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Tag: Independence Day

  • Nigeria @64: Turn a new leaf – NLC urges politicians

    Nigeria @64: Turn a new leaf – NLC urges politicians

    President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero has urged politicians in the country to turn a new leaf. Comrade Ajaero said the actions of politicians brought the country this far.

    Ajaero, who said this in a goodwill message on the occasion of Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary, noted that leading political elite are not ready to do the right thing except they are compelled to do so.

    To compel politicians to do the right thing, the NLC President urged Nigerians to learn to protest within the limits of the law, adding that undermining the democratic institutions of Nigeria can no longer be business as usual.

    The goodwill message reads: “On the ocassion of Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary celebration, we congratulate all Nigerians, especially workers for their sacrifice, resilience or robust spirit in spite of serial acts of betrayal of monumental proportions by the political leadership at various times and levels.

    “We urge the downtrodden Nigerians who bear the marks or burden of these broken promises, exploitation and corruption to not give up hope on their country.

    “In light of the fact that their sacrifice has been taken for granted for so long, they should learn to protest within the limits of the law against injustices and subversion of democratic norms, culture and values by the dominant political elite.

    “It should be apparent to the citizenry that the leading political elite are not ready to do the right thing except they are compelled to do so.

    “In the same vein, we would like to sound a note of caution to our political elite whose pre-occupation is to circumvent the principles and practice of popular democracy that undermining of our democratic institutions can no longer be business as usual.

    “The consequences of their acts of commission or omission brought us this far. It is time to turn a new leaf. Let it be the beginning of a new low”.

  • CARTOON OF THE DAY: Time to celebrate Nigeria

    CARTOON OF THE DAY: Time to celebrate Nigeria

    CARTOON OF THE DAY: Time to celebrate Nigeria

  • FG reels out activities for 64th Independence Day celebration

    FG reels out activities for 64th Independence Day celebration

    The federal government of Nigeria has reeled out activities to mark the 64th Independence Day anniversary celebration, which will commence with a World Press Conference on Thursday, 26th September 2024.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Nigeria gained independence from British rule on 1 October 1960 and since then the nation has marked her Independence Day annually on October First as a national holiday. In recent years public disillusionment has led to muted celebrations, due to the state of the economy and lingering ethnic tensions.

    However, for the 2024 Independence Day anniversary celebration, a Juma’at service will hold on Friday, 27th September, 2024 and a Church service will hold on Sunday, 29th September 2024, while the Presidential Broadcast and the 64th Independence Day parade will hold on Tuesday, 1st October 2024.

    Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman had disclosed that the 64th Independence Anniversary celebration will be low-keyed to reflect the trying times the nation is undergoing.

    ALSO READ || Mrs Tinubu unveils national ‘asoebi’ for Independence Day celebration, gifts designer N25m

    Senator Akume made the disclosire while speaking during the inaugurating of the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the 2024 Independence Day Celebration, which has been vested with the responsibility of planning, organizing and executing all approved activities line up to commemorate the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding fathers.

    The SGF stated that the event will afford the government the opportunity to showcase to Nigerians its scorecard recorded within the short period in office to reposition Nigeria through its reform initiatives to deliver the dividends of democracy.

    “The 64th Independence Anniversary celebration will commence with the World Press Conference on Thursday, 26th September 2024  with the following line-up of activities to mark the national event: Juma’at Service on Friday, 27th September, 2024; Church Service on Sunday, 29th September 2024; on Monday, 30th September 2024; while the Presidential Broadcast,  and 64th Independence Day Parade will hold on Tuesday, 1st October 2024,” he stated.

    The Inter-Ministerial Committee comprises Hon. Minister Budget and Economic Planning; Hon. Minister of Information and National Orientation; Hon. Minister of Interior; Hon. Minister Foreign Affairs; Hon. Minister of the FCT; Special Adviser to the President, Policy and Coordination; Senior Special Assistant to the President, Social Events and Inspector-General of Police.

    Other Members are National Security Adviser, Director-General, Department of State Services; Commander, Guards Brigade; Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation); Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office (Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation).

