Here’s the President’s
speech as Nigeria celebrates her 54th Independence Day today.
speech as Nigeria celebrates her 54th Independence Day today.
Fellow Nigerians:
1. Today
marks the 54th anniversary of our country’s independence as a sovereign
nation. This is also the tenth month of
our journey into a new century, having marked the centenary of our nation in
January this year.
marks the 54th anniversary of our country’s independence as a sovereign
nation. This is also the tenth month of
our journey into a new century, having marked the centenary of our nation in
January this year.
2. The
first one hundred years were marked by triumphs and tribulations, benefits and
burdens, opportunities and challenges.
We made some far reaching advances in building a strong, united and
prosperous nation. We also overcame the
forces of disunity that culminated in a debilitating civil war. We have also renewed our faith in one
another, and in our country. We have proven that we are truly a resilient
nation.
first one hundred years were marked by triumphs and tribulations, benefits and
burdens, opportunities and challenges.
We made some far reaching advances in building a strong, united and
prosperous nation. We also overcame the
forces of disunity that culminated in a debilitating civil war. We have also renewed our faith in one
another, and in our country. We have proven that we are truly a resilient
nation.
3. In my
address to the nation last year, I did emphasize that we were in a sober moment
in our country. We are still in that mood in spite of the many accomplishments
of our administration. Our sombreness has to do with the crises of nationhood
occasioned by the activities of terrorist elements who have done the
unimaginable to challenge our unity as a people.
address to the nation last year, I did emphasize that we were in a sober moment
in our country. We are still in that mood in spite of the many accomplishments
of our administration. Our sombreness has to do with the crises of nationhood
occasioned by the activities of terrorist elements who have done the
unimaginable to challenge our unity as a people.
4. On an
occasion like this, it is important that we remember all the precious souls
that have been lost in the unprecedented war of terror unleashed on some parts
of our country by these individuals who want to compel us to live our lives
their way. They will not succeed!
occasion like this, it is important that we remember all the precious souls
that have been lost in the unprecedented war of terror unleashed on some parts
of our country by these individuals who want to compel us to live our lives
their way. They will not succeed!
5. In
their mission, they have maimed and ra*ed. They have killed men, women and
children, rendering many children orphans and several women widows.
their mission, they have maimed and ra*ed. They have killed men, women and
children, rendering many children orphans and several women widows.
6. They
have made violence their ideology and are bent on destroying our country. Dear
countrymen and women, we will not allow them.
have made violence their ideology and are bent on destroying our country. Dear
countrymen and women, we will not allow them.
7. Night
after night, day after day, our security forces continue to engage the
terrorists in battle. My gratitude goes out to our armed forces whose will has
been greatly challenged by this insurgency more than any other time, since the
civil war.
after night, day after day, our security forces continue to engage the
terrorists in battle. My gratitude goes out to our armed forces whose will has
been greatly challenged by this insurgency more than any other time, since the
civil war.
8. Yet,
they have remained undaunted and unwearied in the face of constant challenge
and mortal danger. Driven by patriotic zeal, they are turning the tide by their
prowess and determination. As Commander-in-Chief, I will continue to do all it takes
to enable them to keep on inflicting devastating blows at the heart of terror.
Fellow Nigerians, it is our collective duty as patriots to avail our men and
women in uniform of all the support they need to fight and win this war.
they have remained undaunted and unwearied in the face of constant challenge
and mortal danger. Driven by patriotic zeal, they are turning the tide by their
prowess and determination. As Commander-in-Chief, I will continue to do all it takes
to enable them to keep on inflicting devastating blows at the heart of terror.
Fellow Nigerians, it is our collective duty as patriots to avail our men and
women in uniform of all the support they need to fight and win this war.
9. This Administration
is committed to making Nigeria safe for all Nigerians, irrespective of our
places of birth, how we worship God and our political persuasion. To all those
waging war against our country, I ask that you lay down your arms and embrace
peace.
is committed to making Nigeria safe for all Nigerians, irrespective of our
places of birth, how we worship God and our political persuasion. To all those
waging war against our country, I ask that you lay down your arms and embrace
peace.
