Category: Business Day

Heliconia Park has officially opened the doors of its newest and third destination, the Heliconia Park Port Harcourt Hotel and Golf Resort. The launch is said to mark a significant milestone for the brand, bringing a new standard of hospitality, lifestyle, and leisure to Port Harcourt.

According to the owners, guided by a vision that blends refined elegance with tailored experiences, the resort is said to reaffirm Heliconia Park’s mission to deliver secure, stylish, and welcoming spaces for both business and leisure guests.

Set within the quiet Intels Camp, Aba Road Estate, the resort says it is designed to be more than a place to stay.

With a golf course, and stylish suites the hotel combines Italian sophistication with African warmth, fine dining restaurants that are said to celebrate global and local cuisines, swing pool, tennis court, squash amidst sumptuous green areas, the Port Harcourt resort is seen as a destination where comfort meets timeless elegance, and every detail has been created to welcome guests with warmth and a sense of belonging, according to the promoters.

Speaking at the launch, Pasquale Fiore, the CEO of Heliconia Park, said: ‘This is not just another hotel. This is a destination and a home for excellence. Port Harcourt has long been a hub of energy, commerce, and culture, and by investing here we reaffirm our commitment to this city, its people, and its future. Heliconia Park was founded on the belief that true luxury is welcoming, personal, and tailored, and this resort embodies that very spirit.’

He went on: ‘We started Heliconia Park in 2022 with the opening of its first hotel in Port Harcourt, followed by the Lagos Luxury Apartments and Suites in 2024, officially inaugurated in February 2025. The launch marks a significant milestone in the brand’s growth journey in Nigeria, each chapter reflecting a vision of fine hospitality rooted in excellence, inspired by culture, and crafted with timeless standards of service.’

Also speaking at the event, Mike Epelle, Director at Heliconia Park, remarked: ‘The arrival of Heliconia Park Hotel and Golf Resort is a welcome addition to Port Harcourt. It reflects the city’s growing appeal as both a business and leisure hub, and we are proud to see such an investment that will not only elevate hospitality standards but also contribute to local tourism and economic growth.’

The launch of the Port Harcourt Hotel and Golf Resort underscores Heliconia Park’s philosophy of ‘Approachable Luxury,’ where prestige meets comfort and every guest feels both valued and at home. It is also a powerful reaffirmation of the brand’s growth journey, from its beginnings in Port Harcourt, to Lagos, and now back to the Garden City with a bold new resort, positioning Heliconia Park as one of Nigeria’s most dynamic luxury hospitality brands.

Heliconia Park is indicated as a home-grown Nigerian luxury hospitality brand redefining the guest experience with secure, stylish destinations, guided by its philosophy of ‘Approachable Luxury.’ Founded in 2022 with the launch of Heliconia Park Hotel and Suites in Port Harcourt, the brand says it has has since expanded with the Lagos Luxury Apartments and Suites in 2025 and now celebrates its third branch, the Heliconia Park Port Harcourt Hotel and Golf Resort.

It is located within the prestigious INTELS Aba Road Estate, the resort is both a retreat and a lifestyle destination. With event facilities, fine dining, pools, tennis courts, and a golf course, it reflects Heliconia Park’s mission to create elevated spaces and warm service where every guest feels at home.

Nigerian businessman and philanthropist, Tony Elumelu, has been honoured with the 2025 Appeal of Conscience Award by the Appeal of Conscience Foundation (ACF) in New York.

The award, founded by Rabbi Arthur Schneier, recognises leaders who promote peace, coexistence, and economic empowerment. Elumelu’s wife, Awele Elumelu, received the award on his behalf and delivered his acceptance remarks at the gala.

In his speech, Elumelu dedicated the award to colleagues recently lost in a tragic incident, and to young African entrepreneurs supported through his foundation. ‘Before all else, I wish to honour their memories with a moment of silence.’

Elumelu, founder of Heirs Holdings and the Tony Elumelu Foundation, emphasised his philosophy of Africapitalism, the belief that the private sector plays a critical role in driving inclusive growth.

He noted that his businesses employ more than 40,000 people globally, including through UBA, which operates in New York.

‘Through the Tony Elumelu Foundation, a personal commitment we made in 2010, we have identified, trained, mentored, and provided over USD100million in seed funding to over 24,000 young African entrepreneurs from all 54 African countries.’

