Category: The Nation – Nigeria

The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has said that the ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s telecommunications sector under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu are so fundamental that they could secure him a second term in office.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Agbese noted that while Nigerians have endured economic pains triggered by necessary reforms in other sectors, the transformation of telecoms has stood out as a clear success story that directly impacts the daily lives of millions of citizens.

He added that if the current trajectory is sustained, the telecoms sector could become President Tinubu’s most compelling re-election asset.

‘The transformation in telecoms is not cosmetic; it is foundational. When millions of Nigerians get safer, more reliable connectivity, and when our networks begin to deliver broadband that supports jobs, education and business, citizens will remember who made that possible. That is why reforms in this sector alone can merit another mandate for President Tinubu,’ Agbese said.

He noted that one of the most significant steps has been the consolidation of the National Identification Number (NIN) and Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) linkage.

‘What had lingered for years under previous administrations was achieved within one year of Tinubu’s presidency, cleaning up the database of active mobile lines and strengthening national security,’ Agbese observed.

According to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), over 153 million SIMs have now been harmonised with the NIN, a development Agbese described as ‘one of the most far-reaching exercises in Nigeria’s digital history.’

The lawmaker also pointed to the strides in broadband expansion, citing figures released by the NCC indicating a steady rise in penetration since 2023.

He maintained that improved access to high-speed internet was beginning to change the landscape of education, business and civic engagement across the country.

‘Connectivity is the new infrastructure. More people online means more economic activity, more taxation base and more resilience. This is the quiet revolution that the Tinubu administration is delivering,’ he said.

Agbese further commended the regulator for ensuring that Nigerians were now enjoying improved service delivery, with value for money and services that match the growing demands of a youthful population.

He noted that the NCC was also increasingly looking at corporate social responsibility as a necessity for communities, ensuring that telecoms investment leaves a wider impact beyond profits.

The deputy spokesperson added that the push towards 5G technology and the careful management of spectrum licensing have further underlined the government’s determination to future-proof Nigeria’s digital economy.

He stressed that the policy environment has given operators the confidence to continue investing in infrastructure despite foreign exchange pressures and a challenging macroeconomic climate.

Beyond infrastructure, he praised the Tinubu administration for listening to industry concerns about over-taxation. He recalled that proposed levies on telecom services, which would have increased the cost of calls and data for consumers, were suspended on the orders of the President.

According to him, this fiscal reprieve has kept services affordable and has allowed the sector to maintain momentum at a time when households are grappling with high living costs.

‘President Tinubu deserves credit for recognising the strategic importance of this sector and making the right calls. By removing unnecessary levies and encouraging reforms that promote investment, the government has ensured that Nigeria remains one of the fastest-growing digital markets in Africa,’ the lawmaker added.

Agbese, however, acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly in extending reliable services to rural communities and ensuring that tariff adjustments do not widen the digital divide. He urged private operators to deepen investment while calling on regulators to maintain policy stability that would attract new capital.

He noted that despite these challenges, the telecoms sector offers a powerful narrative of delivery that the administration can proudly take to the Nigerian people.

‘Delivery on telecoms is tangible for ordinary Nigerians. It is visible in schools, markets and farms. It is the kind of delivery that people feel – and remember – when they go to vote,’ Agbese added.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has postponed the arraignment of a politician and online publisher, Omoyele Sowore, till October 27 for making a false claim against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Sowore, the publisher of Saraha Reporters and serial presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), was to be arraigned yesterday on a five-count charge the Department of State Services (DSS) filed against him and two others.

The two other defendants listed in the charge are: X Incorp (formerly Twitter) and Meta (Facebook) Incorp.

At the mention of the case yesterday, lawyer to the prosecution, Mohammed Abubakar, averred that the matter was scheduled for arraignment and applied that the defendants’ plea be taken.

But Sowore’s lawyer, Marshall Abubakar, objected, stating one of the defendants – X Incorp – was not represented by either a lawyer or an official.

Abubakar claimed that his client had not been served with the charge and that X was not represented.

The defence lawyer contended that in a criminal case, it is mandatory that all the defendants are present in court for a proper arraignment to take place.