    “The Terms of Reference for the Inter-Ministerial Committee is to plan, organize, and execute all approved activities befitting the Independence Day Celebration on October 1st, 2024; Co-opt any organization(s)/ person(s) relevant towards the successful execution of the programme; Document for posterity, all planned activities for the Anniversary; and Carry out any other assignment as may be required towards the successful implementation of the Celebration,” Akume stated.

  • Let’s continue to use sports to unite Nigeria, President Nigeria Scrabble Federation, Engineer Toke Aka

    Let’s continue to use sports to unite Nigeria, President Nigeria Scrabble Federation, Engineer Toke Aka

    The President of Nigeria Scrabble Federation (NSF), High Chief, Engineer Toke Aka, has called on all sports men and women as well as administrators in the country and those in the diaspora to continue to use their unique God given talents to unite the country.
    Aka made this passionate appeal on Sunday in Kabba, Kogi State where he joined millions of Nigerians to celebrate the country’s 63rd independence anniversary.
    “As Nigeria celebrates it’s 63 years of Independence, there is the need for us in the sports sector of the economy to reflect on our success stories, challenges, setbacks and failures, however more importantly is the need to celebrate those that have continued to achieve successes despite these challenges and our sports men and women have done so.” Aka, the Managing Director of Kadegg Nigeria Limited stated.
    “From our rich football, basketball , scrabble, athletics, boxing, table tennis, weightlifting and wrestling just to mention but a few, our hard working athletes and administrators have added colour, glory and unity to this great country with their outstanding performances on the continent and the world.” He further said.
    Engineer Aka, therefore, called on the States and Federal Government as well as private sector to adequately fund the sports sector for it to continue to play its multi-purpose roles in the nation.
    “Yes, music, films, fashion, arts and entrepreneurship, there are notable Nigerians that have continued to represent the country in other parts of the world through their creativity, talents and performances but sports men and women are beacons.” Aka stated.
    The former cricketer turn scrabble administrator and scrabble encyclopedia, stressed that each day, sports keep adding value to the country, so it must be well nourished to continue in that routine.
    “Take a look at the kids in Asaba, Delta State for the National Youth Games. It’s all smiles from them. No tribal talk, no politics, no religious argument, it’s all about sports and setting new records and goals, that’s what we are talking about.” He added.
    “As we go about celebrating our 63rd independence anniversary, let all sports stakeholders continue to work toward making the sector grow. The hydro Engineer concluded.
  • Nigeria @63: Resolving diversity management and inclusiveness – By Dakuku Peterside

    Nigeria @63: Resolving diversity management and inclusiveness – By Dakuku Peterside

    The Economist Intelligence Unit 2009 ranked Nigeria in the world’s top five most diverse countries. It simultaneously ranked the country as the 45th of 47 countries sustaining national diversity. Diversity management and inclusiveness are essential and contentious issues in Nigeria today as it was in 1960. As acknowledged by President Tinubu in a recent foreign trip, our diversity ought to be an asset for nation-building and development. Promoting diversity and inclusion is crucial for social cohesion, economic development, and the nation’swell-being.

    This great country is an intricate assemblage of cultures, faiths, and languages. With a populace that surpasses 220 million, Nigeria prides itself on an impressiveness of over 250 ethnic groups, with over 500 languages lending voice to its diverse populace. Managing and celebrating this diversity is essential for national unity.

    Our incredible diversity is a double-edged sword; it made us a great nation, a melting pot of rich diversity that, if properly harnessed, will make Nigeria one of the best countries to live and work in. Harnessing positive cultural traits brings great rewards to all. You see this in our culinary expressions, music, and arts. It is little wonder Nigeria dominates all other African countries in these aspects. Our food, music and arts are synonymous with African food, music, and art. The second side of the sword is the challenges our diversity has created in making Nigeria a cohesive and united state. People from many of the ethnic nationalities that make up Nigeria place their identity and loyalty first to their ethnic nationality before contemplating their Nigerian identity. It is little wonder some have described Nigeria as a mere geographical expression devoid of the bond of nationhood that makes a great state.

