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Nigeria at 65: Building on the vision, deepening impact

By Michael Abayomi Adeyanju

As Nigeria commemorates 65 years of Independence, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s national broadcast stands as a powerful reaffirmation of our shared journey—from the dreams of our founding fathers to the bold reforms shaping our future.

His message is one of pride, resilience, and renewal. As a fellow member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a candidate seeking to serve, I find inspiration in his words—and responsibility in the work that remains.

Honouring Our Legacy, Grounding Our Future

President Tinubu’s tribute to Nigeria’s founding heroes—Herbert Macaulay, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, and others—reminds us of the ideals that gave birth to our nation. Their vision of a united, prosperous Nigeria leading the black race is not just history—it is a call to action.

Yet, as we celebrate their legacy, we must also confront the realities that have tested it. Governance missteps, institutional weaknesses, and missed opportunities have challenged our progress. As leaders, we must honour the past not only with reverence but with realism.

Reform with Empathy: Progress That Touches Lives

President Tinubu’s administration has made bold choices, including removing fuel subsidies, unifying exchange rates, and restructuring fiscal policy. These reforms are yielding results:

GDP growth of 4.23%

Inflation down to 20.12%

Non-oil revenue surpassing #20 trillion

These are impressive strides. The President also recognises the human cost—rising unemployment, food insecurity, and economic anxiety- and he is working assiduously to address these concerns with compassion and targeted policies.

We’re also aware that President Tinubu is working on policies that translate macroeconomic gains into tangible improvements in education, healthcare, and job creation.

Economic Milestones: From Momentum to Maturity

The President’s 12 economic milestones reflect a nation in motion. From a 411% revenue surge to a trade surplus and more substantial reserves, Nigeria is regaining its financial footing. But sustaining these gains requires more than celebration—it demands strategic continuity.

Tax compliance, diversification, and anti-corruption efforts must be deepened. Oil production gains must be shielded from volatility. And our fiscal health must be anchored in transparency. I will advocate institutional reforms that protect these achievements and expand their reach to every community.

Security and Stability: Beyond the Battlefield

President Tinubu rightly salutes our armed forces for reclaiming communities and restoring peace. Yet, persistent insecurity in parts of the North and Southeast reminds us that military success must be matched by social healing. IPN will always support community-based peacebuilding, intelligence reform, and rehabilitation programs that foster lasting security.

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Youth and Innovation: Investing in Nigeria’s Greatest Asset

The President’s initiatives—NELFUND, Credicorp, YouthCred—are empowering young Nigerians with access to education, credit, and digital tools. Yet youth unemployment remains a pressing concern. It is necessary to prioritise vocational training, startup incubation, and public-private partnerships to unlock youth potential and drive inclusive growth. And that is why I will salute the President for the tuition-free education in technical colleges recently ordered by President Tinubu. It is indeed commendable.

Productivity and Patriotism: Turning Vision into Value

President Tinubu’s call to “farm our land,” “build factories,” and “patronise Made-in-Nigeria goods” is a rallying cry for national self-reliance. This vision must be supported by enabling policies, including those related to land access, infrastructure, and market linkages.

As a nation, we need to build a productivity framework that empowers SMEs, strengthens agriculture, and fosters local manufacturing.

A Shared Mandate: From Reform to Renewal

President Tinubu’s broadcast is more than a speech—it is a blueprint for national transformation. As a member of the APC and a candidate dedicated to service, I wholeheartedly embrace this vision and strive to deepen its impact.

Nigeria at 65 is not just about turning corners. It is about building bridges—between policy and people, between promise and progress.

Bringing It Home: Progress You Can Feel

As we celebrate Nigeria’s 65th Independence, I want all the citizens—sons and daughters of Ondo North Zone — to know that the reforms championed by President Tinubu are not just national headlines—they are fundamental changes that you can feel in our communities.

From increased federal allocations that support our local schools and clinics to new infrastructure projects that improve our roads and market access, the Renewed Hope Agenda is reaching our doorsteps.

It is expected that these gains will be deepened right here—by advocating youth employment programmes, expanding access to credit for small businesses, and accelerating rural development. Together, we will turn national progress into local prosperity.

Let’s write the next chapter together, not just in statistics, but in the lived experiences of every Nigerian.