‘By empowering a generation with economic opportunities and the means to shape their own destinies, we are combating the despair that fuels economic instability, migration, and insecurity,’ he said. Elumelu added that there’s more to be done. Thus, the Appeal of Conscience Foundation award not only strengthens my resolve to do more, to deepen our impact, but it is a call out for collaboration with those who share similar values.

The 2025 ceremony also honoured Cardinal Timothy Dolan, Archbishop of New York.

Rabbi Schneier, founder of the Appeal of Conscience Foundation, praised Elumelu as ‘a beacon of ethical entrepreneurship and visionary leadership.’

‘Business can be a powerful force for peace, stability, and human dignity. His commitment to uplifting others is a living example of conscience in action,’ he added.

Brian Moynihan, chair and CEO of Bank of America and Gala Chair, described the honourees as embodiments of moral leadership.

He said, ‘The Appeal of Conscience Foundation has chosen to honour Tony Elumelu and Cardinal Dolan because they personify the moral leadership and global responsibility that ACF stands for. Their works in faith, community, and economic empowerment remind us that progress and conscience go hand in hand.’

The Nigerian government has promised to enhance teachers’ welfare, elevate the public perception of the teaching profession, and address other key challenges affecting educators nationwide, in a renewed effort to revamp the education sector.

The move aims to boost morale, and professional support of teachers across the country as the educators joined the global community to commemorate the 2025 World Teachers’ Day.

Olatunji Alausa, the minister of education, made this known on Tuesday, September 30, during a symposium in commemoration of World Teachers’ Day billed for Sunday, October 5, in the company of Suwaiba Ahmad, the minister of state for education. Alausa applauded Nigerian teachers, describing them as the custodians of knowledge, the builders of character, and the architects of national future.

The minister stressed that teachers remain the foundation of every profession.

‘Honestly, you have the most important and the best profession in the country. Who makes a doctor, an engineer and/or a professor? It is the teacher.

‘That is why the government is working assiduously to come up with better packages for you. Light is at the end of the tunnel,’ he said.

Besides, Alausa emphasised the need for teamwork and networking in modern teaching. ‘For too long, teaching has often been practiced in isolation. But when teachers collaborate, students are the ultimate beneficiaries. ‘They receive richer, more engaging instruction and witness firsthand the power of teamwork and shared responsibility,’ he stressed.

Moreover, he reassured teachers of the government’s support, acknowledgement, and training.

‘When you want the highest quality of education, you need a high-quality teacher. When you want a high-quality teacher, you give teachers the recognition, support, training, and the cooperation they need,’ he said. The minister commended Nigerian teachers’ global impact, stressing that anywhere in the world, when they say a Nigerian student becomes a professional, they do so well. And this, he said is the output of Nigerian teachers’ work.

‘We know we can’t pay you enough, but be proud of yourselves. On behalf of the President, I commend you for your sacrifices, your diligence, and your commitment to building our nation,’ he stated.

The global theme for the 2025 edition is ‘Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession.’

World Teachers’ Day was first proclaimed in 1994 by UNESCO in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Education International (EI), and UNICEF.

It is celebrated annually to honour teachers and highlight their vital role in shaping education and society.

The Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election, Peter Obi, joined a high-powered delegation of lawmakers to visit the site of the demolished ASPAMDA Market at the Trade Fair Complex in Lagos, where plazas were pulled down despite traders having obtained the requisite approvals.

Obi was accompanied by Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Victor Umeh, Col. Austin Akobundu, and Tony Nwoye, as well as House of Representatives members Segun Sowunmi and George Adegeye. Also present were Labour Party’s Lagos State governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, and the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Tanko Yunusa. In a statement after the visit, Obi commended the affected traders for showing restraint and maintaining peace in the face of what he described as ‘painful loss and injustice.’ He further appreciated the lawmakers who pledged to investigate the demolition and ensure accountability.

The former Anambra State governor urged governments at all levels to act with compassion and fairness, especially given that many of the traders had taken loans to finance their businesses. He noted that destroying legitimate investments without due process was ‘not only unjust but also economically destructive.’

Obi stressed that a nation aspiring to progress must protect enterprise, encourage productivity, and defend the dignity of its citizens, warning that ‘incidents like this have no place in a society that seeks fairness, stability, and shared prosperity.’

President Bola Tinubu, on Tuesday, criticised those peddling allegations of religious genocide in the country, saying no religion is under siege.

