President Bola Tinubu has called on Nigerians to unite in building a stronger nation, assuring that his administration’s reforms are laying a solid foundation for a prosperous future.
Nigeria marked its 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, commemorating the country’s freedom from British colonial rule in 1960.
Traditionally, the occasion is celebrated with nationwide parades, cultural events, and presidential addresses.
However, this year’s commemoration was toned down following the Federal Government’s cancellation of the usual ceremonial parade in Abuja, citing cost-saving and security considerations.
Addressing the nation during Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday, the President urged citizens to support his government’s efforts to reset the economy and promote productivity, noting that with God’s help, a new, stronger Nigeria will emerge.
“Fellow Nigerians, I have always candidly acknowledged that these reforms have come with some temporary pains. The biting effects of inflation and the rising cost of living remain a significant concern to our government.
“However, the alternative of allowing our country to descend into economic chaos or bankruptcy was not an option,” he said.
He further stressed that progress would not be measured by figures alone but by improvements in daily life.
“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 declared.
Calling for renewed patriotism, Tinubu urged Nigerians to prioritise homegrown solutions.
“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.
“Finally, let all hands be on deck. Let us believe, once more, in the boundless potential of our great nation. With Almighty God on our side, I can assure you that the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here”, the president remarked.
PUNCH Online reports that Tinubu, who assumed office on May 29, 2023, has made economic reforms the cornerstone of his administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.”
Since taking office, his administration has implemented far-reaching but controversial policies, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of foreign exchange rates.
While the policies were aimed at stabilising the economy and freeing up resources for development, they triggered a sharp rise in the cost of living, with inflation hitting households hard.
However, the President has repeatedly defended the reforms as “painful but necessary,” assuring that the economy is gradually stabilizing.
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