•Engr. Adeyanju is Director-General, Imole Progressive Network (IPN)

October 5, 2025
Nigeria at 65: Clerics call for renewal, youthful leadership, value-driven nation-building

As Nigeria celebrates 65 years of independence from Great Britain, voices from the nation’s faith community are adding depth to the national reflection. From Archbishop Joseph Ojo’s call for a generational shift in leadership, to Bishop Charles Ighele’s reminder that political freedom without economic and social liberation is incomplete; from Rev. Jummy Adetoyese-Olagunju’s charge to move “beyond prayer” toward practical nation-building, to Bishop Robertson Akwazi’s echo of President Bola Tinubu’s message of hope and resilience—clerics are urging Nigerians to see independence not just as history, but as a mandate for renewal. Together, their messages highlight a common thread: Nigeria’s future greatness depends on faith, values, visionary leadership, and the active participation of its citizens.

Archbishop Ojo calls for younger leadership to drive nation forward

As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence Anniversary, Archbishop Joseph Ojo, Founder of Calvary Kingdom Church, has called for a generational shift in leadership, urging younger Nigerians to take more strategic roles in steering Africa’s most populous nation toward greater progress.

Speaking in an interview, Ojo reflected on the nation’s journey since October 1, 1960, recalling the excitement that filled the air when Nigerians first gained self-rule from Great Britain. “I was 11 years old when we got our independence, and I was so excited because we felt that indigenous people could now lead us after being ruled by foreigners. We were hopeful that things would get better,” he said.

According to the cleric, Nigeria has made significant strides in population, governance, and development since independence, but the pace of progress is being slowed by the age and capacity of its leaders. “At 65, a person cannot do the work of a young person. Old men like us cannot bear the nation’s burdens anymore. Those who have led have tried their best, but they must be courageous enough to allow younger people to participate in leadership,” he stated.

Archbishop Ojo stressed the importance of giving young Nigerians not only opportunities to serve but also key positions where their creativity and energy can be maximised. “Most of the things we do, we get counsel from young brains. When you put younger people in strategic places, development happens faster,” he noted.

Looking ahead, Ojo expressed optimism that Nigeria’s future remains bright despite its challenges. “Over the years, we have not done badly, but things can improve a lot more than this. I am very hopeful that Nigeria will be great again in my lifetime. Our currency might not be at par with the dollar, but the country will be better and favourable for all Nigerians,” he affirmed.

As the country celebrates 65 years of independence, his message is clear: the next phase of Nigeria’s greatness will depend on empowering its youth with the mantle of leadership.

Nigeria, not yet old enough at 65-Bishop Ighele

When Nigeria gained independence from Great Britain on October 1, 1960, the air was filled with optimism. Flags waved, hopes soared, and citizens believed that the new nation would chart its course toward prosperity and self-reliance. But 65 years later, Bishop Charles Ighele, General Superintendent of Holy Spirit Mission (The Happy Family Nation), argues that the country still struggles with the very essence of independence.

“Independence for a nation can be proclaimed in a day,” Ighele reflected. “But while it takes a day to declare independence, it takes years and decades to really become independent.”

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For him, Nigeria’s story at 65 is one of political freedom without the substance of economic and social liberation. He notes that while Nigerian leaders are bold in speech and action, often without fear of international reprimand, the country remains dependent in critical areas such as food security, education, health care, and infrastructure.

“At age 65, Nigeria is far from having a semblance of independence in providing food for her huge population,” he said.

Despite abundant arable land—Nigeria holds one of the largest percentages of cultivable land in Africa—millions still go hungry. “People are dying of hunger because the people have not been politically led and socially and educationally parented to benefit from the huge agricultural resources in the country.”

To Ighele, agriculture is not just a means of feeding the population but a pathway to national wealth. “There is more money in agriculture than in crude oil,” he insisted, urging government to embark on what he calls “agricultural socialisation” to reorient citizens toward farming and agribusiness.

Beyond food production, Ighele laments Nigeria’s overreliance on foreign expertise in construction and engineering. “A situation where all major construction projects are being executed by foreign-owned companies is simply sending the message that Nigerian education has not provided the engineers and other construction workers who can independently run companies that can embark on massive projects,” he said. For now, he added, the nation’s best brains often end up employed by these foreign firms rather than leading indigenous enterprises.

The Bishop further highlighted the paradox of poverty that defines everyday life. With about 70 percent of Nigerians living in hardship, many depend on a small fraction of wealthier relatives, governments, or humanitarian groups for survival. “A nation where the majority are poor and look to palliatives is far from independence,” he observed. Without urgent reversal, he warned, Nigeria risks becoming “like an old poor man who achieved nothing or a rich evil man who did evil but now about to die regretting how he lived his life.”

Despite these grim realities, Ighele remains hopeful that Nigeria can rewrite its story. He believes the current government has the intellectual capacity to reverse the trend of dependency and lead the nation toward true independence. “Having had political independence, all other sections of our national life should be made to become independent,” he urged.