The president described the allegations as ‘unfounded and misleading, as citizens focus more on harmony and shared prosperity.*

Bayo Onanuga, presidential spokesman, in a statement, said Tinubu acknowledges that after 65 years of Independence, citizens have grown to appreciate religious and cultural differences and explore the advantages of diversity in terms of educational, economic, and other productive gains.

President Tinubu allayed fears of religious intolerance in the country at the unveiling of a book on the 10 years of the APC government in Nigeria. It was authored by the Governor of Imo State, Sen. Hope Uzodimma.

Tinubu was in Owerri to commission projects, such as the Owerri-Mbaise-Umahia road, the Assumpta Twin flyover, and the Emmanuel Iwuayanwu Convention Centre.

Nentawe Yilwatda, the All Progressive Congress APC national chairman, two former APC Chairmen, Adams Oshiomhole and Umar Ganduje, governors of APC states, and the Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, attended the commissioning of the projects and the book launch.

The event was also attended by Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the House of Representatives, Deputy Speaker, Deputy Senate President, former Senate Presidents, Sen. Pius Anyim Pius, and Ahmad Lawan, were also at the event.

Others include the founding Chairman of the APC, Bisi Akande, and former Governor of Ogun State, Segun Osoba, as well as traditional and religious leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, student unions, and market associations.

President Tinubu told the crowd at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Convention Centre: ‘Let me also say this clearly, Nigeria is a proud, sovereign nation built on the faith and resilience of its people. Here, no faith is under siege, no community is excluded.

‘Our churches, mosques, and traditional shrines stand side by side – not as rivals, but as symbols of the unity that binds us.

‘We must never allow outsiders to tell us who we are or sow division among us. We are Nigerians, and we will stand together. Nigeria will not accept lectures from those who seek to profit from our divisions. No one loves this country more than Nigerians themselves, and no one will define us except us.

‘Our duty is to stand guard over our unity, protect every citizen, and continue to prove to the world that our diversity is not our weakness, but our strength and when Nigeria stands united, no falsehood can prosper against her. So help us God,’ he added.

On the impact of the All Progressives Congress in running Nigeria since 2015, President Tinubu said: ‘Nigeria is no longer where it was ten years ago. We promised a change, and I can confidently tell you the worst is over.

‘Ten years ago, our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), came into power on the wings of change. Nigeria was at a crossroads. A break from the old order was not only desirable; it had become inevitable to steer our nation away from collapse. ‘Under President Muhammadu Buhari, our party began stabilising Nigeria. We invested heavily in infrastructure, pushed back terrorists, and instilled accountability in public finance. Were there challenges? Yes. Were mistakes made? Yes. But no one can deny that the direction of Nigeria changed for good,’ he added.

‘APC may not be perfect, but we are purposeful. And we will not allow Nigeria to return to the wasted years of drift,’ the President said.

‘We are not yet where we want to be, but we are no longer where we were. We are building a Nigeria that values productivity above handouts and is a nation prepared for a sustainable future.

The President has a message for the critics of the APC administration: ‘And to those who today parade themselves as prophets of solutions, let me say this: those who wasted sixteen years had their chance. Nigerians remember the broken promises, the broken power plants, the broken roads and the attempts to usurp democratic institutions using corrupt practices and subterfuge.

President Tinubu commended Governor Uzodimma for his scholarship documenting this decade of progressive governance.

‘Hope has given Nigeria a gift: a reminder that nations must write their own stories, and leaders must account for their stewardship.

The President stated that the outlook for the economy had improved across various indicators.

‘I am honoured to stand here in Owerri, in the heart of the South-East, a land of industry, intellect, and resilience. I know there were times when this region felt left out. But under Renewed Hope, no part of Nigeria will be abandoned. The South-East is not on the margins; you are at the centre of our national rebirth.

‘Believing in true federalism and decentralisation, I have created regional development commissions to bring progress closer to the people. Nigerians have the right to hold leaders at every level (federal, state, and local) accountable. And as leaders, we have the duty to deliver,’ he added.

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, thanked the President for the initiative of NELFUND, which had encouraged more underprivileged children to pursue their education in higher institutions.

‘Mr President, you have given hope to many young people through the Education funds you provide. You have invested in agriculture to provide food for millions of Nigerians.

‘On behalf of the entire National Assembly, we want to congratulate the performing governor,’ the Senate President said.