    Historically, the unholy union of many ethnic nationalities into one dominant protectorate (Northern and Southern protectorates, respectively) for administrative ease by Britain without due consultation with the nationalities or due consideration to their historical engagements created tensions that revibrate to our time. Rival and enemy ethnic nationalities were lumped together and expected to coexist peacefully without correcting the historical malice, stereotypes, and innuendos that had existed for hundreds or thousands of years before colonisation. As if this was not enough, in 1914, the British colonialists performed the unholy marriage of the Northern and Southern protectorates to create Nigeria. This marriage was clearly for administrative ease and not any well-thought-out plan for creating a nation-state.

    There was no clear evidence that the first experiment of bundling the ethnic nationalities into protectorates brought them together other than for administrative benefits. Each ethnic nationality maintained its identity and never wholly surrendered to the new identity. Scaling up forced union by the amalgamation of 1914 without giving proper attention to making ethnic nationalities bond together created a Nigeria of many ethnic nationalities that were suspicious of each other. This suspicion and sometimes outright hatred among ethnic nationalities served the British colonisers’ divide-and-rule approach well. In 1914, we had a nation-state made up of ethnic nationalities that were neither not interested in it nor suspicious of everything about it to place complete loyalty to Nigeria.

    The post-1914 Nigeria saw many activities geared towards making a ‘Nigeria’ out of the dominant ethnic nationalities. Several constitutions were made, and several state institutions were created to exert the influence of a state. There was also a uniting vision of getting Nigeria to become an independent country, a rallying ideology for all leaders of the major ethnic nationalities.

    Apart from these uniting tendencies, a chequered history of mistrust, hatred, and suspicion led to pogroms, ethnic clashes, and wanton destruction of lives and properties. The 1960 independence happened under this context of fear and distrust among the ethnic nationalities. Little wonder Nigeria’s civil war killed millions a few years after Independence.

    Since the end of the civil war in 1970, Nigeria has been battling to create a cohesive nation-state with blurred ethnic lines. The Nigerian state has tried to fight nepotism, tribalism, and lack of access to opportunities based on ethnicity. Some of the measures, although created with good intentions, created unintended problems. For instance, creating the Federal Character Principle to give access to opportunities to people from various ethnic backgrounds became counterproductive when meritocracy and value were sacrificed on the altar of equal access in Nigeria. The death of meritocracy in Nigeria due to clannishness, nepotism, and irredentist tendencies has stopped Nigeria from harnessing its best resources for socio-political and economic growth.

    Unfortunately, 63 years from Independence, we have yet to make a significant improvement in managing our diversity well, much more in harnessing it to our advantage. Today, we are still dealing with the issues of dismantling ethnic nationality loyalties and subjecting all allegiances to the Nigerian state. We are brutally confronted with diversity challenges daily in politics, social existence, communal relations, and religious differences. Any little issues of national importance are seen by many from the narrow prism of ethnicity and religion. We are a nation silently at war with ourselves based on ethnic and religious loyalties. The last national elections exemplify this. I must acknowledge that some progress has been made, but recent events show an erosion of this progress. Recent calls for secession, banditry, terrorism activities, farmer-herder crises and communal crises are a few examples of worsening tensions in the union. Prof. Anya, a distinguished Nigerian merit Laureate, has this to say, “We can no longer say with certainty that we have a nation”. Niger Delta leaders, South-Eastern leaders, Middle-Belt leaders, and Northern Elders Forum have not remained quiet.

    The key driver of the challenge of managing our diversity is limited economic opportunities and politics of exclusion. Lack of opportunities or unequal access to opportunities exacerbates feelings of exclusion and anger, especially in a struggling economy. Poverty and greed of the elite combine to divide the nation. Poverty creates an atmosphere of shame and blame and quickly pushes people to resort to divisive ethnic and religious sentiments. And over 130 million Nigerians are multidimensionally poor. Besides, ignorance and illiteracy promote conflict and hinder inclusion. Our greedy elite are comfortable with fantastical corruption that leads to a few siphoning our common patrimony for themselves and their cronies. Any plans to manage our diversity and create inclusion must address poverty and corruption that leads to unequal or no access to opportunities.

