Category: PM News

Ebonyi governor, Francis Nwifuru has said he was shocked over recent insinuations on the social media that he travelled abroad to attend to a health condition.

The rumours of the ill-health of the governor had caused palpable anxiety among some people in the state with many expressing worries over the governor’s wellbeing.

Speaking on Thursday, Nwifuru said he was shocked over the rumours his illness while on a recent official trip abroad.

The Governor spoke during the 65 Independence celebration and 29th year of Ebonyi’s creation in Abakaliki.

He said even his father was perturbed and called him to ask whether all was still well.

Contrary to the rumours, Nwifuru insisted that he was hale and hearty while on the foreign trip.

He attributed the rumours to what he described as the misrepresentation of his meekness to be weakness.

‘We have given people lots of privileges, but do not push a man to the wall.

‘I was, however, encouraged with the fact that if you are not important, no one will talk about you,’ he said.

Nwifuru counseled people especially youths not to take his calm, unique but resolute disposition for granted.

‘This does not mean that we cannot bite but I don’t want us to start biting.

‘When you see a man that is calm, be careful of him.

‘When I recall my rough road to where I am presently, I decide to take things easy,’ he said.

He reeled his administration’s achievements since assuming office in 2023, reiterating his determination to meet all objectives in his people’s charter of needs mantra.

‘Ebonyi has a lot to celebrate at 29 years and I thank our former governors and leaders of the state for keeping the state together since 1996,’ he said.

Former Governors of the state, Sen. Sam Egwu and Chief Martin Elechi in their remarks, thanked Nwifuru for effectively steering the state’s affairs in the people’s benefit.

The state All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman, Chief Stanley Okoro-Emegha among other stakeholders also congratulated the governor, while pledging their unalloyed support to his administration.

The governor inspected a guard of honour to mark the celebration, presented staff of offices to new traditional rulers in the state among other engagements.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed deep concern over the state of Nigeria as the country marks its 65th Independence Anniversary.

In a statement shared on social media, Atiku described the current situation as ‘tragic,’ highlighting widespread hunger, insecurity, and the plight of millions of Nigerians displaced within their own country.

‘Atiku noted that in a nation blessed with immense human and material resources, millions have been reduced to refugees and beggars in their fatherland,’ the statement read.

He criticised the current administration, saying it has ‘abandoned its people,’ leaving citizens vulnerable to starvation and violence from bandits and armed groups.

The former presidential candidate emphasised the power of democracy, reminding Nigerians that the ballot box remains a tool for change.

‘Oppressed and battered as our people may feel today, they will have the chance to sweep away this inept government at the next polls. That is the power no cabal can take away from the people,’ he said.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s 65-year journey, Atiku described the country as a ‘giant moving painfully slow on feet of clay,’ attributing the nation’s slow progress to decades of poor leadership and mismanagement.

He nevertheless expressed optimism that with responsible governance, Nigeria could recover and reclaim its position among the leading nations of the world.

Concluding his message, Atiku extended Independence Day greetings to all Nigerians, wishing them a day of reflection and celebration despite the challenges.

‘We suspended the action in good faith to respect government. But the moment we detect any foul play or gimmicks, we will return to the trenches immediately,’ the President of PENGASSAN, Mr Festus Osifo said on Thursday while confirming the suspension of industrial action declared by the union of alleged sack of its members by Dangote Refinery.

He added that the union will resume strike action if Dangote Group defaults on the agreement it reached with it for suspending the industrial action.

Osifo stated this during a news conference at the end of the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, on Wednesday to assess government’s intervention in the prolonged industrial dispute.

The strike was initially triggered by the reported mass sack of more than 800 Nigerian workers by Dangote Petrochemicals and Fertiliser Limited after they voluntarily subscribed to join PENGASSAN.

Osifo described the dismissals as an attack on workers’ constitutional rights and a violation of Nigeria’s obligations under International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions protecting freedom of association.

‘Let it be known clearly that if there is any slip or breach in implementing this agreement, we shall immediately resume our suspended nationwide industrial action,’ Osifo warned.

He said NEC decided to suspend the strike out of respect for institutions, in spite of serious concerns over loopholes in the government-brokered agreement reached with Dangote management.

‘Even with our doubts about Dangote’s sincerity, we have chosen the moral high ground. Nigerians must see PENGASSAN as patriotic, law-abiding and committed to sustaining national economic stability,’ he stated.

Osifo said the union’s main demand was full reinstatement of the affected workers, but government instead opted for redeployment within related companies owned by the Dangote Group.

‘Our position was simple: bring them back to their original jobs. Government proposed a middle ground instead, and that remains our greatest reservation with the settlement,’ Osifo explained.

He added that the union accepted the compromise reluctantly, noting that the most important thing now was to get the affected workers back to earning and feeding their families.

However, Osifo made it clear that PENGASSAN would not be misled by unfulfilled promises or prolonged delays.

