Independence Day Message of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu - October 1, 2024
Fellow Nigerians,
On this day, we commemorate 64 years of our nation's independence. October 1st is a day of reflection, celebration, and hope, marking the journey of a great nation from colonial rule to sovereignty. Today, we not only honor our past, but we also look towards the future, recognizing the immense potential that lies within each one of us to build the Nigeria of our dreams.
As I stand before you as President of this great nation, I am reminded of the sacrifices made by the founding fathers who laid the groundwork for the freedom we enjoy today. Men and women of courage, vision, and purpose who, through their unyielding belief in the Nigerian spirit, charted a course for the generations that followed. Today, we honor their legacy and commit ourselves to continue their work, building a Nigeria that is prosperous, just, and united.
The road to where we are has not been easy, and we continue to face challenges. From economic difficulties to security threats, from social tensions to infrastructural needs, we have had our fair share of obstacles. Yet, the strength of Nigeria lies not in the absence of challenges but in our collective resilience to overcome them. We are a nation of strong, determined, and innovative people who, despite the odds, have consistently proven that we can rise to meet any challenge.
In the past year, we have taken bold steps to address the key issues confronting our nation. We have embarked on major economic reforms to stabilize the economy, attract investment, and create jobs for our teeming youth population. We are working tirelessly to improve infrastructure, including roads, railways, and energy, so that every Nigerian can enjoy the dividends of development. We are implementing policies that empower small businesses, farmers, and industries to thrive and contribute to our national economy.
In terms of security, we have not relented in our efforts to ensure that every Nigerian can live in peace and safety. We are equipping our security forces and working closely with our international partners to combat terrorism, banditry, and insurgency. We will not rest until every corner of our country is safe for all Nigerians.
Our administration is equally committed to education, health, and social services, recognizing that the true wealth of our nation lies in the well-being of our people. We are investing in healthcare, ensuring that every Nigerian has access to quality medical services, and we are working to improve the educational system so that our young people are equipped to compete in the global economy.
However, I must emphasize that the task of building a better Nigeria is not the government's responsibility alone. It requires the cooperation and dedication of every Nigerian. We must all play our part in making this nation what we want it to be. Whether in government, business, civil society, or as ordinary citizens, we must embrace the values of hard work, honesty, and patriotism. We must reject the forces of division, corruption, and hatred that seek to pull us apart.
Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths. We are a nation of over 200 million people, comprising different ethnicities, languages, and religions. Yet, we are united by a common purpose—to see Nigeria rise to its full potential. Let us draw strength from our diversity and work together to build a nation where every Nigerian, no matter their background, has the opportunity to succeed.
As we celebrate this Independence Day, I ask that we remember those who are less fortunate—those affected by natural disasters, conflict, and poverty. Let us extend a helping hand to our fellow Nigerians, showing compassion and solidarity. Together, we can lift each other up and ensure that no Nigerian is left behind.
Today, as we raise our flags and sing our national anthem, let us renew our commitment to the ideals of freedom, democracy, and unity. Let us remain steadfast in our pursuit of a better, stronger Nigeria. We have come a long way, and we still have a long way to go. But I have no doubt that with faith in God, faith in ourselves, and faith in our country, Nigeria will rise to greatness.
May God bless you all, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Happy Independence Day, Nigeria!
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President, Federal Republic of Nigeria
October 1, 2024
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