‘No looking back,’ Tinubu tells Nigerians at 66th Independence anniversary

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians to press ahead with faith in the country’s future, saying the sacrifices made during years of economic reform must lead to wider opportunity and improved living standards.

In his address marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary on Thursday, the President said the nation had endured war, military rule, economic crises, insecurity and political upheaval, yet its people had continued to believe in the possibility of a better country.

“Our journey has not always been easy. In truth, it has generally been too hard for too many,” he said.

The President paid tribute to farmers, traders, teachers, young entrepreneurs and members of the Armed Forces and security services, saying their work and courage had sustained Nigeria through difficult periods.

He said independence meant more than the raising of a flag or recognition among nations. Its deeper promise, he said, was that Nigerians could shape their destiny and build a country offering dignity, opportunity and a better life.

“Sixty-six years later, Almighty God has made it our responsibility to deliver that promise,” he said.

The President described his vision as a nation “where prosperity is broadly shared, where every child can dream beyond the circumstances of his birth.”

Although the road ahead would still demand effort, he said the country had made the difficult decisions needed to change its direction.

“Nigeria has corrected its course. We have passed through our own Red Sea. This is not the time to look back,” he said.

“Our destination is in sight. Our foundations are strong. Our direction is clear. So let us go forward. No looking back.”