10. To those who
have genuine grievances, I affirm that Nigeria will listen to you, if you bring
your grievances to the table of dialogue. To the good people of Nigeria, let me
restate that our task of building a better and greater country must not waver.
have genuine grievances, I affirm that Nigeria will listen to you, if you bring
your grievances to the table of dialogue. To the good people of Nigeria, let me
restate that our task of building a better and greater country must not waver.
11. While we
continue to deploy our resources in the fight against the terrorists, we do
recognize the great toll the conflict is taking on our people.
continue to deploy our resources in the fight against the terrorists, we do
recognize the great toll the conflict is taking on our people.
12. This is why,
to assist the afflicted, we have launched the Victims Support Fund, an
independent multi-sectoral charity, which will aggressively solicit resources
to augment Government’s statutory intervention, in bringing succour to the
injured, the displaced and the bereaved.
to assist the afflicted, we have launched the Victims Support Fund, an
independent multi-sectoral charity, which will aggressively solicit resources
to augment Government’s statutory intervention, in bringing succour to the
injured, the displaced and the bereaved.
13. In
partnership with Nigerian business leaders and international partners, we have
also introduced the Safe Schools Initiative which is aimed at promoting safe
environments for education nationwide, starting with the North East region.
partnership with Nigerian business leaders and international partners, we have
also introduced the Safe Schools Initiative which is aimed at promoting safe
environments for education nationwide, starting with the North East region.
14. The
Presidential Initiative for the North East, a comprehensive programme to
fast-track the economic restoration of this region, which has been the
epicentre of terrorist activity, has been set up.
Presidential Initiative for the North East, a comprehensive programme to
fast-track the economic restoration of this region, which has been the
epicentre of terrorist activity, has been set up.
15. Our overall
objective is to do all we possibly can, to sustain in the North-East, the
momentum of economic advancement, which is on-going in other parts of the
country, despite the machinations of the terrorists and their sponsors.
objective is to do all we possibly can, to sustain in the North-East, the
momentum of economic advancement, which is on-going in other parts of the
country, despite the machinations of the terrorists and their sponsors.
16. It should
now be clear to anyone who was ever in doubt that these terrorists do not mean
well for anyone, of whatever religion or dispensation. Their persistent choice
of the weakest and most vulnerable in society, for gruesome attack, provides an
insight into their abnormal mind-set.
now be clear to anyone who was ever in doubt that these terrorists do not mean
well for anyone, of whatever religion or dispensation. Their persistent choice
of the weakest and most vulnerable in society, for gruesome attack, provides an
insight into their abnormal mind-set.
17. I urge
every Nigerian to put aside political, sectional or other parochial
considerations, and support whole-heartedly the efforts of the government and
the military, in checking this evil.
every Nigerian to put aside political, sectional or other parochial
considerations, and support whole-heartedly the efforts of the government and
the military, in checking this evil.
18. We are
grateful to the international community, and especially our neighbours who are
working closely with us in confronting this challenge, for their increased
partnership and solidarity. Our steady progress in weakening the insurgency has
certainly justified our cooperation.
grateful to the international community, and especially our neighbours who are
working closely with us in confronting this challenge, for their increased
partnership and solidarity. Our steady progress in weakening the insurgency has
certainly justified our cooperation.
19. Fellow
Nigerians, in my independence anniversary address last year, I informed you
that we had taken cognizance of the suggestion over the years by well-meaning
Nigerians on the need to focus attention on rebuilding and strengthening the
ligaments of our union. It was in that regard that we announced the convening
of a National Dialogue on the future of our beloved country.
Nigerians, in my independence anniversary address last year, I informed you
that we had taken cognizance of the suggestion over the years by well-meaning
Nigerians on the need to focus attention on rebuilding and strengthening the
ligaments of our union. It was in that regard that we announced the convening
of a National Dialogue on the future of our beloved country.
20. We have
successfully delivered on that promise as we established the 2014 National
Conference headed by Justice Legbo Kutigi. After months of deliberations, which
did not come without its challenges, the conference concluded its assignment
and has handed its Report to me.
successfully delivered on that promise as we established the 2014 National
Conference headed by Justice Legbo Kutigi. After months of deliberations, which
did not come without its challenges, the conference concluded its assignment
and has handed its Report to me.