For Bishop Ighele, Nigeria at 65 is not too old to change, but not yet mature enough to fully grasp the weight of its independence. His message is both a caution and a call: to seize the next decades not as a burden of missed opportunities, but as a chance to finally embody the independence proclaimed in 1960.

Bishop Akwazi calls for unity, national renewal

As Nigeria celebrates her 65th Independence anniversary, former Chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Bauchi State and the Presiding Bishop City Gate International Churches Worldwide, Cross River State, Bishop Robertson Ugar Akwazi has urged Nigerians to embrace President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message of hope, faith, and action—reminding citizens that with Almighty God on their side, a new, prosperous, and self-reliant Nigeria is possible.

The bishop, reflecting on the President’s Independence Day address, noted that while the journey has been filled with trials, the nation’s resilience is proof that a brighter future lies ahead.

He emphasized that independence is not only about political freedom but about building a nation where citizens enjoy prosperity, peace, and unity.

For Bishop Akwazi, the hopes for the years to come can be summed up in three pillars: Economic Growth: Nigeria must continue leveraging reforms to strengthen its economy and create opportunities for all. Prosperity: A future where every Nigerian has access to quality education, healthcare, and jobs is within reach. Unity and Peace: Despite differences in ethnicity, religion, and culture, Nigerians must strive to live together in harmony, celebrating diversity as a strength.

The bishop stressed that national transformation requires both collective effort and government leadership. “Nation-building is the responsibility of every Nigerian,” he said. Citizens must focus on productivity, innovation, and enterprise. Critical steps include: Infrastructure Development: Building and maintaining roads, power, and transport systems to support growth. Education and Skills: Prioritizing youth empowerment through education and vocational training. Agriculture: Harnessing the nation’s rich agricultural potential to ensure food security and lower food costs. Unity and Patriotism: Rekindling the spirit of patriotism and shared purpose to overcome divisions.

The Role of Leaders

Turning to leadership, Bishop Akwazi underscored the need for accountability and transparency. “Good governance must be the cornerstone of Nigeria’s progress,” he said. Leaders, he added, should ensure that policies like the Renewed Hope Agenda are not only formulated but effectively implemented to transform the economy and society.

He also called on leaders to empower citizens—especially young people—through opportunities that encourage innovation, entrepreneurship, and meaningful participation in the nation’s growth.

A Call to Faith and Responsibility

While he acknowledged the role of prayer, Bishop Akwazi insisted that prayer must be matched with responsibility and action. With God’s blessing, he said, Nigeria’s rich resources and human capital can be harnessed to secure a future of peace and prosperity.

“Nigeria at 65 is a story of resilience,” Bishop Akwazi concluded. “But the next chapter must be written by a people who believe in their country’s greatness and are willing to work together, guided by faith, unity, and purposeful leadership.”

Beyond Prayer, a call to build values for national transformation- Adetoyese-Olagunju

For Rev. Jummy Adetoyese-Olagunju, Senior Pastor of Kingdom Light Christian Centre (Praise Arena), Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary is not just another date on the national calendar—it is a moment for gratitude, sober reflection, and renewed commitment to building a stronger nation.

He notes that despite decades marked by crippling economic downturns, political crises, and insecurity, Nigeria has remained resilient where others faltered. “This milestone should be marked with thanksgiving to God Almighty, the Creator, for sustaining the country and rekindling hope in its people,” he said.

Hope for years ahead

Despite persistent challenges, Olagunju points to emerging signs of progress. Ongoing government reforms in security, policy, and the economy, though gradual, are laying the foundation for a more stable and prosperous nation. But transformation, he cautions, cannot be left to government alone—it requires the active participation of citizens, civil society, and especially the Church.

One of Nigeria’s recurring pitfalls, according to the cleric, has been its overreliance on prayer as a substitute for action. “The tasks of taking the nation to the next level should be seen as action points, rather than prayer points,” he stressed.

While prayer remains vital, he insists that it must be coupled with deliberate steps to entrench values and drive progress.

For Olagunju, the Church must step beyond the walls of worship centres and become a practical force in shaping national values and policies. He argues that in countries now enjoying stability and prosperity, transformation was achieved not by religiosity alone but by institutionalising fairness, honesty, compassion, and social responsibility.

He recommends that the Nigerian Church Form a united front to advise government on educational curricula that instil godly and moral values. Collaborate with unions, professional groups, and community leaders to champion accountability and integrity. Sponsor programs and bills that strengthen institutions promoting ethics and good governance. Partner with influencers and youth to embed virtues such as honesty, responsibility, and respect in the next generation.

