President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his October 1, 2025, address marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary has encouraged Nigerians that the little moment of suffering and hardship has come to an end signaling a brighter future for the nation.
Speaking from Abuja, he reflected on Nigeria’s journey since October 1, 1960, when founding heroes like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello, and Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti accepted the instruments of self-government, envisioning Nigeria as a leader for the black race.
Tinubu acknowledged past trials, including a civil war and economic struggles, but celebrated the nation’s resilience and progress in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
He noted that secondary schools have surged from 120 in 1960 to over 23,000 in 2024, with tertiary institutions growing from two to over 600. “While we may not have achieved all the lofty dreams of our forebearers, we have not strayed too far from them,” Tinubu said, highlighting advancements in telecommunications, manufacturing, and financial services. His administration’s reforms, such as scrapping corrupt fuel subsidies and unifying exchange rates that “created massive incentives for a rentier economy, benefiting only a tiny minority,” have driven economic recovery. The results include a 4.23% GDP growth in Q2 2025, the fastest in four years, and inflation dropping to 20.12%, a three-year low.
Tinubu celebrated non-oil revenue hitting N20 trillion and a trade surplus of N7.46 trillion, with manufactured exports soaring 173%. “We are now a Net Exporter,” he said, with non-oil exports at 48% of trade. Foreign reserves reached $42.03 billion, and oil production rose to 1.68 million barrels daily, bolstered by domestic PMS refining and Nigeria’s status as Africa’s top aviation fuel exporter.
On security, Tinubu praised the armed forces for curbing terrorism and banditry, stating, “Peace has returned to hundreds of our liberated communities.” For the youth, he highlighted NELFUND, disbursing N99.5 billion to 510,000 students, and iDICE to boost tech and creative sectors. “You are the future and the greatest assets of this blessed country,” he told young Nigerians.
Despite inflation’s challenges, Tinubu urged collective action: “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.” He called on sub-national entities to join nation-building efforts, citing streamlined passport processing as a model.
Ending on a hopeful note, he declared, “With Almighty God on our side, I can assure you that the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here.”