Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Chairman of Odiolowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Seyi Jakande, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving the quality of life for residents through targeted interventions in education, healthcare, security, environment and social welfare.

He said the council has consistently supported indigent pupils by distributing free General Certificate Examination (GCE) forms.

He added that a ‘Back-to-School’ initiative has been rolled out across the LCDA’s 87 public primary schools to reduce parents’ financial burdens and encourage academic excellence among young learners.

The council boss acknowledged recurring complaints about blocked drainage and flooding, especially on Post Office Street.

He said the council has acquired more waste disposal trucks and intensified community sensitisation on proper refuse management.

‘Residents cannot continue to enjoy free-flowing drainage if they keep dumping refuse into the channels,’ he said.

Jakande also underscored ongoing efforts to improve security. Shortly after assuming office, the council inaugurated a Joint Task Force to combat rising crime.

He noted that Ogunmoku Bridge, once a hotspot for criminal activity, has regained safety through the provision of streetlights and regular patrols. In addition, youths are being engaged through ICT training and skill acquisition programmes designed to provide alternatives to crime.

Responding to residents’ complaints about electricity, the council boss clarified that power supply and prepaid meter distribution fall outside the council’s direct mandate. However, he assured that the LCDA is in constant engagement with relevant agencies to ensure community concerns are addressed.

On infrastructure, Jakande dismissed allegations that work along the Kumuyi-Fafolu axis had been abandoned.

‘It is not abandoned. When you visit, you will see massive construction work going on,’ he added.

The council boss also defended healthcare delivery within the council, insisting that the Ayantuga Primary Health Centre remains fully operational, well-equipped, and manned by qualified personnel.

He said that new health centres are being developed in Kayode and Ilupeju to expand access and ease pressure on existing facilities.

Jakande further urged youths to look beyond social media commentaries and play more active roles in community development programmes and democratic processes.

The management of Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan has confirmed that two of its players: Taye Muritala and Abdullahi Lawal who underwent successful surgeries over the weekend, are now recovering.

According to a report from the club, the two players expected to re-join the squad during the course of the season.

The club stated that it remains committed to the health and welfare of its players, which it places as its top priority.

The Oluyole Warriors last weekend picked up their first away win of the ongoing 2025/26 NPFL season after staging a 2-1 comeback win over Warri Wolves in Ozoro.

They Oluyole will next host Plateau United this weekend, in what promises to be another mouthwatering NPFL match day 7 fixture in Ibadan.

Nigeria is at the crossroads as it marks its 65th independence anniversary – a nation weighed down by poverty, insecurity, and corruption, yet lifted by the promise of youthful innovation, cultural influence, and reforms that seek to break old patterns. From the oil fields of the Niger Delta to the buzzing tech hubs of Lagos, the country faces a defining question: can its bright spots finally outshine the shadows?

Beyond oil

For decades, oil has been Nigeria’s lifeline – and its curse. Since the 1970s, crude oil has contributed as much as 90 per cent of export revenues and over half of government income. But global shifts in energy and Nigeria’s own dwindling production have exposed the fragility of this model.

Today, cracks in oil dependency are widening. Entertainment, financial technology, telecommunications, and agriculture are emerging as strong contenders in Nigeria’s economic story. Agriculture contributes roughly 25 per cent of GDP, while services – powered by fintech and telecoms – now account for nearly 50 per cent. Lagos has become one of Africa’s busiest financial hubs, home to banks, startups, and investors chasing the next big thing.

Former Finance Minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, now head of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), once remarked: ‘Oil can no longer carry this nation. What gives me hope is the innovation I see among young Nigerians building billion-dollar businesses in technology, entertainment, and agribusiness.’

One such innovator is Femi Adeyemi, founder of a growing agritech company in Ibadan. ‘We’re using mobile platforms to link farmers directly to markets. It reduces waste and gives farmers more profit,’ he explains. ‘These are things oil wealth never solved.’

Yet reforms are painful. President Bola Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidies in 2023 sparked protests as transport and food prices soared. The government defends the policy, arguing that it frees billions for infrastructure and social spending. Tax reforms, too, promise a broader revenue base – but small business owners worry about excessive burdens.