Bright future anchored on values

Nigeria, Olagunju insists, is richly blessed with natural resources, fertile land, and a vibrant population. “God has blessed the country with natural resources and wealth; hence we are not expected to be living poor as a nation,” he said.

What remains is for citizens and leaders alike to translate these blessings into shared prosperity by nurturing values-driven leadership. “For Nigeria, true independence will not be found merely in political freedom, but in the cultivation of values that shape every individual to live responsibly, lead with integrity, and build a society where prosperity is shared by all.

As Nigeria celebrates 65 years of self-rule, Olagunju’s message is clear: stop asking God only for good leaders, and start raising good citizens.

October 5, 2025
Nigeria at 65: Group urges coastal inclusion to unlock blue economy potential

As Nigeria marks 65 years of independence, maritime journalists have urged policymakers to look seaward for solutions to the country’s economic challenges.

The maritime journalists under the aegis of the Maritime Correspondents Organisation of Nigeria (MARCON), in a statement signed by its President, Ismail Aniemu, and Secretary, Olamide Osho, said the blue economy holds the potential to create at least 100,000 jobs annually.

They, however, cautioned that such opportunities will remain elusive unless coastal communities are brought into the centre of implementation.

The group described Nigeria as a “maritime powerhouse” whose potential has yet to meaningfully impact its citizens. It argued that while President Bola Tinubu has taken commendable steps by creating the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy and approving a 10-year policy roadmap, grassroots inclusion remains the missing link.

“Job creation through the maritime sector is not a mirage. It is easily realisable if the federal government and its agencies close gaps with states to explore untapped opportunities in fishing, boat building and repairs, as well as the local production of life jackets and other marine essentials,” MARCON stated.

The group emphasised that bridging the gap between federal agencies and coastal states is critical for achieving the government’s ambitious employment targets.

It recommended quarterly engagements with traditional rulers and community stakeholders in maritime-endowed regions to ensure inclusivity, environmental sustainability, and safety compliance in water transport.

MARCON also stressed the importance of skills development at the grassroots level, calling for mass training in coxswain duties, fish processing, rescue operations, and maritime security.

“We must begin to focus on training locals to become active participants in the maritime economy. Coastal communities should not only be beneficiaries but should also play critical roles in monitoring suspicious vessel movements and safeguarding our waters,” the statement read.

The journalists further argued that state governments with marine resources must not limit themselves to federal allocations, but should instead seize the economic opportunities within the blue economy to empower their citizens.

“State governments must, as a matter of urgency, key into the blue economy agenda. This will expand citizens’ participation in what is clearly Nigeria’s low-hanging fruit for economic diversification,” the statement added.

As Nigeria reflects on its 65 years of independence, the message from maritime stakeholders is clear: the nation’s vast waters are more than just a boundary—they are a frontier for jobs, security, and sustainable economic growth, if only the coastal communities are given a seat at the table.

October 2, 2025
Nigeria at 65: Our economic journey and the promise of recent reforms
- By Comrade Bamidele Atoyebi
As Nigeria celebrates 65 years of independence, it is important not to just wave the flag, but to reflect on how far we have come economically, what lessons history has taught us, and what recent reforms may mean for our collective future.

At independence in 1960, Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was about US$4.2 billion, with a population of roughly 45 million people and per capita income estimated at US$93.

Agriculture was the backbone of the economy. Cocoa in the West, palm oil in the East, and groundnut pyramids in the North fueled exports and provided livelihoods for millions.

But the discovery of crude oil in commercial quantities transformed everything. By the 1970s, oil revenues had become the lifeblood of government budgets.

While this funded roads, schools, and ambitious infrastructure, it also exposed us to global oil shocks, encouraged rent-seeking, and gradually weakened the agricultural base that had once sustained us.

Elder statesman Alhaji Tanko Yakassai recently reminded Nigerians in an interview that those who judge Nigeria’s current condition without reference to history miss the bigger picture.

In his words, “From 60 years ago till now, we are in control of our destinies. Every administrative move is under the control of Nigeria, which was not so before the present administration. Sadly, someone who does not know where Nigeria was before cannot make an informed decision about Nigeria today.”

This perspective unveils a vital truth: to appreciate Nigeria’s progress, one must remember where we started.

A major turning point came in 2014, when Nigeria rebased its GDP calculations for the first time in over two decades.

Suddenly, the economy appeared almost 90% larger, not because money had magically appeared, but because new sectors like telecommunications, Nollywood, and digital services were finally counted.

Once again, in 2024, rebasing updated the base year to 2019, raising Nigeria’s GDP to ₦372.82 trillion (US$244 billion).