The Governor of Imo State, who is also the Chairman of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, stated that the sub-national governments had consistently received increased allocations, enabling infrastructure construction and improving sectors such as education and health.

‘Mr President, we are grateful for your support. It is through your courage and bold policies that our economy is stabilised today. Most of the projects we undertake in Imo are made possible by the continuous funding we receive from time to time.

‘Your consistency in the political trajectory of Nigeria made it possible for the formation of APC, which became a force in the build-up to the 2015 elections. This inspired me to document all these remarkable efforts into a book titled ‘A Decade of Leadership in Nigeria’.

Peace has finally returned to the Akwa Ibom State chapter of the National Association of Small Scale Industrialists (NASSI) after a protracted leadership crisis that lasted for years.

Iniobong Ekong, commissioner for trade and investment, brokered the truce during a meeting with the warring factions in Uyo, the state capital

At the meeting, which lasted for more than four hours, Ekong stressed that a strong and vibrant NASSI was key to the success of Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda on entrepreneurship and small business growth.

He expressed the hope that the peace would be sustained to enable the association to benefit from the credit facilities intended to boost small businesses in the state.

Speaking also, Solomon Vongfa, the National President of NASSI, commended the commissioner for being a ‘peacemaker’ whose maturity and commitment restored harmony to the association.

Meanwhile, tree planting has been described as a sustainable solution to the environmental challenges confronting the state. Kufreabasi Edidem, deputy speaker of the state House of Assembly, stated this during an open forum on environmental issues organised by the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) in Uyo.

Edidem, who also chairs the House Committee on NDDC and Regional Development, said tree planting was a simple but powerful practice that every citizen can embrace to restore ecological balance.

‘We will continue to align with the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly to make laws that promote a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable environment,’ he said.

‘Everyone can cause a change from their little corner for a better environment.’

He commended Chiedu Evie, Chairman of NDDC, for inaugurating new projects across the region since assuming office, and applauded the commission’s effort in bringing together diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, academia, civil society, communities, and schools, to reawaken the culture of tree planting..

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of new heads for three key Federal Government agencies.

This is contained in a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government.

Tinubu appointed Bello Bawa Bwari as Director-General of the National Biosafety Management Agency, for an initial four-year term, effective from Sept. 18, 2025.

The President also appointed Aminu Junaidu as Chairman of the Investment and Security Tribunal, for a five-year term, beginning on Sept. 18, 2025.

Similarly, Olayiwola Nurudeen Awakan was appointed Director-General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, for an initial four-year term, effective from Sept. 2, 2025.

Imohiosen stated that the appointments underscored Tinubu’s resolve to strengthen key sectors and institutions in the country.

He added that the President urged the appointees to apply their expertise towards advancing the growth and development of their agencies for national progress.

Sixty-five years after independence, Nigeria still wrestles with a fundamental question: what exactly is our national brand? At sixty, during the fever of ‘japa’ conversations, I found myself reflecting on this very issue-whether the Nigerian dream was better pursued abroad or rebuilt at home. Five years later, the pressure to leave has not waned. If anything, it has intensified. Millions still chase the few visas available, convinced that escape remains the only route to a dignified life.

Nigeria has become a country that exports its people instead of its products. We cling to the belief that the success of Nigerians abroad will somehow rub off on the motherland. Yet history has shown the opposite: while personal triumphs may briefly uplift our image, individual failures, from crime to scandal, stick faster and louder as Nigeria’s failures.

Sport illustrates this paradox most starkly. At the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, more athletes of Nigerian origin competed under foreign flags than for Nigeria itself. Once again, Nigeria is set to watch the FIFA World Cup from the sidelines, despite our vast reservoir of talent thriving in European leagues. Beyond sports, countless Nigerians making global strides in science, technology, and the arts are quickly claimed by their adopted nations before the world remembers their origins. Some even rush to distance themselves from the Nigerian identity altogether.

A country that exports people instead of products will always be at the mercy of the mental, psychological, geographical, and even political inconsistencies of individuals. That reality played out recently when Nigerians across the world voiced outrage at a certain British politician of Nigerian origin who seems to have made a career of mocking our nation with half-baked anecdotes and tired stereotypes. It is not just careless rhetoric – it is a reminder of how vulnerable we are when our image depends more on scattered voices abroad than on strong brands at home. And yes, it hurts that deeply.

