Nigeria @66: Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu urge Nigerians to remain united

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged Nigerians to remain united and committed to building the country as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence anniversary.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a message posted on his X page on Thursday, acknowledged the challenges Nigeria has faced since gaining independence on 1 October 1960, but said the country had also recorded moments of significant progress.

“Since October 1, 1960, our country has faced difficult times and celebrated moments of great progress. Through it all, we have shown resilience and determination,” he said.

The governor said he remained optimistic about Nigeria’s future and what could be achieved through collective effort.

“I believe deeply in Nigeria and in what we can achieve when we stand together,” he said, adding that the country’s diversity should be regarded as a strength rather than a source of division.

Governor Sanwo-Olu urged Nigerians to remember the sacrifices of those who contributed to the country’s independence and development.

He said the responsibility of building a united country extended to the present generation and future generations.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us. Its future will be shaped by the choices we make and the work we are willing to do together,” he said.

Tinubu highlights economic reforms

President Bola Tinubu, in his Independence Day address, said Nigeria had endured decades of economic difficulties but was now entering the age of prosperity.

President Tinubu said his administration had taken difficult economic decisions since assuming office and argued that the reforms had improved the country’s economic outlook.

He said the economy grew by more than four percent in 2026, while inflation had fallen from its peak, foreign reserves had been rebuilt and the foreign exchange market had stabilised.

According to the president, the government’s next priority is to translate economic reforms into improved living conditions for Nigerians, with emphasis on reducing the cost of living, creating jobs and expanding opportunities.

“Our priority is to bring down the cost of living. We will achieve this by lowering the cost of producing and moving the things Nigerians consume.

“We have the land and people to feed ourselves. My government is therefore focused on expanding mechanised irrigation and dry-season farming, improving access to seeds and fertiliser, holistically increasing mechanisation, and investing in storage and transportation. We are building and completing the roads, railways and ports that connect farms and factories to markets,” he said.

The president also acknowledged that millions of Nigerians continue to struggle with food, education, healthcare and transportation costs.

He said the government would strengthen social support programmes while pursuing longer-term measures to reduce poverty.

READ ALSO: Nigeria’s economy grows over 4% in 2026 Tinubu

“We cannot erase in four years what accumulated over generations. But we can change its course,” President Tinubu said.

He described the current period as a transition from economic reform to prosperity and urged Nigerians to continue working together towards a more prosperous country.

“Let us go forward together, with faith in ourselves, faith in our country, and faith that the sacrifices we have made will yield their reward,” he said.

Mr Tinubu wished Nigerians a happy Independence Day and called for continued confidence in the country’s future.