21. I have made
a firm commitment that we would act on the recommendations of the conference.
This, I have started by setting up the Ministerial Committee headed by the
Honourable Attorney General of the Federation to work out the modalities for
implementing the Report. Every promise I make, God willing, I will see to its
fulfilment. I assure you, we shall implement the report.
a firm commitment that we would act on the recommendations of the conference.
This, I have started by setting up the Ministerial Committee headed by the
Honourable Attorney General of the Federation to work out the modalities for
implementing the Report. Every promise I make, God willing, I will see to its
fulfilment. I assure you, we shall implement the report.
22. One major
lesson which the 2014 National Conference has taught us as a country is that, a
multi-ethnic country like ours, must learn to embrace painstaking dialogue
until consensus is established.
lesson which the 2014 National Conference has taught us as a country is that, a
multi-ethnic country like ours, must learn to embrace painstaking dialogue
until consensus is established.
23. To me, the
National Conference is the greatest centenary gift to our country that we must
cherish and sustain.
National Conference is the greatest centenary gift to our country that we must
cherish and sustain.
24. Fellow Nigerians,
our 54 year-journey as a nation has not been easy. There have been tough
periods, but the Nigerian spirit and the unflagging resilience of our people
have seen us through. We will continue to march forward to greater heights.
our 54 year-journey as a nation has not been easy. There have been tough
periods, but the Nigerian spirit and the unflagging resilience of our people
have seen us through. We will continue to march forward to greater heights.
25. We have been
able to sustain a big, strong and influential country with a robust economy. We
are currently in our sixteenth year of uninterrupted democratic rule, daily
improving on the consolidation of our democratic process.
able to sustain a big, strong and influential country with a robust economy. We
are currently in our sixteenth year of uninterrupted democratic rule, daily
improving on the consolidation of our democratic process.
26. Our
Administration has made a commitment to ensure that we build and sustain a
democratic infrastructure anchored on free and fair elections. International
and local observers have attested to the positive evolution of electoral
credibility and we cannot afford to relent.
Administration has made a commitment to ensure that we build and sustain a
democratic infrastructure anchored on free and fair elections. International
and local observers have attested to the positive evolution of electoral
credibility and we cannot afford to relent.
27. We will continue to ensure that the will
of the electorate prevails so that political leaders would be reminded at all
times that there is a day of reckoning when they have to go back to the people
at the polls. Election days must not be days of violence and death. We must
remain vigilant to ensure that our electoral process is characterised by peace,
security and transparency.
of the electorate prevails so that political leaders would be reminded at all
times that there is a day of reckoning when they have to go back to the people
at the polls. Election days must not be days of violence and death. We must
remain vigilant to ensure that our electoral process is characterised by peace,
security and transparency.
28. I enjoin the
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), all security agencies,
politicians and the electorate to work conscientiously and peacefully,
together, to consolidate on the gains of the recent elections. Free and fair
elections have come to stay; nothing else will be acceptable to our people.
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), all security agencies,
politicians and the electorate to work conscientiously and peacefully,
together, to consolidate on the gains of the recent elections. Free and fair
elections have come to stay; nothing else will be acceptable to our people.
29. My dear
countrymen and women, occasions such as this present an opportunity to thank
God for our country and to report to you, on our journey so far.
countrymen and women, occasions such as this present an opportunity to thank
God for our country and to report to you, on our journey so far.
30. Our power
sector reform is on course with the ultimate objective of generating enough
electricity to power our homes, industries and businesses. We are making giant
strides in the Agricultural Sector which we are re-positioning to diversify our
economy. We will continue to upgrade our infrastructure to make life easier for
all and create an enabling environment for enterprise to flourish.
sector reform is on course with the ultimate objective of generating enough
electricity to power our homes, industries and businesses. We are making giant
strides in the Agricultural Sector which we are re-positioning to diversify our
economy. We will continue to upgrade our infrastructure to make life easier for
all and create an enabling environment for enterprise to flourish.
