Fellow Nigerians, as I address you today on this significant occasion of our independence anniversary, I recognize the struggles many of you are facing in these challenging times. Our administration is acutely aware of the rising living costs and the urgent need for meaningful employment opportunities. I want to assure you that your voices are being heard.
As your President, I commit to finding sustainable solutions to alleviate the suffering of our citizens. I ask for your continued patience as the reforms we are implementing begin to bear fruit, signaling a brighter future ahead.
Sixty-four years ago, our founding fathers chose democracy as the foundation for our great nation, envisioning a country that would lead Africa out of poverty, ignorance, and underdevelopment. Their dream continues to inspire us today.
The resilience and entrepreneurial spirit of the Nigerian people are commendable. Our small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) are vital to our economic landscape, showcasing our massive intellectual capacity and industriousness across various sectors. The dreams our founding fathers envisioned are still unfolding, and we are committed to nurturing these enterprises to foster economic growth and job creation.
While it is easy to focus on our setbacks, we must also recognize how far we have come in forging a united nation. Since our independence, we have weathered numerous crises, learning to embrace our diversity and manage our differences in pursuit of a more perfect union.
In this spirit, our government is dedicated to implementing programs that specifically support MSMEs, which are crucial to job creation and economic empowerment. We are enhancing access to finance and providing training initiatives tailored to equip our youth and entrepreneurs with the skills needed in today’s economy.
Among the initiatives we are advancing is the 3 Million Technical Talents program (3MTT) by the Ministry of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Economy, aimed at building a strong technical workforce. We are also excited about the upcoming Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which will provide affordable loans for students pursuing tertiary education, thus nurturing the next generation of innovators.
Later this month, we will launch the Renewed Hope Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP), a comprehensive initiative by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment aimed at creating 2.5 million jobs annually, both directly and indirectly. This program will ensure the welfare and safety of workers while enhancing the support available for MSMEs.
As we celebrate our nation’s achievements, I also want to highlight the recent honors conferred on our leaders, including the Senate President and the Chief Justice of the Federation, who were awarded the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON).
Fellow Nigerians, I urge you to believe in the promise of our nation. The road ahead may be fraught with challenges, but with your support, we can forge a path toward a prosperous future. Together, we will cultivate a Nigeria that reflects the aspirations of all its citizens—where opportunities abound, and every child can grow up with hope.
As agents of change, let us take responsibility for shaping our destiny and building a brighter future for ourselves and generations to come. Join our administration on this journey toward a greater Nigeria, where every citizen can thrive.
May God continue to bless our nation and protect our armed forces.
Happy Independence anniversary, my fellow Nigerians!
