President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday marked Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary with a message of hope, unity, and resilience, assuring citizens that the country is on a path to economic recovery and national renewal despite current challenges.
In a nationwide broadcast, the President paid tribute to Nigeria’s founding fathers and heroines, including Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Margaret Ekpo, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, and others, for their vision of a united, prosperous nation.
He urged Nigerians to honour their sacrifices by working together to build a stronger and more self-reliant country.
Reflecting on six and a half decades of independence, Tinubu acknowledged Nigeria’s turbulent journey through civil war, military dictatorships, and political crises but stressed that the nation had always found ways to overcome adversity.
“We weathered every storm and overcame every challenge with courage, grit, and uncommon determination,” he said.
The President highlighted progress in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and technology, noting that the number of secondary schools had grown from 120 in 1960 to over 23,000 today, while universities and other tertiary institutions now number more than 690 across the country.
Turning to his administration’s reforms, Tinubu said his government had chosen “the path of tomorrow over the comfort of today” by removing fuel subsidies and scrapping multiple foreign exchange rates, measures he described as tough but necessary to stabilise the economy.
According to him, the economy is beginning to show signs of recovery, with GDP growth at 4.23% in the second quarter of 2025, the fastest in four years, while inflation dropped to 20.12% in August, the lowest in three years.
He also pointed to improvements in non-oil revenue, external reserves, and trade surplus as evidence of renewed economic strength.
On security, the President commended the armed forces for their sacrifices in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes.
He said peace had returned to many previously troubled communities in the North-East and North-West.
Tinubu devoted part of his address to Nigeria’s youth, describing them as the nation’s greatest asset.
He cited initiatives such as the student loan scheme (NELFUND), consumer credit programs, and the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) as steps taken to support education, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
While admitting that many Nigerians still struggle with inflation and rising living costs, Tinubu insisted that the hardships were temporary and that “yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief.”
He called for collective responsibility in building the nation, urging citizens to support local industries, pay taxes, and embrace productivity.
“On this 65th anniversary of our independence, my message is hope and a call to action. With Almighty God on our side, the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here,” he declared.
The President ended his address with a prayer for the nation, wishing Nigerians a happy Independence Day.