At that point, the judge, Justice Mohammed Umar, looked through the case file and confirmed that X and Meta were served with the charge electronically through their email addresses.

On noting that Sowore was yet to be served personally (as required), the prosecuting lawyer sought the court’s permission to serve Sowore (who was in court) during the proceedings, a request the judge granted.

But Sowore’s lawyer prayed for an adjournment to allow his client adequate time and opportunity to prepare for his defence, as provided for under Section 282(6) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015.

Justice Umar adjourned till October 27 for Sowore’s arraignment.

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.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has dismissed as false claims of persecution against Christians in Nigeria.

‘They are lying that we have religious persecution and differences. They lie all over the place that we have religious persecution.” Tinubu said at the presentation of a book authored by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma, in Owerri.

The event, held at the Emmanuel Iwanyanwu International Conference Centre, which is one of the three newly completed projects earlier inaugurated by the President.

The launch of the book titled ‘A Decade of Impactful Progressive Governance in Nigeria’ drew political heavyweights such as Senate President Goodwill Akpabio, House of Reps Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, Deputy House of Reps Speaker Benjamin Kalu, All Progressives Congress (APC) governors and APC National Chairman Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda.

Traditional rulers at the event included the Oni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; Obi of Onitsha Alfred Acbebe.

The President, who also listed his administration’s main achievements, added that those who made the allegation against the country failed to realise that Nigerians were advanced enough to engage in religious persecution.

”We are more developed, civilised and well educated. Our Muslim brothers and sisters and Christian brothers and sisters are helping us to build a nation.

”We are united, no religious persecution in Nigeria – it’s a lie from the pit of hell,’ Tinubu said.

Opening his remarks on an optimistic note, he took a jab at his administration’s critics.

‘Our critics can say whatever they want because they don’t know any better; their Arithmetic has always been wrong. We understand financial engineering and progressive methodology much better than they do. That’s why we are here.’

The President restated that Nigeria has ‘turned the corner’ and that ‘the worst is over.’

He therefore urged Nigerians to ‘stay the course’ as his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda is translating into tangible recovery.

‘I stand before you confident, yet humble enough to say that Nigeria is no longer where it was 10 years ago. Today, I can confidently tell you that the worst is over. Stay the course. Believe in us because we believe in you. We trust the future’, Tinubu said.

The President pointed out that the country is steadily regaining economic credibility, citing a rise in external reserves and improving macroeconomic indicators.

‘Today, our external reserves stand at $42.03 billion, the highest since 2019. This is the proof that Nigeria is regaining its strength and credibility in the global economy,’ he stated.

He added that in the second quarter of this year, the economy grew by 4.23 percent while inflation eased to 20.12 percent in August.

The drop in inflation rate, which is described as ”relief ” is ‘the lowest in more than three years.’

”Slowly, but surely, the effects are reaching out to our people,” Tinubu said. But he had a message for Nigerians: ”You may not feel it yet, be patient.’

Underscoring a rebound in the real sector, President Tinubu reported that Nigeria’s trade surplus rose by more than 44 percent in the last quarter, while manufactured exports surged by 173 percent.

‘These numbers speak of a Nigeria that’s producing, exporting and competing more than ever before,’ he said, adding that the Naira has steadied as foreign-exchange reforms and new investment flows ‘restore confidence in our economy.’

While insisting that the upward climb ‘has been steep,’ President Tinubu maintained that the trajectory is now durable.

‘We will continue to work slowly up, but steadily now with our hands on the plough, no looking back. We are going to get to the top of the mountain,’ he said.

The President linked today’s momentum to the political turn Nigeria took a decade ago.

‘Ten years ago, our great party, the All Progressives Congress, came into office on the promise of change. That change is being witnessed here today,’ he said.

Tinubu credited the late President Muhammadu Buhari with beginning ‘the work of stabilisation,’ noting: ‘ Many years passed, mistakes were made, but the direction of our country shifted for the better ever since we came to power.’

He framed the events in Owerri as both a celebration and a record of stewardship.

Commending Governor Uzodimma for combining governance with authorship, Tinubu said: ‘Good job, good thinking, highly progressive, a man of great vision. Well done.’