    Therefore, we must develop more ways of celebrating our ethnic and cultural diversity. All must resist any tendency to promote cultural superiority. Promoting religious tolerance and understanding is crucial to maintaining peace. Although English is our official language, we must keep the local languages alive. We must ensure that education is accessible to all, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or socio-economic background. We must promote workplace diversity, inclusion, equal opportunities, and fair employee treatment.

    Government must be the critical driver of promoting diversity and inclusion through legislation and policies. Political leaders must aim for equitable representation of diverse groups in government and public institutions and that no one group dominates the rest in government. This has direct political consequences – political leaders must be deliberate in the equitable distribution of infrastructure, resources, political offices, and accommodation of different cultural expressions in our country. Our political leaders need to focus on building trust and creating a culture where everyone feels free to aspire to the best Nigeria can offer them. They play a critical role in managing ethnocultural divisions, gender biases, and most recently, youth bulge. They have a responsibility to create and sustain an inclusive environment for all. Our recent experience shows that the country suffers many mishaps if the political leadership does not manage our diversity and create an inclusive environment.

    Civil society organisations and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) must play a vital role in advocating for diversity and inclusiveness and monitoring and holding the government and private sector accountable for their commitments. And all stakeholders must support initiatives to promote cultural understanding, tolerance, and acceptance to bridge divides.

    Managing diversity and promoting inclusiveness in Nigeria is an ongoing and multifaceted challenge. It requires concerted efforts from the government, civil society, the private sector, and individuals to ensure that all Nigerians, regardless of their background, can participate fully in the country’s social, economic, and political life. Embracing diversity and inclusiveness is a moral imperative and a pathway to a more prosperous and harmonious Nigeria.

  • Independence Day: Tinubu’s speech empty, full of hopelessness – Atiku’s aide, Shaibu

    Independence Day: Tinubu’s speech empty, full of hopelessness – Atiku’s aide, Shaibu

    Phrank Shaibu, former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar’s Special Assistant on  Communication, has described the speech delivered by President Bola Tinubu on Independence Day as very empty, uninspiring, and full of hopelessness.

    Shaibu berated Tinubu  for failing to increase minimum wage, saying that he has destroyed the naira and removing petrol subsidy which ultimately pushed inflation to over 25 per cent.

    He said, “Many workers were hopeful that minimum wage would be announced today. However, what Tinubu decided to do was to add an allowance of N25,000 ($25) to the lowest paid workers for six months only. This is a man that is clearly callous and lacking in ideas.

    “He added that  he refused to increase the minimum wage in order not to worsen the inflation rate. If he cared so much about the inflation rate, he ought to have planned properly before removing the petrol subsidy and forced the central bank to embark on a failed exchange rate unification policy which has not been backed by a corresponding boost in exports.

    “In effect, Tinubu put the cart before the horse and now that the horse has trampled on the cart, he is making excuses for his own incompetence. This is shameful.”

    Continuing, Shaibu said that the industrial action by the organised labour was clear evidence that Tinubu had failed to carry along the average Nigerian.

    “He told the organised labour and Nigerians at large to be patient. While they gave him the benefit of the doubt and delayed a bit, he decided to proceed to court to obtain a court order barring them from going on strike. This has become the stock in trade of the APC.

    “However, now that Nigerians are drowning from Tinubu’s ill-conceived policies, the organised labour and even the majority of Nigerians are threatening to disobey the court order. This is the sort of chaos that Tinubu’s illegitimate administration is about to push Nigerians into.

    “Rather than negotiate with labour in an honest manner, Tinubu has been sponsoring crisis in affiliate unions of the NLC like the NURTW where his minion, MC Oluomo, and others are constantly attacking the NLC. Tinubu should be reminded of the fact that money cannot buy everything.”

    He further described Tinubu’s promise to distribute palliatives to the poorest of the poor as another ruse to fool innocent and desperate Nigerians.

    According to him, the recent embarrassment at the Ministry of Humanitarians Affairs where appointments were made into non-existent offices and defunct World Bank projects was evidence that the Tinubu administration was not ready for governance but was only after enriching party supporters.

    Shaibu stated, “The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr Beta Edu, made fresh appointments into non-existent entities and defunct World Bank- supported projects, according to media reports.

    “Edu announced the appointment of 13 persons to head different entities and programmes under her ministry. Most of these appointees were APC members who have no expertise whatsoever as regards humanitarian affairs.