To be clear, our greatest asset remains our people: resilient, brilliant, and resourceful. But no nation brands itself successfully on human capital alone. True branding comes from what we create – businesses, innovations, cultural exports, and products that embody our ingenuity and can compete on the global stage. Economically prosperous nations did not rely on diaspora glory. Germany is synonymous with automobile excellence through BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Volkswagen. Switzerland, though not the birthplace of watchmaking, perfected the craft and turned it into a timeless global brand. The United States leveraged Hollywood. India elevated itself through Bollywood and, more recently, technology.

Developing marketing slogans or claiming every successful sportsman as ‘our son’ will not transform Nigeria’s image. What will be the creation and global distribution of enduring brands – in technology, food, agriculture, entertainment, and beyond? Nollywood and Afrobeats have already begun this work, on their own, placing Nigeria firmly on the cultural map. With the right policy and investment, our technology ecosystem and food industry could do the same for our economic identity.

At 65, Nigeria cannot afford to keep outsourcing its reputation to individuals scattered abroad. We must build the kind of brands that speak for us, even when we are not in the room. Only then will ‘the Nigerian brand’ mean more than struggle and survival, it will mean excellence, durability, and pride.

Happy 65th Independence Anniversary. May this milestone mark not just another year of endurance, but the beginning of true brand-building for Nigeria.

In the fiercely competitive landscape of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), environmental, social, and governance (ESG) is no longer a ‘nice to have’ or a badge for large corporations: it is fast becoming a decisive differentiator. For entrepreneurs seeking to scale more quickly, embracing ESG frameworks offers practical pathways to access capital, attract investors, and accelerate progress. Below, I outline how SMEs can realise this potential-and point to homegrown examples that show it works.

Why ESG matters for SME growth

1. Access to capital

Investors, from impact funds to development finance institutions (DFIs) and commercial banks, are increasingly tying funding to ESG performance. Green bonds, sustainability-linked loans, and grants often favour businesses that can demonstrate solid environmental stewardship, social impact, and credible governance practices. Compliance with ESG frameworks helps SMEs qualify for such instruments, often on more favourable terms (lower interest, longer tenors, or performance incentives).

2. Attracting investors and partnerships

Investors are increasingly demanding more than financial returns. They want businesses that mitigate risk (especially environmental risk), that engage positively with their communities, and that are transparent and well governed. ESG becomes a seal of confidence and legitimacy. Further, many global supply chains now impose ESG criteria: an SME that can meet these will unlock international buyers and partnerships.

3. Operational efficiency, trust and brand value

Good ESG practices lead to cost savings (through energy efficiency, waste reduction, and improved labour productivity), reduced regulatory or reputational risks, and stronger stakeholder relations. For employees, customers, local communities, and even regulators, a business seen to act responsibly tends to enjoy greater loyalty and less friction. All of which speeds growth.

How to align with ESG frameworks: Practical steps

Start with materiality: Identify which ESG issues matter most in the enterprise’s sector and for its stakeholders. For an agricultural SME, water usage or soil health might be material; for a digital/fintech SME, data privacy and financial inclusion may rank higher.

Governance structures: Even small companies benefit from clear governance policies: defined decision-makers, transparent reporting (even internally), and risk assessment. Governance builds investor confidence.

Measurement, reporting and disclosure: Keep simple but reliable data. Use existing ESG frameworks (global or regional) or standards that are ‘proportionate’ to SME size. Disclosure doesn’t have to be costly-it can start with basic ESG metrics and evolve.

Leverage support and networks: Use accelerator programmes, angel or impact investor networks, and industry associations that help with ESG capacity building. Government policies or regulations sometimes offer incentives or relief for ESG-compliant practices.

Embed ESG into strategy: ESG should not be a side project but part of strategic planning: how products are designed, supply chains managed, stakeholders engaged, and growth planned.

Nigerian examples of SMEs scaling with ESG

Nigeria already has multiple SMEs that illustrate how integrating ESG can accelerate growth.

Farmforte: This agribusiness startup emphasises sustainable farming methods, renewable energy, and efficient water usage. By doing so, it has attracted international funding and interest, boosting its capacity and enabling expansion of its agro-industrial park. (Businessday NG)

She included a fintech SME focused on financial inclusion, especially for women entrepreneurs. By aligning with social impact goals (women’s empowerment and inclusion) and strong governance, Shecluded has been able to draw in investors who care about social returns as well as financial ones. (Businessday NG)

These are not just feel-good stories. They demonstrate that ESG alignment can enhance fundability, reduce capital costs, foster market trust, and facilitate scaling.

