Nigeria @ 65: “The Worst Is Over, We’ve Turned the Corner” — Tinubu Declares in Independence Day Message

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday delivered a stirring Independence Day address, assuring Nigerians that the nation has “turned the corner” after decades of turbulence and sacrifice, and that the worst is firmly behind them.

The President, while recalling the vision and sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding fathers, said their dream of a united, prosperous, and globally respected black nation remains alive.

“Herbert Macaulay, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Tafawa Balewa, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, Margaret Ekpo, Anthony Enahoro, Michael Okpara, Aminu Kano, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and many others believed it was Nigeria’s manifest destiny to lead the black race as the largest black nation on earth. We may not have achieved all their lofty dreams, but we have not strayed too far from them,” Tinubu said.

A Nation Forged in Trials

Tinubu acknowledged Nigeria’s turbulent journey of 65 years, marked by civil war, military rule, and recurring political crises. Yet, he stressed, Nigerians endured with resilience.

“We fought a bitter civil war, endured dictatorships and political upheavals. But through it all, we weathered every storm with courage and grit,” he declared.

From just 120 secondary schools and two tertiary institutions at independence, Tinubu highlighted how the country now boasts over 23,000 secondary schools, 274 universities, 183 polytechnics and 236 colleges of education, alongside massive growth in healthcare, aviation, telecommunications, and infrastructure.

Bold Reforms, Painful Sacrifices

The President said he inherited a “near-collapsed economy” distorted by years of bad policies, but chose tough reforms over complacency.

“Upon assumption of office, our administration ended the corrupt fuel subsidy regime and abolished multiple foreign exchange rates that enriched a few while impoverishing the majority. Those bold steps redirected resources to education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, and social investment programmes,” he explained.

Tinubu noted that these decisions came with temporary pains—higher inflation, cost of living spikes, and discomfort. But he insisted: “The worst is over. Yesterday’s pains are giving way to today’s relief.”

Economic Gains and National Recovery

Citing concrete results, the President listed key economic breakthroughs:

4.23% GDP growth in Q2 2025, the fastest in four years.

Inflation dropped to 20.12%, lowest in three years.

₦20 trillion realised from non-oil revenue by August 2025, with ₦3.65 trillion in September alone.

Foreign reserves at $42.03 billion, the highest since 2019.

Five consecutive quarters of trade surplus, reaching ₦7.46 trillion in Q2 2025.

Oil production rebounded to 1.68 million barrels/day, with domestic PMS refining for the first time in four decades.

Stock market index surged from 55,000 in May 2023 to 142,000 in Sept. 2025.

“These are signs of a nation regaining her strength,” Tinubu stressed.

Winning the War Against Insecurity

On security, Tinubu paid tribute to Nigeria’s armed forces, noting that terrorists, insurgents, and bandits are being degraded nationwide.

“Hundreds of communities have been liberated, and thousands of displaced persons have returned home. We salute the gallantry and sacrifice of our men and women in uniform,” he said.

Nigeria’s Youth, the Greatest Asset

Tinubu described Nigerian youths as the nation’s greatest strength, unveiling empowerment schemes including:

NELFUND student loans — over 510,000 students accessed ₦99.5 billion.

Credicorp loans — ₦30 billion to 153,000 Nigerians for solar energy, vehicles, home upgrades, and devices.

YouthCred — NYSC members benefiting from consumer credit.

iDICE Programme — a multilateral partnership empowering young innovators in digital and creative industries.

“Our youths must dream big, innovate, and conquer new frontiers in science, technology, arts, and sports. They are the future of this great nation,” Tinubu declared.

A Call to Nation-Building

In a passionate call to action, Tinubu urged Nigerians to join in rebuilding the country:

“Fellow Nigerians, let us produce, not just consume. Let us farm our land, build factories, and patronise Made-in-Nigeria goods. Let us pay our taxes and put Nigeria first. The dawn of a new Nigeria is here—self-reliant, prosperous, and united. With Almighty God on our side, we will overcome.”