Agriculture’s share rose by 3.2% in Q1 2025 after rebasing, showing that farmers’ contributions had long been underestimated.

These revisions reveal that Nigeria’s economy is more diverse and resilient than official figures had often reflected.

Today, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria is undergoing another crucial economic transition. His government has introduced difficult but necessary reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy and redirecting resources toward the people.

Subsidy removal has redirected funds once enjoyed by the wealthy into Nelfund, TIVET programs, and loan facilities for lecturers.

Conditional cash transfers of ₦75,000 and ₦25,000 have reached between 15 and 75 million vulnerable households.

Dialysis treatment costs have been cut from ₦100,000 to ₦12,000, easing the burden on poor households.

External reserves have risen to over US$42 billion, while Nigeria posted a US$6.83 billion balance of payments surplus in 2024, strengthening the naira and boosting investor confidence.

GDP growth improved to 4.23% in Q2 2025, up from 3.48% the previous year — a sign that reforms are beginning to take hold.

Importantly, the naira has shown new signs of stability. In September 2025, it recorded its most stable run of the year, trading consistently below ₦1,500/$ at the official window. It strengthened from ₦1,526/$ at the start of the month to around ₦1,475/$ by month’s end, while the parallel market also firmed to around ₦1,495/$.

This contrasts sharply with the turbulence of 2023–24, when the naira fell rapidly and market gaps widened.

This stability has not gone unnoticed internationally. The Director-General of the World Trade Organization, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, recently acknowledged the efforts of the president and his renewed hope team

In her words, “The president and his team have worked hard to stabilize the economy, and you cannot improve an economy unless it is stable. He has to be given the credit for the stability of the economy. The reforms have been in the right direction.”

In the oil and gas sector, production is also recovering. In July 2025, Nigeria met and even slightly exceeded its OPEC quota, producing about 1.5 million barrels per day of crude oil.

By August, output had risen further to 1.63 million barrels per day, a strong 96% of its OPEC crude quota.

These improvements show that reforms and better security in the oil-producing regions are beginning to yield results.

Yes, we are not yet where we envisaged ourselves to be economically. Nigeria can be more, and should be more.

This reality means that implementation of reforms must continue by those who truly understand Nigeria’s needs, ensuring that the average citizen not only feels growth on paper but experiences it in daily life.

At 65, Nigeria’s economic story is one of resilience and reinvention. We have moved from agriculture to oil, from stagnation to rebasing, and now to reform.

The current government’s steps are painful in the short run but may prove pivotal in laying the foundation for inclusive, sustainable growth.

The lesson of our journey is clear: policies must prioritize people, not just macro indicators. Infrastructure, healthcare, and education must become central pillars of growth.

Nigeria cannot rely solely on oil or statistical rebasing; our true wealth lies in our people, their innovation, resilience, and hard work.

As Alhaji Tanko Yakassai rightly put it, perspective matters. To know where we are today, we must understand where we were yesterday. And compared to 1960, Nigeria has taken bold ownership of its destiny.

As we celebrate this Independence Day, let us recognize both how far we have come and how far we must still go.

With unity, patience, and commitment to reform, the promise of a prosperous Nigeria remains within reach. Happy Independence Day, Nigeria!
October 2, 2025
Nigeria at 65

Nigeria marked its 65th anniversary yesterday, without the commemorative parade, a major highlight of the yearly event. At 65, we have come some way as a nation. Our biggest test was the 1967-70 civil war. We came out of it united and indivisible. We have remained one since then. There have been other anxious moments after that, with

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The annulment nearly plunged us into another war. We came out of it badly bruised, but unbowed. The military, especially Generals Babangida’s and Abacha’s evil plan to destroy democracy failed. They wanted to subject us to perpetual military rule, but the vigilance of Nigerians saved the day. Since 1999, we have enjoyed uninterrupted democratic rule, the longest ever in our chequered history. It has been 26 years and counting. We have seen that the worst form of democracy is better than the most benevolent military rule.

Things can only get better as we soldier on as a nation. There is no doubt that things are difficult, but the hope is that, as the President said in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Friday things are looking up. To borrow his words: “there is a bright light at the end of the tunnel”. May the light shine brighter and brighter, so that the people will rejoice. Happy anniversary, Nigeria.

October 2, 2025
Nigeria at 65: From sovereignty to global influence

By Ademola Oshodi

On October 1, 1960, the Union Jack was lowered and the green-white-green rose for the first time at Tafawa Balewa Square. That moment marked Nigeria’s entry into self-rule. Sixty-five years later, the flag still waves, but the meaning of independence continues to evolve. The challenge before us is not whether Nigeria is free, but whether that freedom is being translated into prosperity, stability, and global influence. Independence at 65 calls for converting resilience into leadership and collective ambition into measurable progress.

