President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on state governments and local councils to play an active role in consolidating the country’s reforms, stressing that nation-building must be a shared responsibility across all tiers of government.
The President, in his Independence broadcast to the nation, acknowledged the temporary pains citizens had endured due to economic reforms but insisted that they were necessary to prevent national collapse.
“Fellow Nigerians, I have always candidly acknowledged that these reforms have come with some temporary pains. The biting effects of inflation and the rising cost of living remain a significant concern to our government.
“However, the alternative of allowing our country to descend into economic chaos or bankruptcy was not an option. Our macro-economic progress has proven that our sacrifices have not been in vain. Together, we are laying a new foundation cast in concrete, not on quicksand,” he said.
Tinubu explained that the true measure of success would not be found in abstract figures, but in tangible improvements in daily life.
“The accurate measure of our success will not be limited to economic statistics alone, but rather in the food on our families’ tables, the quality of education our children receive, the electricity in our homes, and the security in our communities.
“Let me assure you of our administration’s determination to ensure that the resources we have saved and the stability we have built are channelled into these critical areas. Today, the governors at the state level, and the local government autonomy are yielding more developments,” he noted.
Turning his message into a rallying call, the President urged sub-nationals to actively complement federal efforts in driving productivity and innovation.
“On this 65th Anniversary of Our Independence, my message is hope and a call to action. The federal government will continue to do its part to fix the plumbing in our economy. Now, we must all turn on the taps of productivity, innovation, and enterprise.
“In this regard, I urge the sub-national entities to join us in nation-building. Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Let us farm our land and build factories to process our produce. Let us patronise ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ goods. I say Nigeria first. Let us pay our taxes,” he declared.
Reiterating his faith in the resilience of Nigerians and the country’s vast potential, Tinubu appealed for unity of purpose.
“Finally, let all hands be on deck. Let us believe, once more, in the boundless potential of our great nation. With Almighty God on our side, I can assure you that the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here,” he said..