Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

Some farmers’ associations have lauded the Federal Government’s efforts in stabilising food prices since last year but urged increased welfare and a better environment for local farmers.

The associations’ leaders made the call in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos.

The Chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) Southwest and Lagos State, Mr Femi Oke, praised government efforts but sought stronger policies to boost productivity.

‘Looking at the food sector itself, we can say prices of commodities slightly went down. This was because the present administration was able to take some measures.

‘The import waivers by the President and other measures helped crack down some prices.

‘But apart from the prices going down, we farmers are not too happy, because we cannot sustain the food sector through imports.

‘It will not sustain us in farming, if more importation is being done.

‘The government still needs to take some measures, and the measures should recognise farmers, especially in provision of necessary inputs to all,’ Oke said.

According to him, provision of farm inputs, opening rural roads and creating an enabling environment will enhance productivity and ensure food security across the country.

‘The state governors should align with farmers, particularly heads of farmers’ associations, so they can identify critical routes in bad condition affecting produce transportation.

‘Also, the abandoned farm extension offices should be revived,’ he added.

On his part, Mr Godwin Egbebe, National Publicity Secretary, Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN), said achievements of the administration in agriculture carry two sides.

‘Basically, in the food sector prices have gone down. But the assessment is twofold, because not everybody has the purchasing power to buy produce.

‘As a sector, we used to experience egg gluts due to high productivity. Presently, many farmers are out of business because of costly inputs, so gluts no longer occur.

‘When people are out of business, scarcity of food results from reduced cultivation. Though prices are stable, many people cannot afford food,’ Egbebe said.

He explained that price stability was largely government-driven but remains artificial, as farmers still cannot produce as much as expected.

‘Our farmers need to return to farming. We cannot rely on food import waivers.

‘We can say food inflation is coming down, yet many still cannot afford to eat. The government must follow through on its policies.

‘Let people themselves testify to the impact of government policies on food, and not government declaring results when citizens cannot confirm them,’ he added.

If you’re jetting off to the United States this week, the ongoing government shutdown may not just be another headline, it could hit your trip hard.

Flights first. Air traffic controllers and TSA agents are still on duty, but they’re working without pay. The last time this happened, many called in sick, leaving travellers stranded in long queues and delayed flights. Don’t be surprised if the same chaos returns at airports.

Trains and buses safe. for now. Amtrak and local transit like subways, buses and ferries, are expected to run normally since they aren’t federally funded.

Tourist spots under threat. The US Interior Department says national parks will stay ‘partially’ open. In Washington and New York, the Smithsonian museums and National Zoo have only enough cash to stay open for one more week.

Back in 2018, a similar shutdown cost the Smithsonian nearly a million visitors.

For Nigerians heading to the US for holidays, studies or business, the message is simple: plan ahead, expect delays, and check if the attractions on your bucket list will even be open.

It all started in the early hours of Tuesday, as chaos swept through Washington after the United States government officially shut down after budget negotiations collapsed on Capitol Hill.

The shutdown, the first under President Donald Trump’s second term, has left hundreds of thousands of federal employees in limbo. From defense to health, workers were told to stay home, while essential services grind on under strained resources.

Trump doubled down on threats of sweeping job cuts if Congress fails to pass a spending bill that aligns with his administration’s priorities. The impasse has now thrown America into another round of political brinkmanship, with the lives of ordinary workers hanging in the balance.

As Nigeria clocks 65 years of nationhood on October 1, Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration to ensure that the gains of self-rule are felt through programmes and policies that lift citizens out of poverty, hunger, and insecurity.

In a statement to commemorate the day, the organisation said the celebration of Independence Day should go beyond parades and speeches, stressing that it must serve as a moment of sober reflection on how far the country has come, the challenges that persist, and the actions required to ensure that every Nigerian enjoys the true promise of freedom.

It argued that independence should not be defined by political sovereignty alone but by social and economic well-being for all citizens. While acknowledging that the Tinubu government has introduced reforms in the past year, which have been applauded locally and internationally, CAPPA maintained that such recovery programmes must be judged not only by their beauty on paper but also by their impact on households across the country.

