By PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the country has “turned the corner” and is on the path to recovery, declaring that “yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief.”
In his national broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday, the President described the milestone as a moment of reflection on the sacrifices of the nation’s founding fathers and the progress achieved since 1960.
While admitting that the country had endured decades of economic distortions, political crises and even a civil war, Tinubu said Nigerians had shown resilience and determination. “We have weathered every storm with courage and grit. The dawn of a new, prosperous and self-reliant Nigeria is here,” he declared.
On the economy, he highlighted reforms undertaken by his administration, including the removal of fuel subsidies and multiple exchange rates, which he said had redirected resources to education, healthcare, agriculture, security and infrastructure.
According to him, these measures are beginning to yield results, with inflation at its lowest in three years, GDP growth at its fastest pace in four years, and Nigeria recording consecutive trade surpluses. “The worst is over,” Tinubu said, promising further improvements in roads, power supply and industrial expansion.
On security, the President commended the armed forces for “winning the war against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes,” noting that peace had returned to many communities in the North-East and North-West.
He also addressed the youth, describing them as Nigeria’s “greatest asset.” He cited programmes such as student loans under NELFUND, consumer credit schemes and the iDICE initiative to support innovation in technology and the creative sectors.
Acknowledging the hardship caused by reforms, Tinubu insisted that sacrifice was necessary to prevent economic collapse. “The measure of our success is not in statistics alone but in the food on our tables, the education of our children, electricity in our homes and safety in our communities,” he said.
The President called on all Nigerians to contribute to nation-building by farming, producing, paying taxes and patronising locally made goods. “Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. I say: Nigeria first,” he urged.
Concluding his address, Tinubu prayed for God’s blessings on the country and wished citizens a happy Independence anniversary.
What's your reaction?
