President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to remain committed to building a strong and prosperous nation as the country celebrates its 66th Independence anniversary. In his Independence Day address, Tinubu reflected on Nigeria's journey since gaining independence, acknowledging the challenges faced, but expressing optimism about the future. He emphasized the need for collective effort to achieve the country's goals.
Tinubu noted that Nigeria's journey to independence was not easy, with the country facing war, military rule, economic crises, insecurity, and political upheaval. However, he expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their resilience and determination. The President praised the men and women of the Armed Forces and security services who work to ensure the country's peace and stability.
The President acknowledged that the country's promise of providing opportunity, dignity, and a better life for its people has not been fully realized. He attributed this to poor choices made in the past, which led to deep economic distortions. Tinubu stated that his administration has taken steps to address these issues, implementing reforms aimed at correcting the country's course.
According to Tinubu, the reforms have started to yield positive results, with the economy growing by over 4% this year. He also cited a reduction in oil theft, a decline in inflation, and an increase in foreign reserves. The President noted that international observers, journalists, NGOs, and multilateral institutions have concluded that the reforms have strengthened Nigeria's economic stability and resilience.
Tinubu emphasized that the country's central economic task has changed, with the focus now shifting from correcting the nation's course to achieving shared and widespread prosperity. He envisioned a Nigeria where farmers can cultivate their land safely, factories have reliable power, and young people can find productive work.
To achieve this vision, Tinubu stated that his government is focused on expanding mechanized irrigation and dry-season farming, improving access to seeds and fertilizer, and investing in storage and transportation. The President also highlighted the importance of building and completing roads, railways, and ports to connect farms and factories to markets.
Tinubu concluded by emphasizing the need for collective effort to achieve the country's goals. He called on Nigerians to remain committed to building a strong and prosperous nation, where everyone can live in peace and prosperity. The President expressed optimism that with determination and hard work, Nigeria can achieve its full potential.
Key points
- President Tinubu marks Nigeria's 66th Independence anniversary with a call to action to achieve shared and widespread prosperity.