‘We will not wait endlessly if nothing happens.

The Dangote/PENGASSAN Agreement

The Federal Government had in an earlier statement indicated that PENGASSAN had agreed to suspend its two days strike action against Dangote Refinery.

This followed a two-day meeting, held on Monday and Tuesday between the Federal Government, PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery.

The agreement for calling off the strike stipulates three key positions: Dangote Group would immediately start the reabsorption of sacked workers, and PENGASSAN would suspend the strike and end workers’ victimisation.

‘Reabsorption of Workers: The Dangote Group management will immediately start the process of taking the disengaged staff to other companies within the Dangote Group, with no loss of pay,’ the communique read.

‘No Victimisation: Both sides agreed that ‘no worker will be victimised arising from their role in the impasse.’

PENGASSAN had while announcing the strike on Sunday directed its members to cut gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery.

Kogi State has been thrown into mourning after a tragic boat mishap on the River Niger claimed no fewer than 20 lives.

The ill-fated boat, packed with traders and community members from Onugwa in Ibaji Local Government Area, was heading to Ilushi Market in Edo State on Tuesday evening when it capsized midway.

Eyewitnesses said the passengers were travelling for the October 1 celebration and market day when the boat, overloaded with people and goods, went under.

Local farmer James Otoga, who witnessed the tragedy, said only five people were rescued alive. ‘So far, 20 bodies have been recovered, but more of our people are still trapped in the river,’ he said, his voice breaking.

Confirming the disaster, Ibaji council chairman Hon. Ugeh Emmanuel described it as ‘the most disastrous accident in the history of the local government.’

‘As I speak to you, nobody can say the exact number of casualties. We don’t even know how many boarded the boat. It happened around 4:30pm, and most of the victims were on their way for the October 1st celebration,’ he said.

The state government, through Commissioner for Information Kingsley Fanwo, called the tragedy ‘unfortunate’ and confirmed the rising death toll.

Governor Usman Ododo, in a condolence message, directed emergency agencies to support the victims’ families and promised tighter waterway safety measures in collaboration with federal authorities.

He also urged riverine communities to prioritise safety by avoiding overloading and always using life jackets.

Boat accidents have become a grim trend in Kogi and other riverine states. Last December, 19 passengers died when another overloaded wooden boat capsized on the River Niger while heading to Kacha Market in Niger State.

For the families of Ibaji, however, this latest tragedy has brought October 1 not as a day of celebration, but of tears.

The Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency (LSMTL) has unveiled a bold initiative aimed at ending the recurring tragedy of building collapses in the state.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ forum in Badagry and Ese-Ofin, Engr. Olayinka Abdul, General Manager of LSMTL, urged artisans, block moulders, concrete mixers, and steel makers to join forces in a pioneering Certified Structural Integrated Programme (CSIP).

‘This alliance between LSMTL and you, the lifeblood of our construction industry, starts now. Without you, there is no construction. But with you, we have the power to ensure every building is safe, sound, and secure,’ Abdul said.

The CSIP is structured as a comprehensive five-year assessment programme for standing buildings, combining pre-construction, construction, and post-construction monitoring. Artisans are tasked with producing quality materials, while LSMTL ensures certification through rigorous testing.

Abdul, represented by the Director of Admin and Human Resource, Mr Abayomi Adewunmi, emphasised, ‘Every single material used in construction must be certified fit-for-purpose. Many collapses are preventable-they often trace back to weak blocks, substandard concrete, or improperly sized steel. This ends today.’

She said key elements of the programme include mandatory sub-soil investigations before permits are issued, destructive testing of materials during construction, and advanced non-destructive testing post-construction using tools like the Pundit and Profoscope to assess structural integrity without causing damage.

The General Manager further highlighted the broader impact: ‘If a building fails a test, we can trace the failure to its source. Let us be the source of quality, not the source of failure.’

She also announced plans to create a directory of certified artisans and material producers, ensuring builders and developers have access to guaranteed quality services.

Abdul concluded with a powerful call to action: ‘The choice is simple: we can be part of the problem, or we can be the foundation of the solution. Together, we can forge an unbreakable alliance for a safer, stronger Lagos.’

Also speaking, the Director of Soil and Geotechnics at LSMTL, Engr. Abimbola Adebayo, stated that ‘Genuine research has shown that materials which have been properly tested and certified for building construction possess a lifespan of at least 70 years and above.’

He further advised that ‘Builders should adopt mechanical innovations in the process of block moulding, as mechanically engineered moulds are far stronger and more durable than manually produced ones.’

Adebayo also emphasized the importance of conducting soil testing on every parcel of land, even those located in proximity, before the commencement of any construction project.

Additionally, the overall Chairman, Lagos State Bricklayers Association (LSBA), Mr Fashina Yusuf Aro, remarked that ‘We all know Lagos State is largely swampy, with predominantly loose soil, and such terrain requires specific materials to ensure solid foundations and stable buildings.’

