By Ayomide Otitoju
As Nigeria celebrates its 65th Independence Day, President Bola Tinubu has called on all citizens to join efforts to reposition the country globally, emphasizing the need for a nation of producers rather than mere consumers.
Speaking during his nationwide address on Wednesday, Tinubu urged Nigerians to boost productivity, innovation, and enterprise, highlighting the Ministry of Interior’s reforms in expediting passport processing as an example. He also encouraged state and local governments to participate actively in nation-building.
“Let us farm our land and build factories to process our produce. Let us patronize ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ goods. I say Nigeria first. Let us pay our taxes,” the President said.
Tinubu acknowledged that his administration’s economic reforms, including the removal of the fuel subsidy, have brought temporary hardships. “The biting effects of inflation and the rising cost of living remain a significant concern. However, allowing our country to descend into economic chaos or bankruptcy was not an option. Our macroeconomic progress shows that our sacrifices have not been in vain,” he stated.
The President said his administration is laying a foundation built on sustainable progress rather than short-term fixes. “The accurate measure of our success will not be limited to economic statistics alone, but 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,” he said.
He assured that federal, state, and local government efforts are being channeled into critical areas of development. “On this 65th Anniversary, my message is hope and a call to action. With Almighty God on our side, I can assure you that the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here,” Tinubu added.