The group observed that whatever gains have been recorded are being overshadowed by hardship, pointing to high costs of food supplies, soaring rents and electricity tariffs, and healthcare that remains out of reach for many families.

CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, said Nigeria’s independence was built on the hope that freedom would guarantee dignity and empower citizens as masters of their own destiny. ‘Sixty-five years after the Union Jack was lowered, Nigeria cannot afford reforms that stabilise the books while destabilising households,’ he said.

Oluwafemi noted that although Nigerians have often been told the economy is on the path of transformation, the gap between official claims and daily reality remains wide. He argued that the poor cannot spend ‘economic recovery’ in the market, stressing that the true test of policy is whether it improves life for people at the grassroots.

He added that the promise of independence would only be fulfilled when citizens can afford decent meals, live in safe housing within their means, access quality health care and public water services, and send their children to school without fear of exorbitant fees. He urged the government to focus on closing existing gaps through people-centred policies.

The organisation identified several priority areas for action, including food security. With food inflation still high, many households are struggling to eat three meals a day. CAPPA urged the government to invest in local food production by supporting farmers with inputs, storage, and access to markets. Nigeria has fertile land and abundant labour, it said, but farmers are held back by a lack of infrastructure and the spread of insecurity in food-producing regions. Strengthening agriculture, CAPPA argued, would cut import dependence, lower prices, and make affordable, healthy food more available to Nigerians.

The group, however, stressed that food security is not just about availability but also about quality and health. It pointed out that while hunger is rising, ultra-processed and sugary products are flooding the market, fuelling obesity, diabetes, and other non-communicable diseases. CAPPA noted that without deliberate policies, Nigerians risk being trapped in a cycle where cheap but unhealthy foods dominate diets. It therefore renewed its call for stronger healthy food policies, including an increase in the current sugar-sweetened beverage tax, clear front-of-pack warning labelling for food products, and salt reduction targets, to ensure that citizens not only eat but eat well.

On the economy, CAPPA warned against piling up debts through excessive borrowing, saying that loans used to service recurrent spending rather than productive investments only deepen hardship. It advised the government to cut down on frivolous expenditures, close leakages, prioritise transparent spending, and channel resources into critical sectors as a way of boosting the economy and improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians.

CAPPA further identified security as a major concern, noting that independence cannot be meaningful if citizens live in fear of violence, kidnapping, or displacement. The group encouraged the government to invest in community policing and modern security infrastructure, and address the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment, and inequality.

On education, CAPPA emphasised that the future of Nigeria rests on an educated population. ‘Rising school fees, underfunded public universities, and poor facilities continue to deny many children and young people the opportunity to learn,’ it said.

The organisation encouraged the government to increase budgetary allocations to education, provide incentives for teachers, and ensure that schools at all levels are properly equipped.

CAPPA said that corruption remains one of the greatest obstacles to Nigeria’s development. It called for stronger accountability measures to ensure that public resources are not wasted or diverted into a few private pockets.

‘Public office must be treated as a trust. Nigerians deserve leaders who live modestly, account for every naira spent, and put the nation’s welfare above personal gain,’ the organisation reflected. It urged the Tinubu administration to use the anniversary as an opportunity to renew its commitment to improving welfare at the grassroots.

CAPPA also called on Nigerians to play their part by holding leaders accountable and participating actively in civic life. It said the spirit of independence was not only about what the government does, but also about how citizens work together to build a better society.

Nigerian media personality and reality TV star, Phyna, has called out Dangote Group for being negligent and irresponsible towards her sister’s death.

Phyna on her Instagram page expressed her grief for the loss, claiming that the death was calculated and planned.

Phyna also revealed that Dangote Group did not fulfill their promises after her sister was hit by one of their trucks. She claimed the company only paid part of the hospital bills and left the family to pay the rest.

‘The bills from Auchi down to Irrua were covered by the family; no refund has been made. Also on Sept 13th, the day of burial, Dangote groups did not pick up all calls made to them from us, as we were told the bills were not paid, but they claim it was, the mortuary was also covered by the family. In the time of all the troubles, @dangotegroup said to the public that they’ve paid all hospital bills. The only bill Dangote covered was Lagoon Hospital,’ she said.

