PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, addressed the nation in a nationwide broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, paying glowing tributes to the nation’s founding fathers while rolling out major achievements of his administration.
News Point Nigeria reports that in his third Independence Day broadcast since assuming office in May 2023, Tinubu described the anniversary as a time for sober reflection and renewed hope.
He acknowledged the sacrifices of Nigeria’s past heroes including Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, Tafawa Balewa, Margaret Ekpo, and Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, whom he said envisioned Nigeria as the leader of Africa and a beacon to the world.
The President noted that though the country has faced decades of turbulence including civil war, military coups, dictatorship, terrorism, and economic crises, Nigeria has continued to endure with resilience, courage, and determination.
“While we may not have achieved all the lofty dreams of our forebears, we have not strayed too far from them. In 65 years since our Independence, we have made tremendous progress in education, healthcare, infrastructure, telecommunications, aviation, defence, and technology,” Tinubu said.
He recalled that Nigeria had only two higher institutions in 1960, the University of Ibadan and Yaba College of Technology but now boasts over 274 universities, 183 polytechnics, and 236 colleges of education.
Tinubu defended his administration’s sweeping reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and unification of foreign exchange rates, which he said were painful but necessary.
“Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief. We chose the path of tomorrow over the comfort of today,” he declared.
The President highlighted 12 major economic achievements under his administration, among them:
Nigeria recorded N20 trillion in non-oil revenue by August 2025, surpassing targets.
External reserves rose to $42.03 billion, the highest since 2019.
Debt service-to-revenue ratio fell below 50% from 97%.
GDP grew 4.23% in Q2 2025, the fastest in four years.
Inflation dropped to 20.12%, the lowest in three years.
Trade surplus hit ₦7.46 trillion, with non-oil exports rising to 48%.
Oil production climbed to 1.68 million barrels per day, with local PMS refining resuming after four decades.
₦330 billion in direct cash support disbursed to 8 million poor households.
Massive rail, road, airport, and seaport projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Eastern Rail Project, underway.
He also celebrated Nigeria’s return to investor confidence, noting that sovereign credit agencies had upgraded the country’s rating while the stock market surged to an all-time high of 142,000 points.
On security, Tinubu praised the gallantry of Nigeria’s armed forces in the fight against terrorism, banditry, and violent crimes. He said peace had returned to hundreds of communities in the North-East and North-West.
“They are winning the war against Boko Haram, IPOB/ESN terror, and banditry. We must salute their courage and sacrifices,” he said.
Turning to the youth, the President said they remain Nigeria’s greatest asset. He highlighted the student loan scheme (NELFUND), which has benefited over 510,000 students, and youth-focused credit initiatives such as YouthCred and Credicorp.
He added that the government’s iDICE programme supported by AfDB, AFD, and the Islamic Development Ban would empower digital and creative entrepreneurs.
President Tinubu urged Nigerians to support government reforms and embrace productivity, innovation, and patriotism.
“Let us farm our land and build factories. Let us patronise ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ goods. I say Nigeria first. Let us pay our taxes. The dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here,” he said.
He concluded with prayers for Nigeria’s unity, peace, and prosperity: “Happy 65th Independence Anniversary, and may God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”