Challenges and how to overcome them

Of course, many SMEs face barriers: lack of awareness, limited technical capacity, the cost of setting up measurement or reporting systems, and external pressure (regulation, supply chain demands) without support. Research in Nigeria shows that inadequate internal environmental management policies, lack of know-how, and limited access to sustainable finance are especially binding constraints. (SpringerOpen)

To overcome these:

-Governments and regulators must simplify ESG compliance for SMEs-proportionate disclosure, clear guidance, and support programmes.

DFIs, impact investors and development partners should provide blended finance or grants to help SMEs build ESG capacity.

-Industry associations, accelerators, and civil society can build peer networks and knowledge sharing.

ESG and access to capital: What investors are looking for

Investors looking to back scaling SMEs tend to assess ESG performance via:

-Environmental: carbon footprint/energy efficiency; resource usage; waste management; adaptation to climate risk.

-Social: labour practices (fair wages, safety); diversity/inclusion; community impact; customer protection.

-Governance: transparency; board or leadership clarity; supply chain integrity; risk management.

Meeting these criteria allows SMEs to both apply for ESG-specific capital (green funds, impact funds) and improve their attractiveness in standard investment due diligence.

The ESG growth multiplier

When ESG is well integrated:

-SMEs reduce risk (regulatory, reputational, operational), thereby lowering the cost of capital.

-They open new markets (export markets or supply chains with ESG stipulations).

-They build stronger brands, greater customer trust, and better employee retention.

-They may become eligible for incentives (tax breaks, government contracts, preferential loans).

These gains compound: better capital, better operations, better scaling.

Conclusion

For SMEs in Nigeria and across Africa, ESG is not a distant requirement tied only to large corporations. It is a growth enabler: one that unlocks better capital, stronger partnerships, and more resilient operations. Entrepreneurs who align their strategies with ESG frameworks now position themselves not only for faster scaling but also for sustainable scaling.

As policy continues to evolve (for example, mandatory ESG or sustainability disclosure standards, or ESG-linked financing instruments), those SMEs who have already done the work, or who begin now, will have a competitive head start. For entrepreneurs, the message is clear: invest in ESG not just for compliance or ethics, but as a deliberate accelerator of growth.

Today marks the 65th anniversary of our great nation’s Independence. As we reflect on the significance of this day and our journey of nationhood since October 1, 1960, when our founding fathers accepted the instruments of self-government from colonial rule, let us remember their sacrifice, devotion, and grand dream of a strong, prosperous, and united Nigeria that will lead Africa and be the beacon of light to the rest of the world.

Our founding heroes and heroines-Herbert Macaulay, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Margaret Ekpo, Anthony Enahoro, Ladoke Akintola, Michael Okpara, Aminu Kano, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, and other nationalists-believed it was Nigeria’s manifest destiny to lead the entire black race as the largest black nation on earth.

For decades, the promise of our Independence has been tested by profound social, economic, and political challenges, and we have survived. While we may not have achieved all the lofty dreams of our forebearers, we have not strayed too far from them. In 65 years since our Independence, we have made tremendous progress in economic growth, social cohesion, and physical development. Our economy has experienced significant growth since 1960.

Although, it is much easier for those whose vocation is to focus solely on what ought to be, we must recognise and celebrate our significant progress. Nigerians today have access to better education and healthcare than in 1960. At Independence, Nigeria had 120 secondary schools with a student population of about 130,000. Available data indicate that, as of year 2024, there were more than 23,000 secondary schools in our country. At Independence, we had only the University of Ibadan and Yaba College of Technology as the two tertiary institutions in Nigeria. By the end of last year, there were 274 universities, 183 Polytechnics, and 236 Colleges of Education in Nigeria, comprising Federal, State, and private institutions. We have experienced a significant surge in growth across every sector of our national life since Independence – in healthcare, infrastructure, financial services, manufacturing, telecommunications, information technology, aviation and defence, among others.

Our country has experienced both the good and the bad times in its 65 years of nationhood, as is normal for every nation and its people. We fought a bitter and avoidable civil war, experienced military dictatorships, and lived through major political crises. In all these, we weathered every storm and overcame every challenge with courage, grit, and uncommon determination. While our system and ties that bind us are sometimes stretched by insidious forces opposed to our values and ways of life, we continue to strive to build a more perfect union where every Nigerian can find better accommodation and find purpose and fulfilment.