By documenting ‘the milestones and struggles of the 10 years that we’ve gone through,’ said the President, the governor had given Nigeria ‘a gift.’

‘No nation can afford to forget its own journey, and no leader should escape the duty of stewardship,’ Tinubu said.

Reiterating his faith in Nigeria’s federal structure, Tinubu said the country is seeing practical dividends of reform.

‘By true federalism, there is no state governor of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that is struggling to pay salaries,’ he asserted, adding that new infrastructure ‘may outlive some of us.’

On education and social mobility, the President said: ‘Today, your children are in school. No child should go to bed hungry or be excluded from being able to pass and be admitted for higher education.’

The President highlighted improvements in healthcare capacity, saying Nigerians ‘can say confidently’ that there are well-equipped hospitals able to treat critical illnesses such as cancer.

‘We are investing in the welfare of our people. Right now, this economy will work for you, not for the smugglers, not for the corrupt,’ he said.

Tinubu thanked Nigerians for their ‘resilience,’ ‘endurance,’ and ‘perseverance,’ promising: ‘You will see prosperity, you will have it.’

Calling for patriotism as Nigeria marks 65 years of nationhood, Tinubu urged citizens to stop ‘talking ill’ of the country.

‘It’s 65 years of Independence – it is not a joke. We are proud of our forefathers. that Nigerians should be one, that it must be an inclusive government, that we must take care of the elderly, we must take care of the vulnerable, we must educate our children, build welfare that will take care of our healthcare system, [and] invest in agriculture mechanisation and irrigation,’ he said.

With adequate food production, he said, Nigeria would not only feed itself but ‘export to other countries.’

President Tinubu contrasted Nigeria’s present with ‘the old way’ that ‘brought our nation close to collapse.’

A ‘break with that past,’ he said, ‘was not an option; it was the only way forward. We broke the jinx.’

He urged Nigerians to ‘look forward,’ not back, and to measure progress by steady, real-world gains: ‘That growth is with purpose, not just on paper; it is real growth.’

Tinubu also defended the nation’s intellectual and cultural confidence amid international scrutiny.

‘We learn English, but we teach English too,’ he said, invoking a broader point about Nigeria’s capacity, cohesion, and ambition.

‘The last decade was a time of change; the coming decade will be an era of renewal and stability, and in that future, together, Nigeria will win. We will win with you’, the President assured.

Turning to Uzodimma, who is also chairman of the All Progressives Governors’ Forum, the President said: ‘You are a man of great vision, and I commend you for good thinking. Well done, seeing the projects that have been inaugurated and authoring a book is a challenging feat.’

Uzodimma reflected on Nigeria’s journey under the APC from 2015 to 2025, highlighting milestones, challenges, and lessons learned.

He emphasised that the book is not just a personal achievement but belongs to the APC family and Nigerians.

The governor described the book as a product of deep reflection that explains ‘progressivism’ in the Nigerian context.

He praised President Tinubu’s visionary leadership and role in forming the APC. He commended him for the economic progress in Nigeria.

Uzodimma told the gathering that Imo State has seen rapid infrastructure growth.

Senate President Akpabio hailed Uzodimma’s efforts in putting together a book that chronicles the APC’s achievements and his vision for Imo State.

Akpabio also commended the President for his leadership sagacity that attracts members of the opposition party to the APC.

‘Many more governors will defect to APC because of the President’s visionary leadership.”

The Obi Onitsha, who spoke for traditional rulers, also commended Uzodimma’s effort and described the book as a great service to the people.

Chairman of the IRS Group of Companies and the book presenter, Isyaku Rabiu, lauded Uzodimma for documenting the achievements of the ruling APC.

He said though not a politician, he is supporting the President for second term because of his economic policies.

Rabiu said: ‘Today, the price of a bag of rice has decreased to N50,000 due to the President’s initiatives to support farmers through fertiliser provision.’

Also, APC National Chairman, Yilwatda, described Tinubu as a custodian of transformation and a master strategist.

He also praised Governor Uzodimma for his leadership.

