Nigeria today celebrates 65 years of independence, a milestone that recalls the sacrifices of the nation’s founding fathers and their dream of a united, prosperous country destined to lead Africa and inspire the world.
In his Independence Day speech, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said founding heroes and heroines – 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, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, and other nationalists – believed it was Nigeria’s manifest destiny to lead the entire black race as the largest black nation on earth.
Here are our key takeaways from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Independence speech:
1. “Worst is over,” he says
Tinubu declared that Nigeria has passed through its most difficult phase. He pointed to improvements like 4.23% GDP growth in Q2 (the fastest in four years), inflation easing to 20.12%, rising external reserves ($42.03 billion), and consecutive trade surpluses.
2. Bold economic reforms defended
He reaffirmed his removal of fuel subsidies and elimination of multiple exchange rates—moves he called necessary to “reset” Nigeria’s economy and redirect resources toward critical sectors like education, health, and infrastructure.
3. Social investment and support for vulnerable Nigerians
Tinubu said his administration had disbursed ₦330 billion to 8 million vulnerable households through social investment programs.
4. Focus on infrastructure and diversification
The speech emphasized investments in roads, ports, power, broadband, and efforts to boost non-oil exports and agricultural productivity. He also highlighted increasing oil production and restoring output levels.
5. Security progress claims
Tinubu claimed that key militant and extremist actors have been degraded, communities restored to peace, and operations continue to reclaim affected areas.
6. Youth, technical talent & employment
He renewed government commitment to youth empowerment, including, NELFUND, Credicorp, YouthCred, the 3 Million Technical Talent (3MTT) programme.
He also spoke of launching a Renewed Hope Employment and Empowerment Programme to generate jobs.
Fiscal discipline and debt management
Tinubu announced initiatives including clearing “ways and means” debts, reducing the debt service ratio, strengthening foreign reserves, and passing economic stabilization laws to improve fiscal health.
7. Call for unity, resilience, and citizen participation
He urged Nigerians to trust the process, be patient with reforms, and join hands in nation-building. He announced a National Youth Conference as a platform for youth voices to shape policy.
[References: Reuters | The Guardian Nigeria | Punch Newspaper]