31. Over the
last four years, the implementation of the Nigerian Content Act in the Oil and
Gas Sector has ensured major increase in the participation of indigenous Oil
and Gas companies in the industry. Several critical infrastructure projects
have been commissioned and commenced. The level of indigenous asset ownership
has greatly increased and utilisation of Nigerian-owned and built assets such
as marine vessels and rigs is being progressively enforced.
last four years, the implementation of the Nigerian Content Act in the Oil and
Gas Sector has ensured major increase in the participation of indigenous Oil
and Gas companies in the industry. Several critical infrastructure projects
have been commissioned and commenced. The level of indigenous asset ownership
has greatly increased and utilisation of Nigerian-owned and built assets such
as marine vessels and rigs is being progressively enforced.
32. There has
been maximised local value addition by encouraging the manufacture of equipment
components and parts within the country.
There has also been massive growth in indigenous participation in the
provision of goods and services to the upstream sector from 10% to 60% within
the last four years.
been maximised local value addition by encouraging the manufacture of equipment
components and parts within the country.
There has also been massive growth in indigenous participation in the
provision of goods and services to the upstream sector from 10% to 60% within
the last four years.
33. Today,
following the rebasing of our economy, every international monitoring and
ratings agency now acknowledges Nigeria as the largest economy in Africa, with
a Gross Domestic Product of five hundred and ten billion dollars ($510 billion)
which also places us as the 26th largest economy in the world. This is
progress.
following the rebasing of our economy, every international monitoring and
ratings agency now acknowledges Nigeria as the largest economy in Africa, with
a Gross Domestic Product of five hundred and ten billion dollars ($510 billion)
which also places us as the 26th largest economy in the world. This is
progress.
34. Earlier in
the year, we launched the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) and the
National Enterprise Development Programme (NEDEP) with the stated objective of
fast tracking inclusive growth, job creation, enterprise development and
industrialisation.
the year, we launched the Nigeria Industrial Revolution Plan (NIRP) and the
National Enterprise Development Programme (NEDEP) with the stated objective of
fast tracking inclusive growth, job creation, enterprise development and
industrialisation.
35. The success
of these policies is already evident in the increased value addition in the
agricultural and manufacturing sectors.
of these policies is already evident in the increased value addition in the
agricultural and manufacturing sectors.
36. In line with our objective of encouraging the
production of made-in-Nigeria vehicles and making Nigeria a regional hub for
the automobile industry, a number of foreign auto manufacturers have
established plants in Nigeria, complementing the laudable efforts of our local
vehicle manufacturers who have also demonstrated great innovation and
competitiveness.
production of made-in-Nigeria vehicles and making Nigeria a regional hub for
the automobile industry, a number of foreign auto manufacturers have
established plants in Nigeria, complementing the laudable efforts of our local
vehicle manufacturers who have also demonstrated great innovation and
competitiveness.
37. We have also
launched a special support programme for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
with an initial intervention fund of two hundred and twenty billion naira (N220
b). This is in addition to the
Presidential Job Creation Board which I inaugurated recently with the charge to
create three million jobs annually.
launched a special support programme for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises
with an initial intervention fund of two hundred and twenty billion naira (N220
b). This is in addition to the
Presidential Job Creation Board which I inaugurated recently with the charge to
create three million jobs annually.
38. In
demonstration of our Administration’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s
housing deficit, we have commenced the new mortgage re-finance programme with
the establishment of the Nigerian Mortgage Re-finance Company. It is expected
that, in addition to creating additional housing units across the country, this
initiative also represents a huge job creation opportunity.
demonstration of our Administration’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s
housing deficit, we have commenced the new mortgage re-finance programme with
the establishment of the Nigerian Mortgage Re-finance Company. It is expected
that, in addition to creating additional housing units across the country, this
initiative also represents a huge job creation opportunity.
39. We have
recorded notable success in the social sector. Nigeria has been globally
acknowledged for reducing extreme hunger by more than half, with the Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO) formally presenting the country with an award
for achieving the Millennium Development Goal on Hunger three years ahead of
the 2015 target date set for the Millennium Development Goals.
recorded notable success in the social sector. Nigeria has been globally
acknowledged for reducing extreme hunger by more than half, with the Food and
Agriculture Organization (FAO) formally presenting the country with an award
for achieving the Millennium Development Goal on Hunger three years ahead of
the 2015 target date set for the Millennium Development Goals.
