By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
Abuja, Nigeria – October 1, 2025
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his national broadcast on Wednesday, reassured Nigerians that the country is on the path to recovery, declaring that “the worst is over” as the nation marked its 65th Independence anniversary.
In his third Independence Day address since assuming office in May 2023, the President acknowledged Nigeria’s difficult economic and social journey since 1960 but insisted that progress was being made through his administration’s reforms.
“Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief. I salute your endurance, support, and understanding. I will continue to work for you and justify the confidence you reposed in me,” Tinubu said in his nationwide speech.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s Journey
The President paid tribute to the country’s founding fathers and nationalists—including Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Margaret Ekpo, and others—who envisioned Nigeria as “the beacon of light to the rest of the world.”
“Although it is much easier for those whose vocation is to focus solely on what ought to be, we must recognise and celebrate our significant progress,” Tinubu said, citing the rapid expansion of educational institutions, healthcare services, infrastructure, and industries since Independence.
At Independence, Nigeria had only two tertiary institutions; today, the country boasts over 274 universities, 183 polytechnics, and 236 colleges of education.
Economic Gains Amid Tough Reforms
The President highlighted the “bold and necessary” economic reforms his administration has undertaken, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of foreign exchange rates, which he said redirected national resources to education, healthcare, agriculture, security, and infrastructure.
“Our economy is recovering fast, and the reforms we started over two years ago are delivering tangible results,” Tinubu declared.
He pointed to fresh growth figures: Nigeria’s GDP grew by 4.23% in Q2 2025, the fastest pace in four years, while inflation declined to 20.12% in August—the lowest in three years. External reserves also climbed to $42.03 billion, the highest since 2019.
According to the President, Nigeria’s trade balance is shifting significantly: “We are now selling more to the world than we are buying… Non-oil exports now represent 48% of our trade.”
He also assured Nigerians that “the Naira has stabilised” after years of volatility, while over N330 billion in social investment had been disbursed to support poor households.
Security and National Unity
On security, Tinubu praised the armed forces for “winning the war against terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes,” noting that peace has returned to hundreds of communities in the North-East and North-West.
“We must continue to celebrate their gallantry and salute their courage on behalf of a grateful nation,” he said.
Youth as the Future
In what appeared to be a direct message to young Nigerians, Tinubu reaffirmed his government’s commitment to expanding opportunities through funding, student loans, and entrepreneurship initiatives.
“You are the future and the greatest assets of this blessed country. You must continue to dream big, innovate, and conquer more territories,” he told Nigerian youths.
He cited the National Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which has supported over 510,000 students, and the YouthCred programme that now offers NYSC members consumer credit to aid resettlement after service.
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A Call for Productivity and Hope
Despite acknowledging the “biting effects of inflation and the rising cost of living,” Tinubu said the sacrifices of Nigerians were yielding results.
“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 stressed.
The President urged citizens and state governments to embrace productivity and innovation:
“Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. 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.”
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Looking Forward
Concluding his address, Tinubu expressed optimism about the future:
“With Almighty God on our side, I can assure you that the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here. Happy 65th Independence Anniversary, and may God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