    “She appointed one Olubunmi Bello as the national coordinator of the Community and Social Development Programme (CSDP), a defunct $415million World Bank-funded intervention project that was launched in 2009 and officially concluded in June, 2021.

    “She appointed one Richard Romanus as the national programme manager of the Youth Empowerment and Social Support Operations (YESSO), another defunct World Bank-supported project. It is obvious that people are being appointed into non-existing offices just to share the national cake. There is no plan whatsoever to distribute any palliative. This is the sort of sham that the Bola Tinubu administration is known for.”

    Shaibu said Tinubu must note that the removal of petrol subsidy is not an achievement. “Rather, it is what is done with the money that is saved from the removal of subsidy that would determine if the regime is a success or not,” he noted.

    He akso faulted Tinubu for describing himself as an achiever for removing subsidy and for saying that subsidy ought to have been removed earlier.

    Atiku’s aide noted that Tinubu was one of the loudest voices against subsidy removal back in 2012 when the Goodluck Jonathan administration decided to remove it.

    Shaibu said, “Tinubu should bury his face in shame for criticising former Presidents for retaining subsidies. Here is a man who described petrol increase back in January 2012 as ‘Jonathan tax’ when subsidy was removed at the time.

    “Tinubu told Jonathan to go after the oil thieves rather than Nigerians. Let Tinubu also be brave enough to expose and prosecute the so-called subsidy thieves he loves to reference in every speech. Let Tinubu also be man enough to apologise for sponsoring protests in Lagos back in 2012 over subsidy.”

     

  • Google celebrates Nigeria at 63 with doodle

    Google celebrates Nigeria at 63 with doodle

    Google is celebrating Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Day with a special doodle on its homepage.

    The doodle commemorates Nigeria’s Independence Day on Sunday, marking the country’s official emergence as a sovereign nation on this day in 1960.

    The doodle features Nigeria’s national flag waving against a bright blue sky to highlight the significance of Nigeria’s Independence Day.

    According to Google “ Independence Day celebrations, including the nationally televised broadcast by the President, military manoeuvres by the Nigerian Armed Forces, the raising of the Nigerian flag, and the cutting of an Independence Day cake.”

    Google also emphasized the cultural aspect of the celebrations, mentioning the popular Nigerian meal of plantains and chicken served with jollof rice, and enjoying the day with family and friends.

  • 63rd Anniversary: It may be tough now, but Nig will rise again – Saraki

    63rd Anniversary: It may be tough now, but Nig will rise again – Saraki

    Former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki has congratulated Nigerians on the 63rd anniversary of the nation’s independence and urged them to believe that despite the difficult situation confronting the country now, good days will soon return.

    In a statement signed by Yusuph Olaniyonu, head of his Media Office, Saraki stated that no matter the state of the economy, politics, and social situation, the Independence Anniversary presents an opportunity for every citizen to celebrate and renew their commitment to the country.

    He added that the economic situation of the country, the political challenges, poor social conditions, and security crises are strong factors that could make the people unhappy and reduce their enthusiasm to celebrate as they usually do every first day of October.

    “However, I believe there is light at the end of the tunnel. It is good for our people to look at the bright side of life and strengthen their belief in the country. It has not always been like what we have today. This country’s independence in 1960 was seen by the rest of the world as the one that symbolised the future and greatness of Africa. What those who believed Nigeria represented the best of Africa saw in 1960 remains here.

    “This is still a country where one out of every four Africans is a Nigerian. It is a country where the natural resources are still abundant. It is a country where the best professionals from Africa emanated from. It is a country where over 60 percent of the population is youth. It is a country which presents a huge market to the world with its almost 200 million population.

    “Which other country dominates the financial technology (fintech) world as we have? Also, our control of the world of sports, entertainment, medicine, and academics shows that the future belongs to us.

    “All these give me hope that the future will be bright for our country. We only need to be more diligent and effective in the choice of our leadership and the followership should strive to be a positive influence on those who administer the country.

    “As we celebrate the 63rd independence anniversary of our dear nation, let us all pray to God to heal our land, guide both our leaders and the followers right, and “help our youths the truth to know” as the words of our national anthem read.

