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Tinubu Pledges ‘Hope and Action’ in Independence Day Speech, Says Economic Reforms Paying Off

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu marked Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day on Wednesday with a message of “hope and a call to action,” saying his economic reforms are beginning to deliver results after more than two years of tough adjustments.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a 30-minute national broadcast, the longest since he assumed office in May 2023, Tinubu said his administration chose “the path of tomorrow over the comfort of today” by ending fuel subsidies, unifying exchange rates, and redirecting funds toward infrastructure, education, health care, and security.

“The worst is over,” Tinubu told Nigerians. “Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief. I salute your endurance, support, and understanding.”

Economic milestones

The president listed 12 economic milestones achieved under his administration, including record non-oil revenue of more than 20 trillion naira in 2025, rising foreign reserves of $42 billion, and a trade surplus for five straight quarters.

He said inflation had dropped to 20.12% in August, the lowest in three years, while gross domestic product grew by 4.23% in the second quarter — the fastest pace in four years.

Tinubu also highlighted improved oil production, increased tax revenue, and a rebound in solid minerals such as coal mining. He said Nigeria is exporting more manufactured goods and refining petroleum products domestically for the first time in four decades.

“The seeds of those difficult but necessary decisions are bearing fruit,” Tinubu said, adding that the naira has stabilized after years of volatility.

Investments in people

The president stressed that reforms must translate into better living conditions, not just statistics. He pointed to 330 billion naira disbursed to eight million vulnerable households, loans for students through the new NELFUND program, and consumer credit for youth corps members.

“Youth are the future and the greatest assets of this blessed country,” he said. “Our administration will continue to give you wings to fly.”

He noted that over 510,000 students have already accessed education loans worth nearly 100 billion naira, while 153,000 Nigerians received 30 billion naira in affordable loans for vehicles, solar energy, and home upgrades.

Security challenges

On security, Tinubu praised the military for gains against insurgents and armed groups across the country, saying peace had returned to many communities in the northeast and northwest.

“Our armed forces are winning the war against terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes,” he said. “We must continue to celebrate their gallantry and salute their courage on behalf of a grateful nation.”

A call to productivity

Tinubu urged Nigerians to support local production and reduce dependence on imports, describing it as the only path to a self-reliant nation.

“Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers,” he said. “Let us farm our land and build factories to process our produce. Let us patronize ‘Made-in-Nigeria’ goods. I say Nigeria first.”

The president acknowledged that reforms had caused hardship, with rising living costs and inflation still a burden for many families. But he insisted the alternative — “economic chaos or bankruptcy” — was not an option.

“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,” he said.

Looking forward

Tinubu ended his address with optimism, urging state and local governments to join the federal government in pushing for growth and stability.

“On this 65th Anniversary of Our Independence, my message is hope and a call to action,” he said. “With Almighty God on our side, I can assure you that the dawn of a new, prosperous, self-reliant Nigeria is here.”

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and its largest economy, continues to face pressure from high unemployment, weak infrastructure, and security threats. But Tinubu framed the anniversary as a moment to rally the country behind his vision of reform-driven growth.

“Let us believe, once more, in the boundless potential of our great nation,” he said.

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TOP-SECRET STRATEGY: President Tinubu And Service Chiefs Hold Emergency Closed-Door Security Summit!.

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  • President Bola Ahmed Tinubu convened a closed-door security summit on Thursday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja with the nation’s intelligence chiefs, military high command, and top security advisers.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

    • The meeting spanned over two hours and involved a comprehensive assessment of the security landscape across Nigeria, including updates on various military operational theaters.

    • While the State House shared a photograph of the gathering, no formal resolutions were immediately released.

    Key Attendees

    • The meeting included National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Defence General Christopher Musa (retd.), and Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede.

    • Other high-ranking officials present were Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Isa, Chief of Defence Intelligence Lieutenant General Emmanuel Undiandeye, and Inspector-General of Police Olatunde Disu.

    • Leadership from the Department of State Services and the National Intelligence Agency were also in attendance, alongside Special Adviser to the President on Homeland Security, Major General Adeyinka Famadewa (retd.).

    Context of Recent Operations

    • This summit occurred two days after military forces, supported by the Joint Task Force (North-West) air component, thwarted a significant terrorist offensive in Katsina and Zamfara states.

    • On July 7, the Nigerian Air Force conducted precision strikes against a convoy of approximately 300 armed terrorists on motorcycles traveling toward Gummi.

    • Additionally, military forces successfully neutralized a notorious bandit commander named Alhaji Tukur—the brother of wanted kingpin Alhaji Shehu Bagiwaye—during an operation in Dogon Kade.

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POLITICAL WEAPON WARNING: Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Slams Potential For State Police Abuse!.

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  • During an ARISE News and THISDAY-organized conference in Abuja, Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan warned against allowing state police to become tools for executive or political intimidation.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

    • While acknowledging the growing support for decentralized policing, she emphasized the necessity of implementing strong constitutional safeguards to prevent local-level abuse.

    • She urged the National Assembly to prioritize these protective measures within any legislation that establishes such a system.

    Key Concerns and Recommendations

    • The Senator identified sustainable funding as a critical issue, cautioning that ineffective state policing will result if the Federal Government fails to provide adequate financial support.

    • She advocated for the creation of a policing framework that upholds the rule of law, protects democratic values, and effectively serves the public.

    • Additionally, she expressed appreciation for the proactive security measures taken by President Bola Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police, noting that their decisive actions help foster public confidence.

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SECURITY BOOST: Senate Greenlights Massive ₦403.1 Billion Budget To Transform Nigerian Policing!.

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The Nigerian Senate has officially approved a total budget of ₦404.07 billion for the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, covering both the 2025 and 2026 fiscal years.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

  • 2025 Budget: The Senate approved ₦170.10 billion for the 2025 fiscal year. This budget was a resubmission of a previously approved 2024 proposal that could not be implemented due to legal disputes regarding the Nigeria Police Trust Fund (Establishment) Act.

  • 2026 Budget: An additional ₦233.96 billion was approved for the 2026 spending plan, with over 90 percent of this allocation dedicated to capital expenditure.

Key Insights and Commentary

  • Purpose of the Fund: The Nigeria Police Trust Fund was established to bolster the Nigeria Police Force by funding equipment procurement, training, infrastructure, and operational logistics.

  • Legislative Oversight: Senator Abdul Ahmed Ningi highlighted that the Fund has been unable to utilize its appropriations for nearly three years due to legal issues, adding that the National Assembly intends to track the implementation of these new funds to ensure proper utilization.

  • Infrastructure Focus: Senate Chief Whip Mohammed Tahir Monguno praised the 2026 budget’s heavy emphasis on capital expenditure, suggesting that other government agencies should model their spending after this approach.

  • Security Impact: Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin expressed confidence that these funds will provide the necessary support for the police to combat significant security challenges, including terrorism, banditry, and kidnapping.

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