News
FULL TEXT: President Tinubu’s Independence Anniversary Speech

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,
1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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 an ever fading past.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. New CNG conversions 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.
18. 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.
19. 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.
News
2027: Wike’s Tinubu endorsement sparks opposition firestorm

The Peoples Democratic Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, Coalition of United Political Parties, and others have strongly criticised the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for openly declaring his plan to lead President Bola Tinubu’s 2027 re-election campaign.
During a media chat on Monday in Abuja, Wike described himself as a key asset in helping Tinubu win the 2027 election.
The former Rivers State Governor also insisted he was not involved in any anti-party activities and challenged the PDP to suspend him if they believed otherwise.
In response, the party’s Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, urged Nigerians to disregard Wike’s comments, stating that the party would soon enforce its rules against the minister.
The CUPP’s Publicity Secretary, Mark Adebayo, labelled Wike as the “President’s hatchet man”, accusing him of working to dismantle opposition parties.
The NNPP asserted that Tinubu would be defeated in 2027 despite Wike’s endorsement.
Speaking on Monday during a media parley in Abuja, Wike said, “I am still in the PDP. I worked hard for the party.
I have not seen anybody who has the guts to tell me, ‘Wike, you are not a member of the party.’ Who is that? What is his contribution to the party that is more than mine?”
Wike noted that the PDP violated the agreement for a southern candidacy for President and supported former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, hence his refusal to endorse the party’s 2023 presidential candidate.
“In 2023, did I not tell you that I wouldn’t support their presidential candidate? I said, based on equity, justice, and fairness, the presidency should go to the South because you can’t have that and the national chairman at the same time.
“You, therefore, take one and give us one. Believing that Atiku would win, they said to hell (with it), and I said I was not going to support.
“So, why didn’t I leave the party and join APC? Of all of us then and PDP governors today, who produced National Assembly 100 per ncent? Who produced a governor? Ask them in their various states how many senators they have,” he said.
Wike referred to himself as a valuable asset, emphasising his key role in securing Tinubu’s re-election in the 2027 general elections.
“I am not a liability, I am an asset. Whether you agree or you don’t agree, I am an asset.
Whether you want to die or you don’t want to die, I am an asset. It doesn’t matter, you may not like me. I am an asset to making sure that Tinubu wins his second term,” Wike boasted.
The ex-Rivers governor also spoke on the chances of the PDP in 2027, stating that the PDP has a leadership problem, which was responsible for the mass defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress, particularly in Delta State and Akwa Ibom.
“It’s a party leadership problem. Look at it. You won’t tell me that they didn’t have intelligence that Delta would go. You won’t tell me that they didn’t have intelligence that Akwa Ibom would go.
“Now, as the leadership, what would you do? Send a team, ‘ask them ‘why are you doing this?’ No, you’re making a mistake. Impunity; let them go. Look Opposition does not do impunity.
No, no, no, we try to beg, beg. Put everybody together. You don’t say, let them go. Let me tell you, I cannot do that,” the minister insisted.
In response, a senior PDP official described the party as one that upholds law and order, stating that it would soon take disciplinary action against Wike in accordance with its rules.
He stated, “This party is a party of process. We have the structures, processes, and laws that we’re following. At the right time, we shall enforce our laws on him and others.
“When somebody says nobody can remove him from the party, that is just his view. The PDP is bigger than any individual. And my answer is very simple: opinion is free, but facts are sacred.
Policies are sacred. Rules and regulations are sacred. While he is entitled to his view, I can tell you that, at the right time, the party will enforce its rules.
”The PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Osadolor called on Nigerians and party members to disregard Wike.
News
Oyebanji Seeks Better Collaboration with Benin-Owena River Basin Devt Authority

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has expressed his dissatisfaction with the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority (BORBDA) over its handling of development initiatives in the state, stressing that the state has not benefited from the authority despite numerous attempts to collaborate with it on some projects.

Governor Oyebanji, who stated this on Monday during a meeting with the new management of the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority led by the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Dr Olufemi Adekanmbi in his office on Ado Ekiti, emphasized that the agency has not been fair to the state in it’s development drive.
Expressing his displeasure over what he described as lack of meaningful contribution from the authority to Ekiti development, the Governor emphasized that this had forced his administration to exclude the agency from its strategic development plan, stressing the need for a more effective and accountable approach moving forward.

Governor Oyebanji who Emphasized the importance of synergy between government agencies and stakeholders in driving sustainable development, urged the new leadership to ensure that their renewed commitment translates to meaningful actions and development in the state.
He also assured them that his administration would collaborate with the authority provided there is a visible shift in their operations and engagement.

“I need to refresh our memories about our experience with Benin-Owena, they have not been fair to us, we have gained nothing from them. We have crafted our development strategy without you in our plan because every attempt to collaborate with you has been frustrated.
We are investing massively in agriculture in the state and Benin-Owena has no contribution to it.
“However, I have read your speech, it shows that you want to do things differently but we have listened to beautiful speeches that didn’t translate to action, so for those project that are already in the budget concerning Ekiti State, whatever we can do to ensure that we fast track development, I am ready to do that”, the Governor asserted.