The governors present at the event were Babajide Sanwo-Olu(Lagos), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo), Monday Okpebholo(Edo), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Uba Sani (Kaduna), Dikko Radda (Katsina), Francis Nwofuru (Ebonyi), Inuwa Yahaya(Gombe), Abudulahi Sule (Nasarawa), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta) and Mohammed Bago (Niger) .

Some of the traditional rulers were Cletus Ilomuanya, Edidem Ekpo Okon Abadi of Calabar, Etsu Nupe Yahaya Abubakar and Eze E C Okeke.

Others at the event are Chief Bisi Akande, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy Wale Edun, Budget and Planning Minister Atiku Bagudu and his Information and National Orientation counterpart Mohammed Idris.

Diaspora investors in WINHOMES Estate have responded to recent comments regarding the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project, reaffirming their commitment to due process and the rule of law.

In a statement issued by Stella Okengwu, CEO of WINHOMES Global Services Ltd., the investors noted that the extent of land affected by demolition and the status of the ongoing court case remain matters before the Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos (Suit No. FHC/L/CS/1063/25), presided over by Justice Akintayo Aluko.

They stressed that no judgment has yet been delivered, and that the legal process must be allowed to run its full course.

The group highlighted that WINHOMES represents over $250 million in diaspora investment and that many families and professionals are stakeholders in the estate.

They reiterated that the protection of investor confidence requires adherence to constitutional provisions, judicial independence, and transparent governance practices.

WINHOMES also announced plans to convene a World Press Conference where documentary evidence, expert input, and stakeholder perspectives will be presented to Nigerians and the international community.

According to the statement, the investors remain committed to lawful engagement and will continue to pursue justice through the courts, insisting that issues concerning property rights, due process, and fair treatment of investors must be addressed with integrity and transparency.

Afrobeats star Rema has made history as the only African artist featured on the prestigious 2025 TIME100 Next list, which celebrates the world’s most influential rising stars.

His inclusion underscores his global impact on the music scene, with his chart-topping hit ‘Calm Down’ surpassing a billion streams twice.

Rema’s profile for the list was penned by Grammy-winning legend Angélique Kidjo, who hailed his remarkable achievements.

She highlighted how his success continues the legacy of African icons like Fela Kuti, Miriam Makeba, and Youssou N’Dour, who brought the continent’s sound to the global stage.

‘With the recent global explosion of African music, I needed to include some contemporary sounds. I fell in love with Rema’s ‘Calm Down.’ It has a unique flow and feel, not mimicking Western pop; it is rooted in Africa but also catchy and virtuosic. I love to sing it.

‘The young Nigerian superstar has accomplished so much: ‘Calm Down’ has joined the billion-stream club twice over. Rema has performed in stadiums. His latest album earned a Grammy nomination.

‘Rema is the embodiment of the international success of Afrobeats. Thanks to artists like him, African music is at the forefront of global culture’.

This achievement not only solidifies Rema’s position as a trailblazer in Afrobeats but also cements his status as a leading figure in global music.

By joining the ranks of other global music powerhouses like Teyana Taylor and GloRilla on the list, Rema is paving the way for other African artists to gain international recognition.

The new Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has held a closed-door meeting with Yoruba nation activist, Chief Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, at his Bodija residence, promising to intervene in the activist’s ongoing challenges.

According to a statement from Igboho’s media office, the meeting, which lasted about 40 minutes on Monday, focused on insecurity in the southwest and emerging threats by bandits in parts of Kwara state.

A source disclosed that Oba Ladoja, who received Igboho and his supporters warmly, assured him of his intervention regarding his current ordeals with the federal government.

During the visit, Igboho congratulated the monarch on his ascension to the throne, describing him as a leader loved across Ibadan, Yorubaland, and beyond.

He also expressed his willingness to work with the Federal Government to strengthen security in the South West, stressing that peace and stability are essential for development.

‘Olubadan has been a father figure to me since his days as the former governor of Oyo State. I commend Kabiyesi’s leadership qualities, humility, and enduring influence.

‘I have always seen Oba Ladoja as a father figure. His reign as Olubadan will no doubt further promote peace, unity, and development in Ibadanland and the entire Yorubaland.’

