Tinubu’s Independence Day 2025 Speech: ‘The Worst Is Over, Nigeria Is Rising Again’
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
A Historic 65th Independence Celebration
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his third Independence Day address since assuming office, told Nigerians that the nation has “turned the corner” and is firmly on the path to recovery. Speaking on Tuesday, October 1, 2025, during the country’s 65th Independence anniversary, Tinubu described Nigeria’s journey as one of resilience, sacrifice, and renewed hope.
According to him, despite decades of setbacks, corruption, economic mismanagement, and political instability, the dream of the nation’s founding fathers is still alive, and the current administration is laying a new foundation that will outlast temporary pains.
In his words, “The worst is over, yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief.”
Reflecting on the Nation’s Journey
The President paid glowing tribute to the nation’s founding fathers—Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, Tafawa Balewa, and others—who laid the groundwork for Nigeria’s independence. He noted that while Nigeria has experienced civil war, dictatorship, and deep political crises, it has always emerged stronger.
Tinubu highlighted significant growth across education, health, and infrastructure since 1960. He compared the limited number of secondary and tertiary institutions at independence with the hundreds now available, stressing that Nigeria has made “tremendous progress” in expanding opportunities for its citizens.
Economic Reforms and Achievements
In line with his Renewed Hope Agenda, Tinubu outlined reforms aimed at stabilising the economy:
- Subsidy Removal & FX Unification: Ending the fuel subsidy and multiple exchange rates, which he described as corrupt systems that benefitted a few elites.
- Revenue Growth: Non-oil revenue hit ₦20 trillion by August 2025, while tax-to-GDP ratio improved from below 10% to 13.5%.
- Debt Management: Debt service-to-revenue ratio reduced from 97% to below 50%, while the controversial “Ways and Means” advances were repaid.
- Reserves & Exports: External reserves climbed to $42.03 billion, the highest since 2019. Nigeria also recorded a trade surplus for five consecutive quarters, with non-oil exports now accounting for 48%.
- GDP & Inflation: GDP grew by 4.23% in Q2 2025, the fastest in four years, while inflation dropped to 20.12%, its lowest in three years.
Tinubu insisted that these reforms, though painful, were necessary to avoid “economic chaos or bankruptcy.”
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Infrastructure, Security, and Social Investments
The President revealed that trillions of naira saved from subsidy removal have been redirected into infrastructure, education, healthcare, and social investment.
- Over ₦330 billion was disbursed to eight million vulnerable households.
- Major rail projects, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Kano-Katsina-Maradi rail line, and Sokoto-Badagry Highway, are underway.
- The solid mineral sector recorded a dramatic revival, while oil production rose to 1.68 million barrels per day.
- Security forces are “winning the war” against insurgency, with peace returning to several communities in the North-East and North-West.
For more details on security developments, read Nigeria Security Updates on Akahi News.
Focus on Youth Empowerment
Tinubu reassured young Nigerians of his administration’s commitment to their future:
- Student Loans: 510,000 students have accessed loans under NELFUND.
- Consumer Credit: NYSC members now benefit from YouthCred, while Credicorp has disbursed ₦30 billion in affordable loans.
- Digital & Creative Industry Support: The iDICE programme, in partnership with international development banks, is set to empower young innovators in technology and the creative sector.
He urged youths to “dream big, innovate, and conquer new territories” while assuring them of continued government support.
A Message of Hope
Tinubu concluded with a rallying call to unity, productivity, and patriotism:
“Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Let us farm our land, build factories, patronise Made-in-Nigeria goods, and put Nigeria first.”
He declared that with God on the nation’s side, “the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here.”
Final Word
As Nigerians mark 65 years of independence, Tinubu’s message combined celebration of past achievements with bold promises of a future anchored on reforms, productivity, and shared sacrifice. Whether these commitments translate into real transformation remains a key question that citizens will continue to watch closely.
Stay updated on national politics, leadership decisions, and governance trends via Akahi News Politics and the latest News Updates.
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