    “Let me again reiterate my prayers that Almighty Allah should protect our men and women in the security services who are stationed on the frontline fighting to secure the country and give them victory over the enemies of the state who have chosen to wage war against the country. May peace and prosperity return to our country so that we can all celebrate her greatness once again. Happy Independence Anniversary to all Nigerians”, Saraki stated.

  • 63rd Independence: Read Tinubu’s full address to Nigerians

    63rd Independence: Read Tinubu’s full address to Nigerians

    ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR, PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA IN COMMEMORATION OF THE 63RD  INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY OF NIGERIA ON SUNDAY, 1ST OCTOBER, 2023

    Dear Compatriots,

    It is my unique honour to address you on this day, the 63rd anniversary of our nation’s independence, both as the President of our dear country and, simply, as a fellow Nigerian.

    On this solemn yet hopeful day, let us commend our founding fathers and mothers.  Without them, there would be no modern Nigeria. From the fading embers of colonialism, their activism, dedication and leadership gave life to the belief in Nigeria as a sovereign and independent nation.

    Let us, at this very moment, affirm that as Nigerians, we are all endowed with the sacred rights and individual gifts that God has bestowed on us as a nation and as human beings. No one is greater or lesser than the other. The triumphs that Nigeria has achieved shall define us. The travails we have endured shall strengthen us. And no other nation or power on this earth shall keep us from our rightful place and destiny. This nation belongs to you, dear people. Love and cherish it as your very own.

    Nigeria is remarkable in its formation and essential character. We are a broad and dynamic blend of ethnic groups, religions, traditions and cultures. Yet, our bonds are intangible yet strong, invisible yet universal. We are joined by a common thirst for peace and progress, by the common dream of prosperity and harmony and by the unifying ideals of tolerance and justice.

    Forging a nation based on the fair application of these noble principles to a diverse population has been a task of significant blessing but also a serial challenge. Some people have said an independent Nigeria should never have come into existence. Some have said that our country would be torn apart. They are forever mistaken. Here, our nation stands and here we shall remain.

    This year, we passed a significant milestone in our journey to a better Nigeria. By democratically electing a 7th consecutive civilian government, Nigeria has proven that commitment to democracy and the rule of law remains our guiding light.

    At my inauguration,  I made important promises about how I would govern this great nation. Among those promises, were pledges to reshape and modernize our economy and to secure the lives, liberty and property of the people.

    I said that bold reforms were necessary to place our nation on the path of prosperity and growth.  On that occasion, I announced the end of the fuel subsidy.

    I am attuned to the hardships that have come. I have a heart that feels and eyes that see. I wish to explain to you why we must endure this trying moment. Those who sought to perpetuate the fuel subsidy and broken foreign exchange policies are people who would build their family mansion in the middle of a swamp.  I am different. I am not a man to erect our national home on a foundation of mud. To endure, our home must be constructed on safe and pleasant ground.

    Reform may be painful, but it is what greatness and the future require, We now carry the costs of  reaching a future Nigeria where the abundance and fruits of the nation are fairly shared among all, not hoarded by a select and greedy few. A Nigeria where hunger, poverty and hardship are pushed into the shadows of a never-fading past.

    There is no joy in seeing the people of this nation shoulder burdens that should have been shed years ago. I wish today’s difficulties did not exist. But we must endure if we are to reach the good side of our future.

    My government is doing all that it can to ease the load. I will now outline the path we are taking to relieve the stress on our families and households.

    We have embarked on several public sector reforms to stabilize the economy, direct fiscal and monetary policy to fight inflation, encourage production, ensure the security of lives and property and lend more support to the poor and the vulnerable.

    Based on our talks with labour, business and other stakeholders, we are introducing a provisional wage increment to enhance the federal minimum wage without causing undue inflation. For the next six months, the average low-grade worker shall receive an additional Twenty-Five Thousand naira per month.

    To ensure better grassroots development, we set up an Infrastructure Support Fund for states to invest in critical areas. States have already received funds to provide relief packages against the impact of rising food and other prices.