Wife of Ejigbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Mrs. Aishat Taiwo, has called on pupils to face their future with courage.

Speaking during Spelling Bee Competition, Mrs Taiwo, expressed satisfaction at the turnout and reaffirmed the council’s commitment to education.

She described the Spelling Bee as a celebration of learning and a reflection of the bright future envisioned for children in the community.

She praised teachers, parents, and guardians for their sacrifices in shaping young minds, calling them the true builders of society.

She urged participants to compete with courage and confidence, reminding them that their efforts today are seeds for tomorrow’s success.

Mrs. Taiwo also highlighted the history of the Lagos State Spelling Bee, initiated in 2001 by Senator Oluremi Tinubu through the New Era Foundation, which birthed the famous ‘One-Day Governor’ tradition. She noted that beyond word mastery, the competition builds confidence, sharpens vocabulary, and instills resilience qualities that prepare children for academic success and life’s challenges.

Chairman of Ejigbo LCDA, Aare Taoheed Taiwo, praised the participants and encouraged them to keep striving for excellence.

He reaffirmed his belief in the capacity of the pupils to make Ejigbo proud and assured that his administration will continue to create an enabling environment for learning, growth, and development.

The event, held at the council secretariat, featured thrilling rounds that tested vocabulary, accuracy, and mental alertness, creating a lively atmosphere of competition and learning.

At the end of the competitive event, Obuseh Destiny from Akinsanya Ajaloleru Nursery and Primary School, emerged winner in the primary school category. Okeke Goodness from Ejigbo Nursery and Primary School and Adurojaiye Daniel from Oladele Alake Nursery and Primary School were runners-up.

Aqua Kiana from Oke-Afa Comprehensive College won the Secondary School Category. Abdulwahab Misturah, also from Oke-Afa Comprehensive College and Akanbi Selimot from Ejigbo Senior High School, emerged runners-up.

The event was attended by the Vice Chairman, Abimbola Nicholas Ike; All Progressives Congress (APC) Party Chairman in Ejigbo, Alhaji Fatai Kasummu; legislators led by the Leader of the House, Gabriel Sobande; the management team led by the Council Manager, Olusegun Ajagunna; facilitators, and staff members of the council.

Five time FIFA U-17 World Cup record winners, the Golden Eaglets of Nigeria, have yet again missed the chance to qualify from the next continental cadet showpiece (CAF U-17 AFCON) after they were upended 2-0 by Ghana’s Black Starlets in the decisive semi-final match at the ongoing WAFU B U-17 Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.

The Black Starlets cored twice in the opening half of the game at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium to advance to the final stage of the tournament at the expense of their Golden Eaglets counterparts.

Michael Awuli opened the scoring for Prosper Ogum’s side after just 21 minutes played, finishing off a nice move from the Starlets.

Ten minutes later, Robinho Yao Gavi doubled the lead for the team with a brilliant strike from the 18-yard box to put Ghana in a comfortable situation.

The Black Starlets goalkeeper Solomon Kwame Kesse rescued his team on ew occasions that the Nigerians threatened.

With victory over Nigeria, the Black Starlets will now face Cote d’Ivoire in the final scheduled for Friday, October 3.

Incidentally, both teams had previously met in the group stage, with Ghana losing 0-3-0 to the Baby Elephants.

Ghana’s appearance in the final also means they seal a slot at the next edition of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, returning to the continental tournament for the first time since 2017.

The Golden Eaglets missed the 2025 U-17 AFCON which serves as the qualifying tournament for the FIFA U17 World Cup and Tuesday’s loss to Ghana means Nigeria will miss out of the next African Championship as such no Mundial appearance .

A lot has changed since our 64th Independence Day anniversary, a year ago-and positively so. Nigeria today is better positioned for enduring economic growth and prosperity than it has been in a long time.

In this piece, I would like to highlight the progress we have made as a nation over the past year.

External reserves have grown from $37 billion to $42 billion. The Naira has gained about 6 percent against the US dollar since a year ago. Headline inflation, which stood at 32.7 percent a year ago, has fallen to 20 percent and is still declining. The Central Bank has just cut interest rates for the first time in five years, reflecting rising confidence in macroeconomic stability. In June 2025, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) affirmed that ‘Nigeria [is] no longer on the list’ of countries where airline funds are blocked from repatriation.

