As Nigeria celebrates its 65th Independence Day anniversary, President Bola Tinubu has called on all citizens to unite in rebuilding the nation’s economy and global standing. In his nationwide broadcast on Wednesday, the President emphasized the need for collective effort to reposition Nigeria among the world’s leading nations.
“Let all hands be on deck. Let us believe, once more, in the boundless potential of our great nation,” Tinubu said during his Independence Day address.
A Nation of Producers, Not Just Consumers
The President urged Nigerians to embrace productivity, innovation, and enterprise, citing recent improvements in the Ministry of Interior’s passport processing system as an example of what government agencies can achieve.
“Let us farm our land and build factories to process our produce. Let us patronise ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ goods. I say Nigeria first. Let us pay our taxes,” he added.
He also encouraged state governments and local authorities to align with federal development initiatives, emphasizing that true progress requires all levels of government working in synergy.
Economic Reform and a ‘Message of Hope’
Tinubu acknowledged the economic hardships caused by recent reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy, but maintained that they were necessary to avoid deeper financial crises.
“These reforms have come with some temporary pains. The biting effects of inflation and the rising cost of living remain a significant concern. However, the alternative of allowing our country to descend into economic chaos or bankruptcy was not an option.”
He insisted that early indicators of macroeconomic progress show the sacrifices made are beginning to yield results.
A New Foundation for National Development
Reiterating his commitment to improving citizens’ quality of life, Tinubu said his administration is laying a solid economic foundation focused on food security, education, electricity, and national security.
“The accurate measure of our success will not be limited to economic statistics alone, but rather in the food on our families’ tables, the quality of education our children receive, the electricity in our homes, and the security in our communities.”
He also praised the growing impact of local government autonomy and state-level governance, describing them as signs of deepening democratic dividends.
“With Almighty God on our side, I can assure you that the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here,” the President concluded.