Nigeria has grown into Africa’s most populous country, with more than 220 million citizens, projected to exceed 400 million by 2050. One in every 20 people on earth will soon be Nigerian. This scale already carries global weight. Nollywood and Afrobeats dominate global culture, while the diaspora sent home more than $20.93 billion in 2024, boosting foreign reserves to $40.19 billion and producing a balance of payments surplus of $6.83 billion. In some years, remittances have outpaced foreign direct investment. These flows of talent, capital, and creativity reflect a nation with deep reserves of possibility.

The world Nigeria faces today is not the world of 1960. Independence once meant reclaiming political control. In 2025, it requires the ability to compete and negotiate in a global order shaped by shifting power blocs, climate pressures, and technological disruption. The task is to convert size into strategy, proximity into power, and diaspora into deal-flow. Nigeria must use its scale to set agendas in ECOWAS and the African Union, while engaging as an equal with partners across the Atlantic, Europe, Asia, and the Gulf.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has already moved in this direction. His leadership at the ECOWAS Summit and his presence at platforms such as the G20 and BRICS reflect a commitment to positioning Nigeria as both a regional anchor and a global player. Independence today requires the confidence to diversify financing, build resilient supply chains, and capture greater value from trade, energy, and technology. That calls for patient capital, functioning markets, and disciplined execution.

Reforms already underway lay the groundwork. The removal of the petrol subsidy in 2023 corrected a distortion that consumed close to two percent of GDP annually. According to the World Bank, that percentage was larger than the country’s combined spending on health and education. Redirecting those resources allows investment in infrastructure, social protection, and fiscal stability. Exchange rate unification and reforms in the foreign exchange market have restored transparency, while monetary tightening through 2024 slowed inflation. The September rate cut, the first in five years, reflected renewed confidence in price stability and created certainty for investors.

Energy, infrastructure, and trade form the backbone of renewal. Nigeria’s over 200 trillion cubic feet of proven gas reserves can power industries and households while advancing Africa’s energy transition. The Electricity Act empowers states and private investors to drive competition in power generation and distribution. Infrastructure upgrades are reducing costs, opening markets, and linking communities, while public-private partnerships are delivering modern roads, rail lines, and airports.

Trade integration holds even greater promise. The African Continental Free Trade Area could lift 30 million Africans out of poverty by 2035, according to the World Bank. Nigeria’s path lies in efficient ports, modernised customs, and functional transport networks that make Lagos, Kano, and Port Harcourt continental trade hubs.

Security remains the foundation of all progress. Safe highways and secure communities attract investment and restore confidence. Nigeria’s security strategy must strengthen local intelligence, mobility, and accountability, while using technology to anticipate threats. Stability creates the breathing space for reforms to take root, while jobs and enterprise address the long-term causes of insecurity.

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Nigeria’s greatest strength remains its people. The median age of 18 signals a youthful population capable of transforming the economy if given the right tools. The administration has prioritised job creation through MSME support, digital innovation, and vocational training. The Nigeria Start-up Act and targeted youth programmes are helping to channel creativity into enterprise. Over 90 percent of Nigerians work in the informal sector. Expanding access to finance, encouraging formalisation, and integrating small enterprises into value chains can turn daily hustle into sustainable business.

The diaspora multiplies Nigeria’s influence. Beyond remittances, doctors, engineers, entrepreneurs, and artists project Nigerian excellence globally. The proposed $10 billion Diaspora Fund aims to channel these inflows into infrastructure, healthcare, education, and SMEs, turning remittances into engines of national transformation.

Independence today must also be understood in terms of interdependence. Sovereignty is no longer measured by isolation but by how effectively a nation translates domestic strength into diplomatic capital. Nigeria has taken up this role. At BRICS, it voiced Africa’s demand for fairer terms in global trade and finance. In ECOWAS, it continues to argue for regional unity as the strongest defence against coups and authoritarian backsliding. At the United Nations, it has pressed for Africa’s right to permanent representation on the Security Council. These engagements demonstrate that Nigeria’s independence is sustained through active global participation.

At 65, Nigeria stands at a turning point. The promise of independence was always to build a strong, democratic, and inclusive nation. That promise remains alive. Nigeria’s democracy, despite its imperfections, endures as a regional anchor in West Africa, where military takeovers in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger have unsettled stability. A democratic Nigeria signals that popular legitimacy, not force of arms, is the path to stability in Africa.