‘I sell provisions in Surulere, Lagos,’ says 38-year-old shopkeeper Mariam. ‘Every policy feels like it costs us more. If the government wants to diversify, they should support us, not just collect from us.’

The road to diversification is rocky, but without it, Nigeria cannot sustain its people. And diversification demands more than ideas; it requires the physical backbone of progress: roads, railways, and power.

Building roads, bridges, and trust

Nigeria, with over 200 million people, has an enormous demand for infrastructure. For decades, potholed roads, collapsing bridges, and erratic power supply have strangled growth. However, there have been some noticeable changes in recent years.

The Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, once notorious for traffic jams and accidents, has undergone significant upgrades. The long-awaited Second Niger Bridge now links the Southeast more effectively, easing bottlenecks. Abuja-Kaduna’s rail line has cut travel time and boosted trade, despite security concerns.

Minister of Works David Umahi insists: ‘We are not where we want to be, but projects like the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway and the Second Niger Bridge are proof that Nigeria is moving forward. Our target is to connect communities and unlock trade.’

However, not everyone is convinced. Civil society leader Aisha Yusuf warns: ‘Infrastructure must serve the people, not just political interests. Transparency is non-negotiable. Projects must be completed, not abandoned after ribbon-cuttings.’

Onitsha-based trader Chukwudi Okeke testifies to the benefits: ‘With the new bridge, it takes me less time to get goods across. Before, we could spend a whole day in traffic. Now, at least, there is some relief.’

Such stories suggest progress, but infrastructure is only part of the puzzle. For a nation so young in demographic terms – with over 60 per cent under 25 – the real engine of transformation lies in its restless youth.

Young, bold and wired

Nigeria is one of the youngest countries in the world, with a median age of just 18. Its youth are inventive and increasingly digital. In Lagos’ Yaba district – dubbed ‘Yabacon Valley’ – co-working spaces buzz with coders, app developers, and entrepreneurs hoping to disrupt everything from banking to education.

Nigeria is at the vanguard of Africa’s tech revolution, thanks to the hundreds of millions of dollars that startups like Flutterwave, Paystack, and Andela have secured over the past few decades. In 2022 alone, Nigerian startups raised over $1.2 billion in venture capital, nearly one-third of Africa’s total.

‘Every day, Nigerian innovators prove that with the right environment, we can lead the continent in digital transformation,’ says Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, co-founder of Andela and Flutterwave. ‘The challenge is government policy – it must nurture, not suffocate, innovation.’

Tinubu has pledged to expand broadband access to rural areas, lower regulatory hurdles for startups, and invest in digital skills. If realised, these promises could supercharge the youth-driven economy.

But beneath the energy of tech hubs, frustration simmers. University student Chika Odili explains: ‘We’re creative, we’re connected, but unemployment is still killing us. Everyone wants to start a business, but not everyone gets funding. Government must do more to create jobs.’

Although Nigeria has a bright digital future, a population this size cannot be fed by technology alone. To cut imports and feed its people, the country must return to its roots: agriculture.

Agriculture: the unfinished revolution

Nigeria’s fertile lands once earned it the title of ‘the breadbasket of Africa’. In the 1960s, groundnut pyramids stood proudly in Kano, cocoa farms in the Southwest fed Europe, and palm oil exports thrived in the Southeast. However, the oil boom led to the neglect of agriculture, leaving the country dependent on food imports.

Recent reforms have sparked a partial revival. Rice production has grown, with large-scale farms in Kebbi, Ebonyi, and Benue boosting local supply. Cassava and maize output have also risen, supported by improved seeds and better access to credit.

‘Food security is national security,’ says Kebbi farmer Musa Garba. ‘We are seeing better access to loans, but insecurity threatens everything. Bandits attack farms; people are afraid to plant.’

Indeed, insecurity in rural areas is the greatest obstacle. Floods and desertification, caused by climate change, exacerbate the issue by reducing yields. Post-harvest losses – as high as 40 per cent in some crops – remain another barrier.

While commissioning 2,000 tractors in June, the Tinubu administration declared that Nigeria’s agricultural renaissance had begun. If successful, Nigeria could drastically reduce its $10 billion annual food import bill. But success is far from guaranteed.