President Bola Tinubu, in his national broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary, on Wednesday reflected on the country’s journey since 1960, outlined the progress achieved under his administration, and unveiled fresh commitments on the economy, security, and youth empowerment.

Below are 20 key takeaways from his address:

1. Tinubu honoured Nigeria’s founding fathers and mothers, recalling their vision of a united, prosperous nation leading the black race.

2. He noted Nigeria’s significant progress since Independence, including vast improvements in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

3. From just 120 secondary schools in 1960, Nigeria now has over 23,000, and 274 universities.

4. Despite challenges-civil war, dictatorships, and political crises-Nigeria has endured and remained united.

5. Tinubu described his administration as committed to continuing the ‘unfinished nation-building business.’

6. He said his government inherited a collapsing economy and chose tough reforms over complacency.

7. Removal of fuel subsidies and multiple exchange rates redirected resources to education, healthcare, security, and infrastructure.

8. He declared: ‘The worst is over. Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief.’

9. GDP growth in Q2 2025 was 4.23%, Nigeria’s fastest in four years.

10. Inflation dropped to 20.12% in August 2025, its lowest in three years.

11. Non-oil revenue exceeded ?20 trillion by August 2025, a record-breaking achievement.

12. Nigeria’s external reserves climbed to $42.03 billion, the highest since 2019.

13. Trade surplus reached ?7.46 trillion in Q2 2025, with non-oil exports making up 48%.

14. Oil production rebounded to 1.68 million barrels per day, alongside renewed local refining of fuel.

15. Tinubu said the naira has stabilised, with forex reforms ending arbitrage and multiple rates.

16. Over ?330 billion was disbursed to eight million vulnerable households under social investment.

17. Security forces are ‘winning the war’ against Boko Haram, IPOB/ESN, banditry, and kidnapping.

18. Tinubu praised Nigerian youths as the nation’s ‘greatest assets,’ citing NELFUND loans of nearly ?100 billion for students.

19. Initiatives like Credicorp, YouthCred, and iDICE are expanding credit and innovation opportunities for young Nigerians.

20. He closed with a message of hope: ‘The dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here.’

In a quiet corner of a lively Nigerian neighborhood, a remarkable movement was born, not in a studio, but on the streets, fueled by raw talent, passion, and a dream. Today, ‘WeAreTrendingKidz’, a fast-rising children’s skit group, is capturing hearts across social media with hilarious content and natural acting.

In this interview with AHMED IYANDA, the director and Script writer of the crew, Oluwatobiloba Samuel shared their journey and how it all began.

Below are the interview excerpts from the director of the crew.

What inspired the creation of ‘WeAreTrendingKidz’?

I noticed I had a natural gift for coming up with funny ideas, so I decided to turn that into something creative. I gathered some of the kids in my area and began training them. That’s how ‘We Are Trending Kidz’ was born.

How did you discover these talented children, and what made you believe they could take on Nollywood?

Like I said, I simply called them together, explained the idea, and began training them. They were excited and ready to learn.

Was there a defining moment when you knew this project was going to be big?

Yes, absolutely. I believe that with good and entertaining content, people will notice and support us. I’ve always believed it will become big one day.

How do the children manage school and acting? Is there a balance?

We only shoot on Sundays, and it doesn’t take too much of their time. Their schooling is always the top priority.

What kind of training or mentorship do they receive?

Just ordinary rehearsals led by me. We meet every evening from 7 PM to 8 PM to rehearse, and it has helped them improve a lot.

Are the kids aware of the fame they’re gathering, and how are they handling it emotionally?

Yes! They love it. They’re naturally funny, never shy, and very intelligent.

How has the Yoruba film industry reacted to these kids dominating screens? Support or skepticism?

Yes, several Yoruba Nollywood stars have reposted our skits and shown us love on Instagram. They also encourage us to keep going.

What challenges have you faced pushing a full children-led project in a largely adult-dominated industry?

Quite a number of challenges. In the beginning, some of their parents thought it was all just play. Many didn’t even understand social media, so they didn’t support their kids. But now, seeing the love and huge audience, the parents are very proud and fully supportive.

Have any of the kids landed big roles or endorsements outside the crew?