Independence Day is a reminder of what was won in 1960 and what must be achieved in the decades ahead. The future requires a Nigeria that powers its industries, creates opportunities for its youth, and projects leadership across Africa and the world. Reforms at home, energy for growth, trade networks that connect to markets and diplomacy that commands respect are the tools for achieving this future.

Nigeria at 65 carries the responsibility of turning sovereignty into prosperity and interdependence into influence. The flag that rose at Tafawa Balewa Square remains a symbol of freedom. The challenge now is to ensure that freedom produces a nation that is secure, prosperous, and globally respected.

•Oshodi is Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Protocol.

October 2, 2025
Nigeria at 65
- Is the country ready to set forth now?
Is there a reason to celebrate the 65th anniversary of Nigeria as an independent country? Some doubt it, mainly because of the many twists, turns and rocky rides. But, others contend that there are reasons to mark the landmark because the country has survived despite so many challenges that could have truncated the journey.

But, here we are.

The first indication that it would not be a smooth ride came soon after the Union Jack was lowered at the complex later named after the first Prime Minister, Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. Chief Obafemi Awolowo could hardly hide his indignation in his memoirs as he recalled that he was tucked in a corner at the event, far away from where other main actors in the independence struggle sat. Pettiness at play.

Since the National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC), one of the three major political parties opted to align with the Northern People’s Congress (NPC), leaving the Action Group (AG) in the lurch; it was obvious that some dirty fight lurked. Federal might was unleashed to dislodge the AG from the Western Region where it held sway, with a breakaway faction led by Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola propped up to seize control.

The process started as early as 1962, when an externally-induced implosion was made to hit the AG like a dynamite. Soon after came the Coker Commission of Enquiry, the Treasonable Felony Trial, restriction and later jailing of the AG leader and founder, Chief Awolowo.

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Those not blinded by partisanship knew going that route would not end well as Awolowo was a cult figure in the Western Region. Before the Federal Elections of 1964, the alliance between NCNC and NPC had disintegrated. Two broad alliances went into that election. The NCNC and the Akintola splinter group formed the Nigerian National Alliance (NNA) while the NCNC and AG formed the United Progressive Grand Alliance (UPGA). Obviously AG was the party of the Western Region, but the federal elections and the consequent regional election of January 1965 were ignobly rigged in favour of the NNA to dislodge the AG.

Politically, the trend has continued since then. Each election was hotly contested and rejected by the losers. It could hardly be said that, beyond electoral infrastructure put in place at so much cost, Nigeria has failed to mature on election matters over the years.

Apparently, for every action, there is a reaction. The manipulation of the polity led to the military coup of 1966. And, consequently, there was the pogrom, the counter-coup of July 1966 and the civil war that boiled over the following year. In the process, no institution of state was spared the accompanying desecration, including the military.

Although General Yakubu Gowon who was head of state when the war ended in January 1970 announced that there was ‘’no victor, no vanquished’’, it was obvious that the Biafra secession bid had been quashed and there were consequences. Till date, the South East that sought to leave the union has continued to complain about marginalisation; at least politically.

Such political mistrust among the various parts of the country could not but have affected the economy, social relations, and thus, development. Insecurity, though diminished in some parts, is a concern in other parts of the country. In the North East, there is the Boko Haram and Ansaru insurgency that has raged for more than 16 years. It has claimed so many lives and herded many into poorly funded refugee camps. Happily, two kingpins of the groups have been nabbed. It’s progress.

It has spread to the North Central, especially in Plateau and Benue States, where some schools and targeted communities have not been spared. In the region, it took the form of religious intolerance, well-armed herders taking on farmers and wanton destruction of farms, homes and lives by terrorists. In the North West also, banditry and kidnapping have been the order of the day as enemies of state and criminals have continued to unleash their fury on the people. Kaduna State brandishes hope in the region and there may be a berth of peace in places like Zamfara and Katsina where there are still challenges.

In other parts of the country, the South West and South South, kidnapping for ransom has been on a lower scale. In all cases, the police and armed forces have recorded advances. Much work remains. The destruction of livelihoods has pushed more Nigerians into the poverty net.

Thus, until the Tinubu administration courageously came up with measures to check the periodic eruption of economic recession, it was as if successive governments, military or civilian, had no clue what to do. For two years now, the economy appears to have become stable, though it still has a long way to go.

The President said at the coronation of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, last week, that the economy has turned the bend. But, has it really? The macro-economic indices suggest that it has, with headline inflation constantly heading South month-on-month for about half a year now, and the GDP recording sometimes record increase. But, it is yet to percolate to the common man who, therefore, finds it difficult to believe the authorities. It is expected that the result would be more visible in 2026.