    Making the economy more robust by lowering transport costs will be key. In this regard, we have opened a new chapter in public transportation through the deployment of cheaper, safer Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses across the nation. These buses will operate at a fraction of current fuel prices, positively affecting transport fares.

    New CNG conversion kits will start coming in very soon as all hands are on deck to fast-track the usually lengthy procurement process. We are also setting up training facilities and workshops across the nation to train and provide new opportunities for transport operators and entrepreneurs. This is a groundbreaking moment where, as a nation, we embrace more efficient means to power our economy. In making this change, we also make history.

    I pledged a thorough housecleaning of the den of malfeasance the CBN had become. That housecleaning is well underway. A  new leadership for the Central Bank has been constituted. Also, my special investigator will soon present his findings on past lapses and how to prevent similar reoccurrences.

    Henceforth, monetary policy shall be for the benefit of all and not the exclusive province of the powerful and wealthy.

    Wise tax policy is essential to economic fairness and development. I have inaugurated a Committee on Tax Reforms to improve the efficiency of tax administration in the country and address fiscal policies that are unfair or hinder the business environment and slow our growth.

    To boost employment and urban incomes, we are providing investment funding for enterprises with great potential. Similarly, we are increasing investment in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

    Commencing this month, the social safety net is being extended through the expansion of cash transfer programs to an additional 15 million vulnerable households.

    My administration shall always accord the highest priority to the safety of the people. Inter-Service collaboration and intelligence sharing have been enhanced. Our Service Chiefs have been tasked with the vital responsibility of rebuilding the capacities of our security services.

    Here, I salute and commend our gallant security forces for keeping us safe and securing our territorial integrity. Many have paid the ultimate sacrifice. We remember them today and their families. We shall equip our forces with the ways and means needed to perform their urgent task on behalf of the people.

    We shall continue to make key appointments in line with the provisions of the Constitution and with fairness toward all. Women, Youth and the physically challenged shall continue to be given due regard in these appointments.

    May I take this opportunity to congratulate the National Assembly for its role in the quick take-off of this administration through the performance of its constitutional duties of confirmation and oversight.

    I similarly congratulate the judiciary as a pillar of democracy and fairness.

    I also thank members of our dynamic civil society organizations and labour unions for their dedication to Nigerian democracy. We may not always agree but I value your advice and recommendations. You are my brothers and sisters and you have my due respect.

    Fellow compatriots, the journey ahead will not be navigated by fear or hatred. We can only achieve our better Nigeria through courage, compassion and commitment as one indivisible unit.

    I promise that I shall remain committed and serve faithfully. I also invite all to join this enterprise to remake our beloved nation into its better self. We can do it, We must do it. We shall do it.!!!

    I wish you all a happy 63rd Independence Anniversary.

    Thank you for listening.

    May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

  • What Tinubu told Nigerians in 63rd Independence Day address

    What Tinubu told Nigerians in 63rd Independence Day address

    President Bola Tinubu said that the Federal Government has been taking the paths to economic greatness since his administration assumed office in May.

    Tinubu stated this in an address on the occasion of the nation’s 63rd Independence Anniversary on Sunday in Abuja.

    He said that the actualisation of these objectives would be pursued without fear or hatred but for the good of all Nigerians irrespective of religion, culture or class.

    ‘’At my inauguration, I made important promises about how I would govern this great nation. Among those promises, were pledges to reshape and modernize our economy and to secure the lives, liberty and property of the people.

    ‘’I said that bold reforms were necessary to place our nation on the path of prosperity and growth. On that occasion, I announced the end of the fuel subsidy.

    ‘’I am attuned to the hardships that have come. I have a heart that feels and eyes that see. I wish to explain to you why we must endure this trying moment.

    ‘’Those who sought to perpetuate the fuel subsidy and broken foreign exchange policies are people who would build their family mansion in the middle of a swamp.

    ‘’I am different. I am not a man to erect our national home on a foundation of mud. To endure, our home must be constructed on safe and pleasant ground.’’

    He said that the support and patience of all Nigerians was paramount in the success of the economic reforms that would lead to the reality of Nigeria of our dream.

    He said that the Aegean stable at the Central Bank of Nigeria was being cleaned while tax reform and other fiscal policies are being designed to attract Foreign Direct Investment.