Fellow Compatriots, this is the third time I will address you on our independence anniversary since I assumed office as your President on May 29, 2023. In the last 28 months of my administration, like our founding fathers and leaders who came before me, I have committed myself irrevocably to the unfinished nation-building business.

Upon assuming office, our administration inherited a near-collapsed economy caused by decades of fiscal policy distortions and misalignment that had impaired real growth. As a new administration, we faced a simple choice: continue business as usual and watch our nation drift, or embark on a courageous, fundamental reform path. We chose the path of reform. We chose the path of tomorrow over the comfort of today. Less than three years later, the seeds of those difficult but necessary decisions are bearing fruit.

In resetting our country for sustainable growth, we ended the corrupt fuel subsidies and multiple foreign exchange rates that created massive incentives for a rentier economy, benefiting only a tiny minority. At the same time, the masses received little or nothing from our Commonwealth. Our administration has redirected the economy towards a more inclusive path, channelling money to fund education, healthcare, national security, agriculture, and critical economic infrastructure, such as roads, power, broadband, and social investment programmes. These initiatives will generally improve Nigerians’ quality of life. As a result of the tough decisions we made, the Federal and State governments, including Local Governments, now have more resources to take care of the people at the lower level of the ladder, to address our development challenges.

Fellow Nigerians, we are racing against time. We must build the roads we need, repair the ones that have become decrepit, and construct the schools our children will attend and the hospitals that will care for our people. We have to plan for the generations that will come after us. We do not have enough electricity to power our industries and homes today, or the resources to repair our deteriorating roads, build seaports, railroads, and international airports comparable to the best in the world, because we failed to make the necessary investments decades ago. Our administration is setting things right.

I am pleased to report that we have finally turned the corner. The worst is over, I say. Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief. I salute your endurance, support, and understanding. I will continue to work for you and justify the confidence you reposed in me to steer the ship of our nation to a safe harbour.

Under our leadership, our economy is recovering fast, and the reforms we started over two years ago are delivering tangible results. The second quarter 2025 Gross Domestic Product grew by 4.23%-Nigeria’s fastest pace in four years-and outpaced the 3.4 per cent projected by the International Monetary Fund. Inflation declined to 20.12% in August 2025, the lowest level in three years. The administration is working diligently to boost agricultural production and ensure food security, reducing food costs.

In the last two years of our administration, we have achieved 12 remarkable economic milestones as a result of the implementation of our sound fiscal and monetary policies:

We have attained a record-breaking increase in non-oil revenue, achieving the 2025 target by August with over N20 trillion. In September 2025 alone, we raised N3.65 trillion, 411% higher than the amount raised in May 2023.

We have restored Fiscal Health: Our debt service-to-revenue ratio has been significantly reduced from 97% to below 50%. We have paid down the infamous ‘Ways and Means’ advances that threatened our economic stability and triggered inflation. Following the removal of the corrupt petroleum subsidy, we have freed up trillions of Naira for targeted investment in the real economy and social programmes for the most vulnerable, as well as all tiers of government.

We have a stronger foreign Reserve position than three years ago. Our external reserves increased to $42.03 billion this September-the highest since 2019.

Our tax-to-GDP ratio has risen to 13.5 per cent from less than 10 per cent. The ratio is expected to increase further when the new tax law takes effect in January. The tax law is not about increasing the burden on existing taxpayers but about expanding the base to build the Nigeria we deserve and providing tax relief to low-income earners.

We are now a Net Exporter: Nigeria has recorded a trade surplus for five consecutive quarters. We are now selling more to the world than we are buying, a fundamental shift that strengthens our currency and creates jobs at home. Nigeria’s trade surplus increased by 44.3% in Q2 2025 to ?7.46 trillion ($4.74 billion), the largest in about three years. Goods manufactured in Nigeria and exported jumped by 173%. Non-oil exports, as a component of our export trade, now represent 48 per cent, compared to oil exports, which account for 52 per cent. This signals that we are diversifying our economy and foreign exchange sources outside oil and gas.

Oil production rebounded to 1.68 million barrels per day from barely one million in May 2023. The increase occurred due to improved security, new investments, and better stakeholder management in the Niger Delta. Furthermore, the country has made notable advancements by refining PMS domestically for the first time in four decades. It has also established itself as the continent’s leading exporter of aviation fuel.

