President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to come together in building a stronger, self-reliant nation, assuring that his administration’s reforms are laying the groundwork for a prosperous future.
Speaking during Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, Tinubu acknowledged the temporary hardships brought by economic reforms, including inflation and rising living costs, but emphasized that the alternative—allowing the nation to slide into economic chaos—was unacceptable.
“The true measure of our progress will not be in statistics alone, but in the food on our families’ tables, the quality of education for our children, electricity in our homes, and the security of our communities,” the President stated.
He called for renewed patriotism and self-reliance, urging Nigerians to focus on homegrown solutions: “Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Let us farm our land, build factories to process our produce, and support ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ goods. I say Nigeria first. Let us pay our taxes.”
Highlighting the role of faith and collective effort, Tinubu concluded, “With Almighty God on our side, the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here.”
The 65th Independence Day celebrations were subdued this year following the Federal Government’s cancellation of the usual ceremonial parade in Abuja, citing cost-saving and security considerations. Since assuming office on May 29, 2023, Tinubu’s administration has made economic reforms the centerpiece of its “Renewed Hope Agenda”, including the removal of the fuel subsidy and the unification of foreign exchange rates.