Agriculture may feed the body, but culture feeds the soul. And in that arena, Nigeria is already a global powerhouse.

Nollywood, Afrobeats and soft power

Step into a club in London or New York, and chances are an Afrobeats track will be pulsing through the speakers. Nigerian stars like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Tems have conquered global charts, selling out stadiums and redefining Africa’s sound.

At home, Nollywood continues to produce thousands of films annually, ranking as the world’s second-largest film industry by volume. Streaming platforms showcase Nigerian productions to global audiences, while local cinemas brim with homegrown blockbusters.

Fashion, too, has found its stage: designers like Lisa Folawiyo and Kenneth Ize have graced runways in Paris and Milan, bringing vibrant Ankara prints to the world.

‘The creative industry is Nigeria’s soft power,’ says entertainment lawyer Adebayo Oke. ‘It creates jobs and reshapes how the world sees us. Our music, movies, and fashion give Nigeria a global identity beyond oil and politics.’

Government promises include creative hubs, grants, and stronger intellectual property protection. If sustained, these could nurture growth, which already contributes about three per cent of GDP and employs millions.

But creativity, like commerce, thrives best in a stable democracy. And Nigeria’s democratic journey, though imperfect, has endured longer than ever before.

Democracy: imperfect but alive

In 1999, Nigeria returned to civilian rule after decades of military dictatorship. Since then, it has sustained 26 years of continuous democracy – its longest stretch ever. That achievement is notable in a region where coups have resurfaced in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger.

‘We cannot dismiss the democratic progress we have made,’ says former INEC Chairman Prof. Attahiru Jega. ‘Our elections are not perfect, but our institutions are stronger than before. Strengthening them further is the key to resisting elite capture.’

Elections remain contested, with allegations of fraud and violence common. Yet citizens are increasingly vigilant. Civil society groups monitor polls, courts arbitrate disputes, and the media shines light on abuses.

Tinubu has pledged to digitalise public services, streamline ministries, and push judicial reforms. Sceptics remain wary, recalling past governments that made similar promises.

Civil activist Hauwa Ibrahim insists: ‘Democracy is not just about voting; it is about accountability every day. Leaders must match the resilience of the people with genuine service.’

For democracy to flourish, however, citizens must feel safe – and that remains Nigeria’s greatest struggle.

The security question

Insurgency, banditry, and kidnappings leave deep scars. Boko Haram, though weaker than at its peak in the 2010s, continues to carry out sporadic attacks in the Northeast. In the Northwest, armed bandits terrorise villages, kidnapping schoolchildren and farmers for ransom. Across the country, insecurity shapes daily life.

‘Boko Haram is weaker today than a decade ago,’ insists Defence Chief General Christopher Musa. ‘But we must tackle root causes: poverty, unemployment, poor governance.’

In Zamfara, mother of three, Halima, shares a different perspective: ‘I cannot farm anymore. Every season, bandits come. We live in fear. How can we think of democracy or the economy when we are not safe?’

Security challenges extend beyond Nigeria’s borders. As West Africa’s largest military, Nigeria plays a leading role in ECOWAS peacekeeping, mediating crises in the sub-region. Yet critics say domestic instability undermines its ability to project power abroad.

The contradiction is stark: a country with immense regional influence, but whose citizens remain vulnerable at home. And yet, through it all, ordinary Nigerians refuse to give up.

Citizens speak

The voices of ordinary Nigerians capture the nation’s mood – a blend of fatigue and defiance, hardship and hope.

Chika Odili, the student from Enugu, says: ‘We are tired of promises, but I believe this generation can change Nigeria. Technology gives us the power to demand better governance.’

In Kano, teacher Abdulrazaq Musa laments rising costs: ‘My salary has not changed, but food prices have tripled. People are struggling. Government must know survival is not prosperity.’

From Lagos, artisan Funmi Adebanjo adds: ‘Every day we hustle, and every day is tough. But Nigerians are survivors. No matter what, we don’t give up.’

Senator Shehu Sani, who represented Kaduna Central in the National Assembly, captures the spirit: ‘The spirit of Nigeria is unbreakable. We stumble, but we do not fall. The task is for leaders to match the resilience of the people.’