Earlier in his remarks, the Managing Director of the Benin-Owena River Basin Development Authority, Dr Olufemi Adekanmbi, who commended the Governor for the remarkable progress in the state particularly in agriculture sector, said the purpose of the meeting was to introduce the new leadership to the Governor, assess on going collaboration with the state government as well as forge a strengthened pathway toward achieving the goal of the renewed hope agenda of President Boa Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in the area of food security.
Unveiling the agency’s comprehensive development blue print aimed at boosting agriculture, infrastructure, and youth empowerment in the state, the BORBDA CEO assured the Governor of a new dawn in the agency, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was intention and strategic with the appointment of right people into the board of the agency.

He listed various on-goin and proposed BORDA interventions across the state to include, flood contro projects in Ilupeju, Efon-Alaye, Ado-Ureje Road, Ikere-Ado/Osun Road as well as management of key dams in Apariko-Aisegba, Oye-Ayede, and Ado-Osin, among others.
Also present at the meeting were, Chief of Staff, Mr Niyi Adebayo, Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Prof Bolaji Aluko, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Boluwade Ebenezer and Special Adviser Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode.
News
Kogi’s Ododo Tasks Officials on Grassroots Engagement, Clears N98.8bn Debt
“Governor Ododo is driving a government that listens, learns, and leads from the grassroots. His directive on Made-in-Kogi fabrics is a strategic move to grow our economy and export our identity,” Fanwo said.

Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has charged government officials to remain close to the grassroots and ensure constant engagement with the people, noting that such connection is key to responsive governance.
Also in a separate briefing, the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Mukadam Asiwaju Asiru Idris, announced that within just 15 months, the Ododo administration has fully liquidated N98.8 billion in debts inherited from previous administrations.
“We are in government to serve the people, and that means staying connected to their needs and aspirations,” said Ododo during the Kogi State Executive Council meeting held today at the EXCO Hall, Government House, Lokoja.
LOCAL PATRONAGE
As part of efforts to boost the local economy, the Governor also directed all government officials to wear Made-in-Kogi fabrics as a show of support for indigenous industries.
He encouraged the citizens to take pride in local products and lead a cultural and economic renaissance from within.
Briefing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Femi Fanwo, said the administration is committed to making governance more visible and impactful.
“Governor Ododo is driving a government that listens, learns, and leads from the grassroots. His directive on Made-in-Kogi fabrics is a strategic move to grow our economy and export our identity,” Fanwo said.
On infrastructure, Fanwo disclosed that the perimeter fencing at the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara is 90 percent completed, while both male and female hostels have been completed and are already housing students.
Similar projects at the Kogi State University, Kabba, are progressing satisfactorily.
As part of efforts to boost the local economy, the Governor also directed all government officials to wear Made-in-Kogi fabrics as a show of support for indigenous industries
To improve public safety, the Council also approved a bill to restrict the movement of heavy trucks during peak hours.
Another bill was approved for the establishment of the Kogi State Agency for Climate Change as part of a forward-thinking response to global environmental challenges.
STATE‘s DEBT BREAKDOWN
Regarding the paid state debt, he said:
“The breakdown includes: • N8 billion in bonds from the Idris Wada administration. • N50.8 billion salary bailout from the last administration. • N10 billion ECA-backed infrastructure loan. • N15 billion infrastructure loans from Zenith Bank and another N15 billion from UBA Plc.”
“This is a landmark achievement. His Excellency Governor Ododo has demonstrated fiscal discipline and commitment to economic recovery.
Within 15 months, we have cleared N98.8 billion in inherited debt,” Idris said.
He added that Fitch Ratings has upgraded Kogi State’s credit rating from ‘B-’ to ‘B’, with a stable outlook, citing prudent financial management.
As of September 30, 2024, the state’s debt profile stands at N40.5 billion, placing it on a strong path to debt sustainability.
-
Sports1 day ago
Kano Mourns 22 Athletes killed in Auto Accident
-
Politics1 day ago
Rotimi Amaechi says he is ‘hungry’
-
Sports1 day ago
Kano Athletes Tragedy: Governor Abiodun Supports Victims’ Families with N1 Million Each
-
News2 days ago
CASER Launches Prince Nduka Obaigbena National Secondary School Essay Competition
-
News1 day ago
US Says Withdrawal from Sahel Region Fueling Nigeria’s Terror Attacks
-
News1 day ago
I knew what poverty is when I became Emir – Sanusi Lamido
-
News1 day ago
NSEMA Recovers 153 Dead Body in Mokwa Flood
-
News1 day ago
Defamation: Natasha will appear in court on Tuesday says Lead Counsel, Idahosa