The story of the nation since independence has been a talent of official squandermania and brigandage, with little vision to plan and save. The subsidy scam and currency manipulation brought the economy to a state where we borrowed to pay routine government bills. Hence the task of rescue before the Tinubu administration thst has headed off the economic apocalypse with his reforms.

Obviously, where the economy has been in the doldrums for so long, the health and education sectors could only have received some battering. Neither has received up to seven per cent allocation from the budget in the past 20 years. Political leaders express disgust for the local health institutions by patronising foreign hospitals for the most common ailments.

When seizing power from the Shagari administration in 1983, General Muhammadu Buhari described our hospitals as ‘’mere consulting clinics’’. Not much has changed since then, compounded now by exodus of doctors, old and young, who have chosen to export their services to other lands. Nigerian students, too, sell whatever is available to obtain higher education abroad. Until of course, the NELFUND initiative offering loans to students of the poor.

It should not be all about lamentations about missed opportunities. A lot could be done to salvage the situation as there is unanimity of opinion among experts that Nigeria has an abundance of human and material resources to draw it out of the wood. It has a population, all of about 230 million, mostly young people who are energetic and forward looking, as against 30 million in 1960. This is an asset that most countries lack.

It also has so much solid minerals in all parts of the country, mostly waiting to be tapped. Those being tapped are by criminals and foreigners. Crude oil that has been a blessing to other nations has been largely doom to Nigeria, owing to poor management and monumental corruption. Of late, though, crude oil output has ticked up due to work by our armed forces to curb criminals stealing our black gold.

If corruption is checked and appropriate persons are employed to ensure that Nigeria joins the league of developed countries, in a short while, Nigerians would be proud of their country again and we can stand tall in the comity of nations. The Central Bank of Nigeria’s handling of foreign exchange, the salvaging of corrupt practices have diminished instances of corruption as attested to by our captains of industry.

Nigerians should realise that pulling in different directions cannot help them. As we move towards the seventh decade after independence, we should realise that we owe future generations, and indeed the black world a duty to redeem our dignity by killing corruption and tapping resources available for development.

As Walter Rodney said, “every generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfill or betray it.” The reforms of the Tinubu administration is showing promise on many levels beginning with financial engineering whose success can trigger a wholesale rebirth. For instance, not long ago, critics were jittery and even gloating that the naira would dive down to N2,000 to a dollar. Now it’s below N1,500. Not there yet, but a sign we can reclaim our country.
October 1, 2025
Nigeria at 65

By Sunday Olagunju

Nigeria’s uniqueness as a nation lies in its entity and cooperativeness, despite years of threatened balkanization by forces of dismemberment. The civil war years (1967-1970) remained a singular episode that buffeted its zeal for survival almost beyond its wits end, but God remained faithful and rather than bring the nation to its knees, the nation once again sprang up to its feet.

The June 12 presidential election annulment topsy-turvy was also an exercise in brinkmanship, but God saved the nation, it also wriggled out of what someone described as a national political catastrophy unleashed on her by an unfeeling and politically heartless leader.

Every four year’s general election to choose a new government has been likened to a war time, because of the large-scale destruction often accompanied by disloyal political contenders who are always bent on winning even when they knew their stakes were ridiculously low, and unabashedly out of political reality, yet God’s faithfulness continue to save the nation out of self-destruction.

The second uniqueness of our situation as a nation these past 65 years is the political stability that the country has recorded since 1999 to date. Many African countries are still under the yoke of military rule with its concomitant abrasiveness and loss of freedom and fundamental human rights.

Despite the lack of popularity of military rule in world politics, a horde of some African countries are still basking in such derisive euphoria with all its limitations in growth and development. But Nigeria has matured politically these past 25 years of civil rule to appreciate the role of uninterrupted democracy in national development.

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Given the resolve of the present APC government, one can savely say that the country is on the threshold of total recovery of its past lost grounds.

A lot can still be achieved between now and 2027 if all drummers of diversionary politics will stop their beats and join all hands with the president to pilot the affairs of the country so that the policies and advocacies of the government for the over-all development of the country can be achieved.

Over time the excuse has been the problem of good leadership but in the past couple of years, the leadership has shown unparalleled commitment; with good followers to complement the zeal of the present crop of leadership, Nigeria will soon experience the socio-economic recovery and financial wellness that they have long advocated for.

At 65, even though not yet entirely Uhuru, there is ray of hope and greater hope at the end of the tunnel. The die is no longer cast any more. Rather, the hope is now ever more.

• Sunday Olagunju, Ibadan, Oyo State.

September 30, 2025