He encouraged artisans across the construction value chain to collaborate sincerely with bricklayers, noting that bricklayers often face the greatest scrutiny whenever issues arise in building projects or when a collapse occurs.

He further advised that comprehensive material and soil testing should be conducted by LSMTL before bricklayers commence work on any site.

The discussions at the forum centred on the importance of material quality testing, adherence to engineering standards, and the need for continuous capacity development among construction professionals.

The participants reaffirmed their collective commitment to supporting the Lagos State Government’s vision of a resilient, sustainable, and collapse-free built environment.

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, has stirred heated controversy after accusing the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, of having an affair with his ex-wife while they were still married.

In a viral video shared on his Instagram page, the outspoken monarch alleged that his former wife was introduced to him from Canada as part of a grand conspiracy to end his life and destabilize his reign.

‘My things are hidden. None of you can endure what these people have done to me. They packaged a woman for me. I didn’t know her from Canada. It was a setup. She was in my house for over three years, communicating with them and plotting my death,’ Oba Akanbi said.

He further claimed that the woman, who bore a child during their marriage, poisoned him twice and made multiple assassination attempts while secretly working with the Ooni of Ife and his allies.

‘She had a child, whom I don’t even know if he’s my child now. I have to confirm that through DNA,’ the monarch declared.

Oba Akanbi also alleged that after he sent the woman away, the Ooni arranged accommodation for her and the child and was allegedly with her at a hotel.

The monarch concluded by warning that his feud with the Ooni of Ife would ‘never end.’

The South East Good Governance Advocates (SEGGA) has described a social media report that an Abia High Court has sentenced former governor Okezie Ikpeazu to death for embezzling over N5 trillion as false and malicious.

The embezzled fund was purportedly meant for airport and light rail projects, according to the report

But SEGGA, in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by Mark Onukwuwe and Anozie Madu, its coordinator and secretary urged those behind recent social media reports to focus on promoting good governance in Abia instead of peddling rumours.

The group also faulted the names associated with the alleged judgment.

‘For the sake of clarity, it is pertinent to note that there is no judicial officer by the name Emeka Nwogu serving in the Abia State judiciary.

‘This raises significant doubts about the authenticity of the alleged Court Judgment.

‘Furthermore, Nigerian jurisprudence does not classify corruption offenses as capital crimes warranting the death penalty.

‘This purported claim appears to be an egregious fabrication, likely propagated in social media seeking to besmirch the reputation of the esteemed Abia State Judiciary,’ it said.

The group said the report was not only entirely fabricated but also a blatant attempt to distract the public from what it described as failures of the current administration.

‘The people of Abia deserve transparency and accountability, not diversionary tactics,’ they said.

According to Onukwuwe, a simple arithmetic calculation reveals the absurdity of the claims against Ikpeazu.

‘If Abia State were to attract N4 billion monthly, that would amount to N48 billion annually, and N480 billion over 10 years.

‘Where is the evidence to support the claim of N5 trillion embezzlement?

‘This fictitious report is a clear example of reckless journalism and malicious prosecution,’ the group noted.

It urged the public to disregard the false report but demand accountability from their elected officials.

Nigerian singer Qdot has revealed a terrifying encounter with armed robbers who invaded his home in the early hours of Sunday, September 28.

The artiste, best known for hits such as Alagbe, disclosed that he and his official DJ, DJ FAYA, were attacked at about 2:00 a.m. by armed men who carted away all his valuables.

In an Instagram post, Qdot described the incident as the ‘most terrifying experience’ of his life, admitting he feared he would not survive the ordeal.

‘On the 28th of September, around 2:00 a.m., I was robbed at gunpoint in my own home, alongside my official DJ. It was the most terrifying experience of my life. At that moment, I genuinely didn’t know if I would make it out alive. But by the grace and mercy of God, I’m still here,’ he wrote.

Despite losing all his prized possessions, the singer said he remains grateful for life.

‘They took everything valuable I owned, down to the last pin. But they didn’t take my life, and that alone is a blessing I don’t take for granted.’

Qdot admitted he is still traumatised but reassured fans that he is safe and surrounded by love as he begins his healing journey.

He also expressed appreciation for the outpouring of support from his fans and colleagues.

‘Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the messages, calls, and outpouring of love. Your support means more than words can express. I love you all and I’ll be back, stronger and wiser.’

An American animated sitcom, The Simpsons Movie has announced that it will be making a comeback with a sequel.

This sequel, which comes 20 years after the original was released is set to be released in 2027. The announcement of the sequel was made on Monday and was confirmed by 20th Century Studios and Disney.

Fans quickly expressed their excitement for the announcement. The initial Simpsons movie, which was directed by David Silverman, made about $536 million at the box office.

Matt Selma, the sitcom’s writer and producer also expressed his excitement for the sequel, noting that it will gain fans from a different generation.

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.