President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday paid tribute to Nigeria’s founding fathers and other nationalists in his national broadcast to mark the country’s 65th Independence anniversary.
President Tinubu named Herbert Macaulay, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Obafemi Awolowo, Ahmadu Bello, Margaret Ekpo, Anthony Enahoro, Ladoke Akintola, Michael Okpara, Aminu Kano and Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti among those who played roles in securing Nigeria’s independence from Britain in 1960.
He said their sacrifices and devotion laid the foundation for the country, noting that their vision was for a united and prosperous Nigeria.
This is Tinubu’s third Independence Day broadcast since becoming president in May 2023.
In his address, Tinubu also mentioned the role of soldiers and security agencies in combating terrorism and violent crimes, acknowledging their sacrifices in different parts of the country.
The president highlighted his administration’s reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of exchange rates, which he said were taken to reposition the economy.
He further noted the progress recorded in education since independence, stating that Nigeria had two tertiary institutions in 1960 compared to over 600 today.
Tinubu used the opportunity to call on young Nigerians to continue to innovate and take advantage of programmes such as the student loan scheme, Credicorp, YouthCred and the iDICE initiative, which are supported by the federal government.
The president concluded his broadcast with a message of hope, urging citizens to support efforts at building the nation.