    ‘’I pledged a thorough housecleaning of the den of malfeasance the CBN had become. That housecleaning is well underway. A new leadership for the Central Bank has been constituted.

    ‘’Also, my special investigator will soon present his findings on past lapses and how to prevent similar reoccurrences.

    ‘’Henceforth, monetary policy shall be for the benefit of all and not the exclusive province of the powerful and wealthy.

    ‘’I have inaugurated a Committee on Tax Reforms to improve the efficiency of tax administration in the country and address fiscal policies that are unfair or hinder the business environment and slow our growth.

    ‘’To boost employment and urban incomes, we are providing investment funding for enterprises with great potential. Similarly, we are increasing investment in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

    ‘’Commencing this month, the social safety net is being extended through the expansion of cash transfer programmes to an additional 15 million vulnerable households,’’ he said.

    Tinubu said that all citizens are welcomed to join hands toward a better country, adding that ‘’we can do it. We must do it. We shall do it’’.

    Nigeria @63: Tinubu lauds founding fathers’ dedication, leadership

    President Bola Tinubu has lauded the country’s founding fathers for their doggedness, patriotism and activism that culminated into Nigeria’s freedom from colonialists 63 years ago.

    He stated this on Sunday in Abuja in an address to Nigerians on the nation’s 63rd Independence Anniversary.

    He said that their efforts gave life to the belief in Nigeria as a sovereign and independent nation that it is today.

    “On this solemn, yet hopeful day, let us commend our founding fathers and mothers. Without them, there would be no modern Nigeria.

    “From the fading embers of colonialism, their activism, dedication and leadership gave life to the belief in Nigeria as a sovereign and independent nation.

    “Let us, at this very moment, affirm that as Nigerians, we are all endowed with the sacred rights and individual gifts that God has bestowed on us as a nation and as human beings. No one is greater or lesser than the other.

    “The triumphs that Nigeria has achieved shall define us. The travails we have endured shall strengthen us. And no other nation or power on this earth shall keep us from our rightful place and destiny.

    “Nigeria is remarkable in its formation and essential character. We are a broad and dynamic blend of ethnic groups, religions, traditions and cultures. Yet, our bonds are intangible, yet strong, invisible yet universal.

    “We are joined by a common thirst for peace and progress, by the common dream of prosperity and harmony and by the unifying ideals of tolerance and justice.’’

    Tinubu said that building a nation of shared vision always come with various challenges that must be conquered and resolved in the overall interest of the citizens.

    “Forging a nation based on the fair application of these noble principles to a diverse population has been a task of significant blessing but also serial challenge.

    “Some people have said an independent Nigeria should never have come into existence. Some have said that our country would be torn apart. They are forever mistaken. Here, our nation stands and here we shall remain.

    “This year, we passed a significant milestone in our journey to a better Nigeria. By democratically electing a 7th consecutive civilian government, Nigeria has proven that commitment to democracy and the rule of law remains our guiding light.’’

    The president said that the commitment of the security forces, the legislatures, judiciary as well as the civil society organisation was a force that binds the country since independence.

    He said that the administration would continue to accord highest priority to the safety of lives and property of Nigerians, adding that already, inter-agency collaboration had been enhanced.

    “Inter-service collaboration and intelligence sharing have been enhanced. Our service chiefs have been tasked with the vital responsibility of rebuilding the capacities of our security services.

    “I salute and commend our gallant security forces for keeping us safe and securing our territorial integrity. Many have paid the ultimate sacrifice. We remember them today and their families.

    “May I take this opportunity to congratulate the National Assembly for its role in the quick take-off of this administration through the performance of its constitutional duties of confirmation and oversight.

    “I similarly congratulate the judiciary as a pillar of democracy and fairness.’’

    The president pledged to continue to recognise all segment of the country in appointment into various areas of national responsibilities as promised during campaigns.

    “We shall continue to make key appointments in line with the provisions of the Constitution and with fairness toward all. Women, Youth and the physically challenged shall continue to be given due regards in these appointments.’’

    Tinubu urged that all hands must be on deck to see the labour of the nation’s founding fathers bear fruit for the benefit of all Nigeria.