Lauds Efforts of Country’s Founding Fathers
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on Nigerians to embrace productivity and support local Industries for the country to realize its full potential .
In a nationwide broadcast on Wednesday, the president admitted that the country faces some challenges traceable to the ongoing reforms under his watch , noting that the country’s 65th Independence Anniversary signals a new beginning for the country.
The president appealed for patience and collective sacrifice while emphasizing on regular payment of taxes .
He acknowledged the sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers, including Nnamdi Azikiwe, Tafawa Balewa, Obafemi Awolowo and Ahmadu Bello, noting that they envisioned Nigeria as a leader of the black race.
The President highlighted progress made since independence, citing growth in education, healthcare, telecommunications and infrastructure. From just 120 secondary schools and two universities in 1960, Nigeria now has more than 23,000 secondary schools and 274 universities. He also noted improvements in defence, aviation and social services despite decades of political instability.
On the economy, Tinubu defended his administration’s reforms, such as the removal of fuel subsidy and unification of exchange rates, saying they were necessary to prevent collapse. He pointed to GDP growth of 4.23% in Q2 2025, falling inflation and rising foreign reserves as signs of recovery. However, he acknowledged that citizens are struggling with high living costs and inflationary pressures brought by the reforms.
Tinubu also addressed insecurity, claiming progress in the fight against terrorism and banditry, with displaced communities returning home. Yet, he admitted that violent crimes remain a serious threat to stability. He further stressed youth empowerment, highlighting student loan schemes, innovation funding and credit support programmes targeted at young Nigerians.