Four landmark tax bills have been passed-the single largest fiscal reform in our recent history. On the strength of reforms that have grown revenues and blocked leakages, we have achieved the unprecedented feat of hitting the federal revenue target for the 12 months of 2025 in August-five months ahead of schedule.

In infrastructure, the presidential legacy projects have moved from fledgling ideas to visible, tangible wonders-mile after mile of imposing concrete roads stretching through communities from Lekki to Calabar to Enugu to Akwanga to Sokoto, and more. Across the country, state-of-the-art cancer centers, electricity substations, MSME hubs, student loans, cash transfers, and new Regional Development Commissions are impacting the lives of the Nigerian people.

In oil and gas, we have seen the conclusion of the historic IOC divestments, ushering in a new chapter of indigenous strength and capacity in our energy industry. We have also welcomed a $5 billion FID from Shell-in the Bonga North deepwater project-alongside several new gas supply agreements that will transform the LNG market both domestically and for export.

Many notorious terrorist and bandit leaders who were actively unleashing violence a year ago have been neutralised or are now in captivity, while our security agencies continue to score improvements in both capacity and synergy.

In sports, our women’s national teams made history: the Super Falcons with their Mission X triumph, and the D’Tigress with their Mission V success-five consecutive AfroBasket titles.

The past year has also brought Grammys, Guinness World Records, and our first official selection ever for the Cannes Film Festival-a testament to Nigerian grit and cultural genius.

The period has also seen several Nigerians elected or appointed into key international organisations, including the Vice Presidency of the International Association for Ports and Harbours; Vice Chairmanship of the International Telecommunication Union Council; Chairmanship of the World Customs Organisation Council; and the Executive Directorship of the WHO’s Health Emergencies Programme, among others.

Nigeria is now the AU’s Digital Trade Champion, and the designated provider of strategic sea support services to the Union, through the Nigerian Navy. And in January 2025, we attained the status of a BRICS partner country.

In the first half of 2025, Nigeria-China trade surged to $15.48 billion, a 34.7 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. This comes almost exactly a year after our bilateral relations with China were upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership at the 2024 Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

There is indeed much to celebrate, affirming President Tinubu’s uplifting charge to the nation on October 1, 2024: ‘While it is tempting to focus on what has been left undone and where we have stumbled as a nation, we must never lose sight of how far we have come in forging and holding our country together.’

Today, as we turn 65 and begin our 66th year as an independent nation, every word of that charge rings true. The road has been challenging, but the rewards have been real, and we have forged a bold path toward the light, just as the President promised.

At 65, a person is considered a senior citizen-typically retired from active service. But for a nation, 65 years of independence is not a long time; it is correct to say this is ‘morning yet on creation day’ for us. That said, we are no longer the traumatised 39-year-old that took tentative steps into democracy in 1999.

We have grown wiser, made mistakes, and learned from many of them. We have come to understand, by experience, what Winston Churchill meant when he said that ‘democracy is the worst form of government except for all those other forms that have been tried.’ We will never allow this democratic journey to be undermined.

Twenty-five years into this historic Fourth Republic, Nigeria has at its helm a bold and experienced reformer-one unafraid to take hard but necessary decisions for the country’s future; and with a vision to deliver a trillion dollar economy by 2030.

We are able to look ahead to the coming year with great hope and confidence that we are on the right path, moving in the right direction. In the next few weeks, preparations for the 2026 budget will gain momentum, with all hands on deck to deliver a budget that truly works for the people. And in January, the new tax laws will take effect, opening a new chapter of economic dynamism.

In his 2024 Independence Day address, President Tinubu urged: ‘I urge you to believe in our nation’s promise. The road ahead may be challenging, but we will forge a path toward a brighter future with your support.’

Looking at how the past 12 months have validated these powerful words-a challenging road that nonetheless opens up endless possibilities for growth, prosperity, and progress-I have no doubt whatsoever about the greatness that lies ahead as we begin the count down to our 66th Independence anniversary.