The Naira has stabilised from the turbulence and volatility witnessed in 2023 and 2024. The gap between the official rate and the unofficial market has reduced substantially, following FX reforms and fresh capital and remittance inflows. The multiple exchange rates, which fostered corruption and arbitrage, are now part of history. Additionally, our currency rate against the dollar is no longer determined by fluctuations in crude oil prices.

Under the social investment programme to support poor households and vulnerable Nigerians, N330 billion has been disbursed to eight million households, many of whom have received either one or two out of the three tranches of the N25,000 each.

Coal mining recovered dramatically from a 22% decline in Q1 to 57.5% growth in Q2, becoming one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing sectors. The solid mineral sector is now pivotal in our economy, encouraging value-added production of minerals extracted from our soil.

The administration is expanding transport infrastructure across the country, covering rail, roads, airports, and seaports. Rail and water transport grew by over 40% and 27%, respectively. The 284-kilometre Kano-Kastina-Maradi Standard Gauge rail project and the Kaduna-Kano rail line are nearing completion. Work is progressing well on the legacy Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Highway. The Federal Executive Council recently approved $3 billion to complete the Eastern Rail Project.

The world is taking notice of our efforts. Sovereign credit rating agencies have upgraded their outlook for Nigeria, recognising our improved economic fundamentals. Our stock market is experiencing an unprecedented boom, rising from an all-share index of 55,000 points in May 2003 to 142,000 points as of September 26, 2025.

At its last MPC meeting, the Central Bank slashed interest rates for the first time in five years, expressing confidence in our country’s macroeconomic stability.

SECURITY:

We are working diligently to enhance national security, ensuring our economy experiences improved growth and performance. The officers and men of our armed forces and other security agencies are working tirelessly and making significant sacrifices to keep us safe. They are winning the war against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes. We see their victories in their blood and sweat to stamp out Boko Haram Terror in North-East, IPOB/ESN terror in South East and banditry and kidnapping. We must continue to celebrate their gallantry and salute their courage on behalf of a grateful nation. Peace has returned to hundreds of our liberated communities in North-West and North-East, and thousands of our people have returned safely to their homes.

YOUTH:

I have a message for our young people. You are the future and the greatest assets of this blessed country. You must continue to dream big, innovate, and conquer more territories in your various fields of science, technology, sports, and the art and creative sector. Our administration, through policies and funding, will continue to give you wings to fly sky-high. We created NELFUND to support students with loans for their educational pursuits. Approximately 510,000 students across 36 states and the FCT have benefited from this initiative, covering 228 higher institutions. As of September 10, the total loan disbursed was N99.5 billion, while the upkeep allowance stood at N44.7 billion.

Credicorp, another initiative of our administration, has granted 153,000 Nigerians N30 billion affordable loans for vehicles, solar energy, home upgrades, digital devices, and more.

YouthCred, which I promised last June, is a reality, with tens of thousands of NYSC members now active beneficiaries of consumer credit for resettlement.

Under our Renewed Hope Agenda, we promised to build a Nigeria where every young person, regardless of background, has an equitable opportunity to access a better future-thus, the Investment in Digital and Creative Enterprises (iDICE) programme. The Bank of Industry is driving the programme, in collaboration with the African Development Bank, the French Development Agency, and the Islamic Development Bank. This initiative is at the cusp of implementation. Over the last two years, we have collaborated with our partners to launch the programme, supporting our young builders and dreamers in the technology and creative sectors.

A MESSAGE OF HOPE

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. Our macro-economic progress has proven that our sacrifices have not been in vain. Together, we are laying a new foundation cast in concrete, not on quicksand.

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. Let me assure you of our administration’s determination to ensure that the resources we have saved and the stability we have built are channelled into these critical areas. Today, the governors at the state level, and the local government autonomy are yielding more developments.

Therefore, on this 65th Anniversary of Our Independence, my message is hope and a call to action. The federal government will continue to do its part to fix the plumbing in our economy. Now, we must all turn on the taps of productivity, innovation, and enterprise, just like the Ministry of Interior has done with our travel passports, by quickening the processing. In this regard, I urge the sub-national entities to join us in nation-building. 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.

Happy 65th Independence Anniversary, and may God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Amen.

Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR

President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces

of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,

Presidential Villa,

Abuja.