President Bola Tinubu has praised Nigeria’s military and security agencies for “winning the war” against terrorism, banditry, and other violent crimes, declaring that peace has returned to many previously occupied communities in the North-East and North-West.
In his Independence Day broadcast, Tinubu commended the sacrifices of soldiers and security operatives, saying their victories were evident in the return of thousands of displaced citizens to their homes. “We must continue to celebrate their gallantry and courage on behalf of a grateful nation,” he said.
The President also spotlighted initiatives targeted at empowering young Nigerians, describing them as the nation’s “greatest assets.” These include the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, which has already supported more than 500,000 students, and new consumer credit schemes such as Credicorp and YouthCred, aimed at easing access to loans for housing, vehicles, and digital devices.
He further highlighted the iDICE programme, designed to support startups in technology and the creative industries, noting that it was nearing full rollout with international development partners.
Acknowledging the hardships caused by recent reforms, Tinubu maintained they were necessary to save the economy from collapse. He urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and productive: “Let us be a nation of producers, not just consumers. Together, we are laying a foundation cast in concrete, not on quicksand.”
