Tinubu Hails Nigerians’ Resilience, Declares “The Worst is Over” in Independence Day Broadcast

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By Odekunle Doyin

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that the nation has turned the corner economically, declaring that “yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief” as reforms begin to yield results.

In a nationwide broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, the President paid tribute to the country’s founding fathers and saluted citizens for their endurance amid recent hardships.

“Today marks the 65th anniversary of our great nation’s independence. As we reflect on the significance of this day… let us remember their sacrifice, devotion, and grand dream of a strong, prosperous, and united Nigeria,” Tinubu said.

Highlighting his administration’s reform efforts, Tinubu noted that Nigeria had moved from near-economic collapse to a phase of recovery, citing rising non-oil revenue, increased external reserves, stabilised exchange rates, and a 4.23% GDP growth in Q2 2025 — the fastest pace in four years.

“The worst is over, I say. Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief. I salute your endurance, support, and understanding,” the President declared.

Tinubu outlined 12 major economic milestones, including a record-breaking N20 trillion non-oil revenue collection by August, oil production recovery to 1.68 million barrels per day, disbursement of N330 billion to vulnerable households, and a trade surplus of ₦7.46 trillion in Q2 2025.

On security, the President commended the armed forces for “winning the war against terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes,” adding that peace had returned to hundreds of communities in the North-East and North-West.

Addressing Nigerian youths, Tinubu pledged continued investment in education, technology, and entrepreneurship through schemes like NELFUND, Credicorp, YouthCred, and the iDICE programme.

While admitting that reforms had brought “temporary pains” with rising costs of living, Tinubu maintained that the alternative was national bankruptcy.

“The true measure of our success will not just be economic statistics, 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 stressed.

The President ended with a call for collective responsibility in nation-building:

“Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Let us farm our land, build factories, patronise ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ goods, and pay our taxes. With Almighty God on our side, the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here.”