Fellow Nigerians,
As I address you today, I am acutely aware of the hardships many of you are enduring during these challenging times. Our administration fully understands the burdens of rising living costs and the struggles to find meaningful employment. I want to assure you that your voices are heard, and your concerns are recognized.
As your President, I pledge our unwavering commitment to implementing sustainable solutions that will alleviate the suffering of our citizens. I humbly ask for your continued patience as the reforms we have undertaken are beginning to bear fruit. We are seeing positive signs, and I believe there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Exactly 64 years ago, our founding fathers chose democracy as the path for our nation, laying the groundwork for a vision of greatness—a dream that Nigeria would lead Africa out of poverty, ignorance, and underdevelopment. We were meant to be a beacon of hope for both our continent and the world.
Looking back over six decades, we can take pride in the progress we have made in realizing these lofty aspirations. Today, Nigerians are making an impact worldwide, showcasing our intellectual capacity, creativity, and resilience across various fields—from arts and science to technology and infrastructure. The dream of our founding fathers is still a work in progress, and every day, we push forward, determined to do better.
It is easy to focus on our setbacks and unfinished tasks, but we must also recognize how far we have come. Since gaining independence, Nigeria has faced numerous challenges that could have led to the collapse of many nations. Six years after independence, we experienced a political crisis that plunged us into a bitter civil war. Emerging from that dark period, we have learned to embrace our diversity and manage our differences. Today, we continue working towards creating a more united and prosperous nation.
Despite the many trials that have tested us, Nigeria remains a strong, united, and viable sovereign state.
Dear compatriots, our independence anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on how far we have come in nation-building and renew our commitment to the task ahead. While we celebrate the progress of the past 64 years, we must also acknowledge the missed opportunities and mistakes we have made along the way. If Nigeria is to fulfill its destiny as one of the world’s greatest nations, we must ensure that past mistakes do not hinder our future.
Sixteen months ago, my administration assumed leadership at a pivotal moment. The economy was facing significant headwinds, and our security situation was dire. We stood at a crossroads, with two paths before us: reform for progress and prosperity, or continue with business as usual and risk collapse. We chose the path of reform, determined to build a brighter future for all Nigerians.
Thank you, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.