By Ayo Jones
An optimistic President Bola Ahmed Tinubu today asserted that the realistic economic reforms introduced at the beginning of his administration have now brought about an era of widespread prosperity.
“The age of reform has done its work. Now begins the age of prosperity,” the President stated in his October 1, 2026 Independence Anniversary speech to the nation today.
He expressed regret that military rule, economic crises, insecurity and political upheavals had made life difficult for the average Nigerian since independence and stressed that entrepreneurs, professionals, farmers, artisans can now contribute positively to national development due to the reforms introduced by his administration.
‘’Nigeria was like a sick patient who receives the terrible news that he has cancer. His doctor explains that the treatment will be difficult and painful, but that it offers a strong prospect of recovery. The patient has a choice. He can begin treatment, endure its discomfort and fight the disease. Or he can ask only for morphine, dull the pain and leave the cancer to spread.
For too long, Nigeria’s leaders chose morphine while praying for a miracle that never came.
They focused on symptoms while allowing the disease to take hold deep within the fabric of our society. We spent enormous sums sustaining inefficient arrangements that were never intended to last. We hid from difficult truths and passed the consequences from one generation to the next.
‘’ Through every difficulty, generations of Nigerians have continued to believe in one thing: that this country of ours will be better.
This faith, which sustains us all, is the inheritance of independence. Our founding fathers did not struggle merely for a flag, an anthem or a place among the nations of the world. Independence carried a larger promise: that Nigerians would have the freedom to shape their own destiny and build a nation capable of providing opportunity, dignity and a better life for its people. Sixty-six years later, Almighty God has made it our responsibility to deliver that promise.
Today, as we celebrate our independence, we must speak honestly about the journey so far, the choices we made, and the country we are determined to build from here’’, he said.
The President asserted confidently that the reforms introduced in 2023, on his assumption of duty were necessary to correct anomalies in the economy and pave the way for sustainable growth.
While admitting that Nigerians had a hard time tackling issues including healthcare, food, transportation and sundry living costs at the initial stage, the President said his administration has been able to lay a good foundation for economic stability and ensure tangible improvements in the lives of the people.
He added that his administration boosted social support through the National Social Register, the Nigerian Education Loan Fund and CREDICORP.
In addition, the President said government paid attention to essential services including primary healthcare, basic education in its bid to eradicate poverty and boost basic education.