President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday, October 1, addressed the nation in a broadcast marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary. The nationwide broadcast, which began at 7 a.m., touched on national unity, reforms, security, and the future of Nigeria’s youths.
Below are the major highlights from his address:
1. Tribute to Founding Fathers
Tinubu honoured Nigeria’s founding heroes and heroines, praising their vision and belief in the country’s destiny as the largest black nation on earth and a leader of the African continent.
2. Growth Across Sectors
He noted that in 65 years, Nigeria has recorded progress across multiple sectors, including healthcare, infrastructure, telecommunications, financial services, manufacturing, aviation, defence, and technology.
3. A Nation of Highs and Lows
The President acknowledged that Nigeria has experienced both achievements and setbacks over the decades but stressed resilience as the nation’s strength.
4. Economic Reforms Bearing Fruit
Tinubu reiterated that he inherited a fragile economy, but assured that his administration’s policies, introduced within three years, have started turning things around. He said earlier reforms are now yielding tangible results for recovery and stability.
5. Security Gains
Highlighting national security, he stated that Nigeria is winning the war against terrorism, banditry, and violent crimes, with peace gradually returning to previously troubled regions.
6. Youth as Nigeria’s Greatest Asset
The President described young Nigerians as the nation’s future and most valuable resource. He encouraged them to keep dreaming, innovating, and breaking barriers, pledging continued government support through policies, opportunities, and funding.
7. Temporary Pain for Lasting Gain
Tinubu admitted that ongoing reforms have brought hardship and sacrifices but assured Nigerians that these are temporary measures designed to lay the foundation for a stronger economy and better living conditions.
8. Hope on the Horizon
Closing his address, the President urged Nigerians to remain united and hopeful, stressing that his administration is determined to reposition Nigeria as a self-reliant and prosperous nation.