Looking forward

At 65, Nigeria stands at a crossroads. Poverty, insecurity, and corruption persist like stubborn ailments. But diversification, innovation, agriculture, creativity, and democratic endurance are glimmers of progress amid the shadows.

Nigeria at 65 is like an elder scarred by wars, weathered by storms, yet still upright, still restless, still hopeful. The future remains uncertain, but the will to fight for it remains alive.

Reforms must go beyond lofty policies – they demand transparency, consistency, and citizen engagement. Without these, gains will evaporate like morning dew.

As Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka once warned: ‘The man dies in all who keep silent in the face of tyranny.’ Silence, at 65, is no longer an option. Nigerians are speaking louder than ever – for accountability, for justice, for dignity.

The nation’s story is still being written. Whether the next chapters record progress or regression depends not just on leaders but on the people’s refusal to give up. After 65 years of turbulence, Nigeria remains restless, resilient, and unbowed. The task is clear: to turn endurance into triumph, and promise into fulfilment.

The Leader of the Kwankwasiyya Movement in Gobirawa Ward, Dala Local Government Area of Kano State, Alhaji Amadu Danfulani, yesterday defected from the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Danfulani expressed disappointment in the Kwankwasiyya Political Movement and its leader, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

The former NNPP chieftain stated that he and thousands of his followers were not happy with what he called the anti-people’s policies and programmes of the NNPP governing the state.

Danfulani’s defection ceremony was held at the Kano State APC Headquarters on the Hotoro-Maiduguri Road.

Kano State APC Chairman Abdullahi Abbas, who was represented by the party’s Zonal Chairman for Kano Central, Alhaji Shehu Aliyu Ungoggo, and the Managing Director of Hadejia Jama’are River Basin Development Authority (HJRBDA), Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, ‘baptised’ the Danfulani and other defectors at the event.

Other party chieftains on hand to receive the defectors included the Kano State APC Youth Leader, who doubles as the Northwest Zonal Youth Leader, Alhaji Labaran Kura; the APC Chairman in Dala Local Government, Alhaji Munir Haruna; and the Gobirawa Ward APC Chairman.

Abbas, who was represented by Alhaji Ungoggo, stated that the party’s doors were open to welcome members from all opposition parties, provided they follow the party’s procedure, rules, and regulations.

He said even Kwankwaso was free to return to APC if he followed the party’s due process and obeyed the party’s laws, constitution, and principles.

He stressed that ‘Gobirawa, being the largest ward in the state and Nigeria, with the highest number of polling units, the defection of Danfulani and thousands of NNPP members to APC was a plus for the ruling party ahead of the 2027 general election’.

Danfulani said he was happy to join the APC, promising to work with Bichi and other party executives to ensure victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all APC candidates at the 2027 polls.

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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

12. 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:

i. 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.

ii. 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 corruptpetroleum 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.

iii. 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.

iv. 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.

v. 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.

vi. 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.

vii. 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.

viii. 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.

ix. 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.

x. 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-BadagryHighway. The Federal Executive Council recently approved $3 billion to complete the Eastern Rail Project.

xi. 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.

xii. 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:

13. 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:

14. 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.

15. 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.

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

17. 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

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. 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.

21. Finally, let all hands be on deck. Let us believe, once more, in the boundless potential of our great nation.

22. With Almighty God on our side, I can assure you that the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here.

23. 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.

The Senator representing Lagos East Senatorial District, Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru, has commended Nigerians for their resilience and steadfastness as the nation marks its 65th Independence Anniversary.

In his Independence Day message, Abiru emphasised that Nigeria’s rich diversity must continue to serve as a source of unity and strength, rather than division.

He urged citizens to reject divisive rhetoric, intolerance, and actions capable of undermining national cohesion, stressing that the country’s future rests on the collective resolve of its people to work together in peace and progress.

Senator Abiru, who chairs both the Southern Senators’ Forum and the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance, and Other Financial Institutions, also called for increased support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He noted that the President’s bold reforms are gradually yielding the desired outcomes.

The Senator’s statement reads, ‘Today, as we mark the 65th Independence Anniversary of our beloved nation, I join millions of compatriots in celebrating Nigeria’s resilience and enduring spirit. Despite the economic, social, and political hurdles before us, our dear nation remains a beacon of hope on the African continent.

