Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has addressed the nation on the occasion of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, reflecting on the country’s journey since October 1, 1960, and outlining his administration’s achievements in economic growth, social development, and national security.
In his address from the Presidential Villa, Abuja, the President paid tribute to the nation’s founding fathers and heroines, including Herbert Macaulay, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Margaret Ekpo, Anthony Enahoro, Ladoke Akintola, Michael Okpara, Aminu Kano, and Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti. He described their sacrifices and vision for a united, prosperous Nigeria that would serve as a beacon of hope for Africa and the world.
President Tinubu acknowledged that the nation has faced numerous challenges over the decades, including a civil war, military rule, and political crises. Despite these trials, he noted that Nigeria has made progress in social cohesion, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development.
He highlighted the growth of Nigeria’s education sector, noting that the country has expanded from 120 secondary schools at Independence to over 23,000 schools today, and from two tertiary institutions to 274 universities, 183 polytechnics, and 236 colleges of education. Likewise, he cited improvements in healthcare, telecommunications, manufacturing, aviation, and information technology.
Addressing the state of the economy, President Tinubu said his administration inherited a near-collapsed system due to decades of policy distortions. He emphasized the reforms undertaken, including the removal of fuel subsidies, the unification of foreign exchange rates, and increased investment in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and social programs. These measures, he said, have allowed Federal, State, and Local Governments to provide more services to citizens.
The President reported that Nigeria’s GDP grew by 4.23% in the second quarter of 2025, surpassing IMF projections, while inflation dropped to 20.12%, the lowest in three years. He also noted record non-oil revenue collections, improved foreign reserves, increased trade surpluses, stabilization of the Naira, and a rise in the stock market, emphasizing that the economy is now on a sustainable growth trajectory.
In terms of national security, President Tinubu commended the armed forces and other security agencies for successes against Boko Haram in the North-East, IPOB/ESN in the South-East, and banditry across the country. He noted that peace has returned to many communities, allowing displaced residents to return home.
The President also addressed Nigerian youths, highlighting programs such as NELFUND, Credicorp, YouthCred, and iDICE, designed to support education, entrepreneurship, and innovation. He urged young people to pursue their dreams and contribute to nation-building.
Concluding his address, President Tinubu called for continued productivity, innovation, and enterprise, encouraging Nigerians to prioritize locally made goods, pay taxes, and actively participate in the country’s development. He expressed confidence that with God’s guidance, Nigeria is entering a new era of self-reliance, prosperity, and unity.
“With Almighty God on our side, I can assure you that the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here,” the President said, wishing all Nigerians a happy 65th Independence Anniversary.
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