardships brought by reforms—rising inflation and cost of living, the president urged citizens to see beyond immediate discomfort. He stressed that progress should be measured not only by statistics but by tangible improvements in daily life, such as access to food, electricity, education, and security.
Concluding his address, Tinubu called on all Nigerians to contribute to national development: building roads, schools, hospitals, expanding electricity, developing seaports, railways, and airports, producing locally, and paying taxes. “The dawn of a new Nigeria is here—self-reliant, prosperous, and united. With Almighty God on our side, we will overcome. Let all hands be on deck. Let us believe, once again, in the boundless potential of our great nation,” he said.