‘Our diversity – with over 250 ethnic groups and more than 500 languages – is our greatest asset. Under the green-and-white flag, we must continue to strengthen our unity, guard against actions that deepen our national fault lines, and renew our collective commitment to nation-building.

‘I equally appeal to all Nigerians to continue to stand solidly with our esteemed leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, as he provides bold and focused leadership that is clearly redirecting our country toward enduring sustainable development and economic growth.

‘The administration’s major policies have already begun to yield positive results. The harmonization of the foreign exchange market, among other laudable reforms, has helped to curb spiraling inflation, boost investor confidence, and lay the groundwork for a stable economic environment where enterprises can thrive – ultimately leading to shared prosperity.

‘This is not the time to give up on Nigeria. It is precisely at moments like this that our unity, resilience, and patriotism matter most. With determination and a shared sense of purpose, I am confident that we will emerge as a stronger and more prosperous nation – not just for ourselves, but for generations to come.’

Singer and songwriter Tems has set a historic record, becoming the first female Nigerian artist to sell more than 10 million units in the United States.

The milestone, confirmed on Tuesday by Chart Data on X (formerly Twitter), was driven by her global smash hit ‘Wait for U’ with Future and Drake, which has now surpassed the 10 million sales mark.

The achievement added to Tems’ growing list of international accolades, including a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance for ‘Wait for U’ and her distinction as the first African female artist to surpass one billion streams on Spotify.

Her meteoric rise began with her feature on Wizkid’s ‘Essence,’ which broke into the Billboard Hot 100 and earned multiple Grammy nominations. Since then, she has won several international honours, including BET Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and a Soul Train Music Award.

Currently on her 2025-2026 world tour, Tems is performing across major cities such as Nairobi, Salvador (Brazil), and Los Angeles, where she will headline at the iconic Dodger Stadium.

Stand-Up South South Security Group has called on Federal Government and patriotic Nigerians to resist the perceived plots by external forces to pull down Dangote Refinery, located in Lagos State, Nigeria.

In a statement on Wednesday by its National Secretary, Comrade Endurance Ukutegbere, the group said: ‘ As a Country and Nigerians, we should be very proud that Dangote Refinery is the WORLD’s largest single train Petroleum Refinery’

It stated: ‘This is why the Federal Government, our fellow country men in NUPENG and PENGASSAN must put into consideration the broader benefits of the Dangote Refinery to the country and Nigerians.

‘Nigeria got Independence from the British government 65 years ago, but unfortunately, Nigerians are still slaves to petroleum products importers and crude oil exporters. This country, Nigeria needs liberty and absolute independence from the slaves masters’

According to the group: ‘ These petroleum products importers and crude oil exporters will do everything possible to pull down the Dangote Refinery, and Nigerians, including the leadership of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria PENGASSAN, and National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers NUPENG must avoid the temptation of becoming an instruments to achieve this anti-Nigeria agenda’

‘This is very important, the leadership of PENGASSAN should also understand that workers of Dangote Refinery still enjoys the constitutional rights to join the union or not, in tandem to ‘ Freedom of Association. More so, Dangote Refinery workers are expected to comply with the terms and conditions of their employments.’

The statement continued: ‘ In this country, we all are aware that Lecturers of private Universities are not member of ASUU, and they have not been compelled to become members of ASUU. So, it is imperative to advise PENGASSAN to accept and respect the decision of Dangote Refinery that it’s workers will not join or become members of PENGASSAN.

‘Ironically, Nigerians appears to have lost confidence on when the moribund Refineries belonging to the Federal Government will ever come up and start production. A bird at hand, is worth more than millions of birds in the bush. Therefore, as a nation, we must ensure it’s survival and protect the Dangote Refinery.’

The group thanked the National Security Adviser and leadership of other security agencies for their intervention in resolving the industrial dispute between Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN.

‘Regrettably, it is becoming obvious that those behind the deliberate killing of Nigeria Refineries are plotting to pull down Dangote Refinery for whatever reason. The suffering masses were already battling with impact of inflation, high cost of living. Any move to frustrate Dangote Refinery will mean to further punish Nigerians.

