Nigerian President Bola Tinubu marked the country’s 64th Independence Day with a national broadcast, emphasizing the need for reforms to ensure progress and prosperity.
“We found ourselves at a dizzying crossroads, where we must choose between two paths: reform for progress and prosperity or carry on business-as-usual and collapse,” President Tinubu stated.
He highlighted his administration’s efforts to reform the economy, citing $30 billion in foreign direct investments and reduced debt service ratio from 97% to 68%.
The President announced measures to reduce food costs through agricultural production programs and commended governors who have invested in mechanized farming.
A local assembly plant for 2,000 John Deere tractors will be established, Tinubu added.
In the area of security, the President reported progress in the war on terror and banditry, with over 300 Boko Haram and bandit commanders eliminated.
Tinubu sympathized with victims of natural disasters and announced relief efforts, including a Disaster Relief Fund.
The President also announced a 30-day National Youth Conference to address challenges facing young people and empower their participation in nation-building.
He emphasized Nigeria’s resilience and potential, stating, “If we are to become one of the greatest nations on earth, as God has destined us to be, our mistakes must not be allowed to follow us into the future.”
Tinubu conferred honors on Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Chief Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, and Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas.