40. This
progress is as a result of the deliberate policy of government to increase
capacity in our agricultural sector of which the first step was to address and
eliminate the graft in our fertilizer procurement system and ensure that the
product gets directly to the farmer. We
are expanding our irrigation infrastructure to ensure that our farmers have
sufficient water supply for dry season farming.
progress is as a result of the deliberate policy of government to increase
capacity in our agricultural sector of which the first step was to address and
eliminate the graft in our fertilizer procurement system and ensure that the
product gets directly to the farmer. We
are expanding our irrigation infrastructure to ensure that our farmers have
sufficient water supply for dry season farming.
41. A benefit of
these combined actions is that our national food import bill has declined from
1.1 trillion naira (6.9 billion dollars) in 2009 to 684.7 billion naira (4.35
billion dollars) by December 2013, and continues to decline.
these combined actions is that our national food import bill has declined from
1.1 trillion naira (6.9 billion dollars) in 2009 to 684.7 billion naira (4.35
billion dollars) by December 2013, and continues to decline.
42. Modern
hybrid schools are being provided for less privileged children across the
country, resulting in significant increase in the national school enrolment
figure.
hybrid schools are being provided for less privileged children across the
country, resulting in significant increase in the national school enrolment
figure.
43. In order to
further enhance access to education at the tertiary level, fourteen new Federal
Universities have been established; and, to encourage persons of exceptional
abilities, our Administration has also introduced a Presidential Scholarship
Scheme based strictly on excellence and merit.
further enhance access to education at the tertiary level, fourteen new Federal
Universities have been established; and, to encourage persons of exceptional
abilities, our Administration has also introduced a Presidential Scholarship
Scheme based strictly on excellence and merit.
44. On
infrastructure, we are building roads, bridges, and new rail lines to make it
easier to traverse Nigeria and increase the integration of our people and our
ability to do business with each other. In this regard, we have commenced the
process of building the Second Niger Bridge. The Loko-Oweto Bridge over River
Benue in Nasarawa and Benue States, will significantly reduce travel time by
road between Northern and Southern Nigeria. The on-going dredging of the River
Niger up to Baro in Niger State is opening up large parts of the Nigerian
hinterland to maritime activity.
infrastructure, we are building roads, bridges, and new rail lines to make it
easier to traverse Nigeria and increase the integration of our people and our
ability to do business with each other. In this regard, we have commenced the
process of building the Second Niger Bridge. The Loko-Oweto Bridge over River
Benue in Nasarawa and Benue States, will significantly reduce travel time by
road between Northern and Southern Nigeria. The on-going dredging of the River
Niger up to Baro in Niger State is opening up large parts of the Nigerian
hinterland to maritime activity.
45. The Zungeru
and Mambilla Hydro-electric power projects are on course, and the Kashimbilla
dam which we started a few years ago, is nearing completion. The successful
privatisation of our power sector will in the long run enhance industrial
growth. Policies such as this and others have raised Nigeria to the enviable
status of being the number one recipient of Foreign Direct Investment in Africa
in the past year.
and Mambilla Hydro-electric power projects are on course, and the Kashimbilla
dam which we started a few years ago, is nearing completion. The successful
privatisation of our power sector will in the long run enhance industrial
growth. Policies such as this and others have raised Nigeria to the enviable
status of being the number one recipient of Foreign Direct Investment in Africa
in the past year.
46. The result
of this infrastructure drive is that two and a half million jobs have been
created over the past two years. This is a record, which we are committed to
improve upon to continue to provide jobs for our youth.
of this infrastructure drive is that two and a half million jobs have been
created over the past two years. This is a record, which we are committed to
improve upon to continue to provide jobs for our youth.
47. An
unprecedented number of Airports across the country, are not only being
reconstructed at the same time, but being re-equipped and reassessed with
emphasis on maintaining global standards.
unprecedented number of Airports across the country, are not only being
reconstructed at the same time, but being re-equipped and reassessed with
emphasis on maintaining global standards.
48. Fellow
Nigerians, the goals we set to achieve for our country involve expanding the
frontiers of economic freedom. Let us therefore unite with one heart and one
mind. All our people must have access to the good things of life. All our
people must be empowered to pursue the gift of life with happiness. This is our
country; we must build it for our common posterity.