‘With over 3,000 Nigerians employed and actively working at the Dangote Refinery, the Federal Government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerian of good conscience must prevent the pulling down of Dangote Refinery.

‘Nigeria lost a golden opportunity in 2007, when Dangote-led consortium was denied the acquisition of PH and Kaduna Refineries at $750 million. If Dangote was allowed to acquire and run the PH and Kaduna Refineries since 2007 till date, Nigeria would have achieved energy independence nearly two decades ago’

The statement concluded,: ‘ Now that Alhaji Aliko Dangote has built his private Dangote Refinery from the scratch to completion, PENGASSAN and NUPENG must take their fight to the Federal Government to revive the moribund Warri, PH and Kaduna Refineries.’

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a directive banning its members nationwide from taking continuous calls beyond 24 hours, warning that the practice has become a ‘silent killer’ of young doctors.

In a statement on Wednesday and jointly signed by Dr. Mohammad Suleiman, Dr. Shuaibu Ibrahim, Secretary-General and Dr. Abdulmajeed Yahya Ibrahim, Publicity and Social Secretary, the directive was contained in a communiqué released at the end of the Annual General Meeting (AGM), with the policy taking effect from October 1, 2025.

The directive also mandates a mandatory call-free period after every call.

The association described the decision as ‘not just necessary but vital, in line with the principles of self-preservation enshrined in the Hippocratic Oath.’

NARD said its decision was not oblivious of the grim statistics, pointing to Nigeria’s worsening doctor-to-patient ratio.

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends one doctor to 600 patients. But in Nigeria, with a population of over 240 million and only about 11,000 resident doctors, the ratio stands at 1:9,083,’ it said noting that resident doctors in Nigeria work an average of 106.5 hours per week, while surgical residents put in as much as 122.7 hours weekly.

‘This translates to an average of four to five days of 24-hour call duty per week. It inevitably leads to increased medical errors due to burnout, endangers patient safety, and takes a severe toll on the mental, physical, and psychological well-being of doctors,’ the association noted.

The doctors lamented that many colleagues have died under these harsh conditions, leaving behind dependants without support, stressing, ‘While the nation celebrates, we quietly bury our colleagues as the country watches in silence. The bigger question is: how many more lives must we lose before decisive action is taken?’

NARD stressed that those who have chosen to remain in Nigeria despite the ongoing brain drain are ‘nothing short of patriots and heroes’ who deserve protection and equitable remuneration.

To address the crisis, the association called on the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Health, to implement a one-to-one replacement policy to reduce the crushing workload on doctors.

It also urged the government to establish clear regulations that curb excessive call hours to safeguard the lives of both doctors and patients.

‘As Nigeria celebrates 65 years of nationhood, it is time to reflect not only on our progress but also on the sacrifices of resident doctors who keep the health system running under unbearable strain.

‘We cannot continue to lose our members to preventable and avoidable deaths – not now, and not in the future.’

Actress Liz DaSilva has shared a harrowing experience where she nearly had an accident during Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan.

In a video posted on Instagram, DaSilva said she had almost forgotten to remove metal pins from her wig before entering the machine, which uses strong magnets that can pull metal objects, causing injury or affecting results.

Liz explained that she was initially scared about undergoing the scan and informed the medical staff about her fears.

She said after removing her earrings, bra, waist beads, and chain, she nearly proceeded with the scan without remembering the pins in her wig.

‘Yes. Some things have to be posted on social media. For people to know where to step on and where not to step on. I had an appointment this morning for 10.40am. And I also have another appointment for 2pm. I had my hair done. On getting to my appointment, it’s an MRI appointment. When I got in, I was scared. And I made it known to the person attending to me that I was scared.

‘I was almost ready to go in. But I remembered that there is pins in my hair. There is pins in my wig. So, I had to quickly remind her that my wig has pins. She said, oh, I was about to ask you,’ Liz said.

Overcome with emotion, Liz broke down in tears, expressing gratitude to God for saving her from a potentially fatal mistake.

She said in Yoruba, ‘Truly, God saved me, I can say it boldly, anywhere. What would have happened? If God had not protected me, who knows, maybe I would have died’.