Not yet, but we’re hopeful that will come soon.

What would surprise people most about these kids behind the scenes?

They’re always funny, never shy, and very intelligent. They just have that spark!

What are your long-term goals for the ‘We Are Trending Kids’ brand?

The future is very bright. I believe we’ll be among the best in Nigeria and even beyond.

How can fans support and follow the journey of these rising stars?

By liking, commenting on, and sharing our content. That’s the best way to help us grow.

A former minister of State for Defence and Foreign Affairs, Sen. Musiliu Obanikoro, has congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of the nation’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

Obanikoro, in a statement on Wednesday, said the anniversary is a reminder of Nigeria’s remarkable journey as a nation built on sacrifice, resilience and the indomitable spirit of its people.

He recalled that 65 years ago, Nigeria’s founding fathers reclaimed the country’s sovereignty and laid the foundation of nationhood with uncommon courage and conviction.

‘Since then, our country has faced trials that would have broken lesser nations. Yet, Nigerians have consistently shown the capacity to rise above adversity, to endure and to hope.

‘It is this resilience that continues to define us as a people,’ he said.

The former minister noted that Nigeria had sustained 26 years of unbroken democracy, while its diversity and the global excellence of its citizens remained strong pillars of national pride.

‘At 65, we must reflect on how far we have come and reaffirm our collective determination to build the Nigeria of our dreams.

‘Our task is to transform challenges into stepping stones for renewal and to place the prosperity of our people above all else,’ he said.

Obanikoro commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as bold reforms and commitment to repositioning the economy, restoring global confidence and deepening hope among citizens.

‘While the path of renewal is never easy, I am confident that under his leadership, Nigeria is poised to reclaim her rightful place as the giant of Africa and a beacon of black excellence in the world,’ he added.

He urged Nigerians to embrace unity and shared responsibility in building the nation, stressing that tribe, faith or creed should not divide the people.

‘Our unity, resilience and shared optimism remain our greatest assets in the march to greatness.

‘May the almighty continue to guide our leaders, bless our people and preserve our nation for generations to come,’ Obanikoro said.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has confirmed that at least 42 people have died in the Democratic Republic of Congo following a new outbreak of the Ebola virus.

According to the UN health agency, 64 cases have been recorded since the outbreak was declared in early September, with the Zaire strain of the virus identified as the cause. WHO estimates the current fatality rate at 45.7 percent.

In response, Congolese health authorities have rolled out a vaccination programme in the central province of Kasai, where the resurgence was first reported. The International Coordination Group on Vaccine Supply has also approved the shipment of 45,000 additional doses to support the effort.

WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, confirmed the figures in a post on X, stressing that while the risk of further spread is considered high at the national level, it remains moderate across the wider region.

The agency, however, warned that the outbreak is being fuelled by challenges such as insufficient protective equipment, incomplete contact tracing, late detection of cases, and unsafe burial practices. High population mobility and reliance on traditional healers have also increased the risk of transmission.

Ebola, first identified in 1976 and believed to have originated from bats, is a deadly viral disease spread through direct contact with bodily fluids. It causes severe bleeding, organ failure, and in many cases, death.

The DRC has faced multiple outbreaks of the disease, with the deadliest between 2018 and 2020 claiming nearly 2,300 lives.

The ripple effect of the United States government shutdown has reached Nigeria. On Wednesday, the U.S. Mission in Abuja announced it was suspending updates on its official X account, citing the lapse in appropriations that has grounded several government services back home.

In a notice to Nigerians, the Mission said only urgent safety and security advisories will be posted until ‘full operations resume.’

Despite the blackout on social media, the Mission clarified that passport, visa, and transit services both in the U.S. and in its Embassies and Consulates abroad would continue ‘as the situation permits.’

‘Due to the lapse in appropriations, this X account will not be updated regularly until full operations resume,’ the statement read.

The U.S. shutdown, triggered by a bitter budget impasse in Washington, has left hundreds of thousands of federal employees in limbo and now threatens to disrupt international diplomatic engagements.

For Nigerians planning trips to the U.S., the advice is clear: monitor official notices, but don’t expect daily updates from the Mission’s social handles until the logjam is cleared in Congress.

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.