Nigerians, the goals we set to achieve for our country involve expanding the
frontiers of economic freedom. Let us therefore unite with one heart and one
mind. All our people must have access to the good things of life. All our
people must be empowered to pursue the gift of life with happiness. This is our
country; we must build it for our common posterity.
49. As we move
into an election year, desperate moves to overheat the polity are becoming a
regular occurrence. Our political
leaders in particular must know that the contest for power should not translate
to the destruction of the polity.
into an election year, desperate moves to overheat the polity are becoming a
regular occurrence. Our political
leaders in particular must know that the contest for power should not translate
to the destruction of the polity.
50. The contest
for the leadership of our country must yield good governance, and not
ungovernable spaces. The love of country should rank higher than our individual
ambitions.
for the leadership of our country must yield good governance, and not
ungovernable spaces. The love of country should rank higher than our individual
ambitions.
51. We must
remain committed to a united and indivisible Nigeria within democratic
parameters. The protection of individual rights, liberty, equality before the
law, freedom of thought, and a progressive pursuit of a sound economy must be
our goal.
remain committed to a united and indivisible Nigeria within democratic
parameters. The protection of individual rights, liberty, equality before the
law, freedom of thought, and a progressive pursuit of a sound economy must be
our goal.
52. I cannot end
this address without commenting on the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) which
was sadly brought into our country recently. My directives to the Federal
Ministry of Health saw the ministry leading the charge in curtailing the spread
of this deadly scourge and managing its impact. This is how it should be:
swift, effective and comprehensive action in defence of citizens.
this address without commenting on the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) which
was sadly brought into our country recently. My directives to the Federal
Ministry of Health saw the ministry leading the charge in curtailing the spread
of this deadly scourge and managing its impact. This is how it should be:
swift, effective and comprehensive action in defence of citizens.
53. It must be
pointed out that the Ebola battle is still raging elsewhere in our sub-region.
I therefore enjoin all our citizens to continue to adhere strictly to all the
guidelines that have been given by our health officials to keep Ebola out of
our country.
pointed out that the Ebola battle is still raging elsewhere in our sub-region.
I therefore enjoin all our citizens to continue to adhere strictly to all the
guidelines that have been given by our health officials to keep Ebola out of
our country.
54. I appreciate
and welcome the spirit of collaboration, unity and partnership with which we
confronted the threat of the Ebola Virus Disease. I thank all Nigerians for working together to
prevent what could have become a major epidemic. I particularly thank the medical personnel,
some of whom made the ultimate sacrifice.
and welcome the spirit of collaboration, unity and partnership with which we
confronted the threat of the Ebola Virus Disease. I thank all Nigerians for working together to
prevent what could have become a major epidemic. I particularly thank the medical personnel,
some of whom made the ultimate sacrifice.
55. This is the
spirit which we must demonstrate at all times as we face up to our challenges
as a nation: one people, united by a common resolve, in the pursuit of one
common national interest.
spirit which we must demonstrate at all times as we face up to our challenges
as a nation: one people, united by a common resolve, in the pursuit of one
common national interest.
56. As we look
forward to another year in our national life, I am more than confident that our
tomorrow will be better than our yesterday and today. Nigeria has got the human
and material resources to excel and we shall lead the way in that journey to
our manifest destiny.
forward to another year in our national life, I am more than confident that our
tomorrow will be better than our yesterday and today. Nigeria has got the human
and material resources to excel and we shall lead the way in that journey to
our manifest destiny.
57. Fellow
countrymen, brothers and sisters, in all our plans, and in all our words and
our actions, we must stand together in love and unity, as one people under God.
countrymen, brothers and sisters, in all our plans, and in all our words and
our actions, we must stand together in love and unity, as one people under God.
58. We are one
people from the womb of one Nigeria. We are brothers and sisters. We are one
family. We are Nigerians.
people from the womb of one Nigeria. We are brothers and sisters. We are one
family. We are Nigerians.
59. God bless
the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Follow Us on Facebook – @LadunLiadi; Instagram – @LadunLiadi; Twitter – @LadunLiadi; Youtube – @LadunLiadiTV for updates
