Tinubu: At 65, While We Haven’t Achieved All Lofty Dreams of Our Forebears, We Haven’t Strayed Too Far from Them

President Bola Tinubu has said that Nigeria may not have achieved all the lofty goals of its founding fathers, it has not strayed too far from those goals.

Addressing the nation in a national broadcast, on Wednesday morning, to mark the 65th independence anniversary, President Tinubu said even though the promise of independence had been tested by profound social, economic, and political challenges, the nation has made tremendous progress in economic growth, social cohesion, and physical development.

He said: “For decades, the promise of our Independence has been tested by profound social, economic, and political challenges, and we have survived. While we may not have achieved all the lofty dreams of our forebearers, we have not strayed too far from them. In 65 years since our Independence, we have made tremendous progress in economic growth, social cohesion, and physical development. Our economy has experienced significant growth since 1960.

“Although, it is much easier for those whose vocation is to focus solely on what ought to be, we must recognise and celebrate our significant progress. Nigerians today have access to better education and healthcare than in 1960. At Independence, Nigeria had 120 secondary schools with a student population of about 130,000. Available data indicate that, as of year 2024, there were more than 23,000 secondary schools in our country. At Independence, we had only the University of Ibadan and Yaba College of Technology as the two tertiary institutions in Nigeria. By the end of last year, there were 274 universities, 183 Polytechnics, and 236 Colleges of Education in Nigeria, comprising Federal, State, and private institutions. We have experienced a significant surge in growth across every sector of our national life since Independence – in healthcare, infrastructure, financial services, manufacturing, telecommunications, information technology, aviation and defence, among others.

“Our country has experienced both the good and the bad times in its 65 years of nationhood, as is normal for every nation and its people. We fought a bitter and avoidable civil war, experienced military dictatorships, and lived through major political crises. In all these, we weathered every storm and overcame every challenge with courage, grit, and uncommon determination. While our system and ties that bind us are sometimes stretched by insidious forces opposed to our values and ways of life, we continue to strive to build a more perfect union where every Nigerian can find better accommodation and find purpose and fulfilment.”

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    Besides, Nigeria’s crude oil and condensate production averaged 1.61 million bpd in September as against 1.65 million barrels per day in August, which further represented a 2.9 per cent dip from July’s 1.70 million bpd production.

    Crude oil and condensate production averaged around 1.56 to 1.69 million barrels per day during the period, including condensates. Although below the nation’s technical capacity, the level was sufficient to support a reasonable inflow into government accounts.

    The report attributed temporary output moderation to planned maintenance activities at key facilities, including the Nigeria LNG plant, and delays in the recommencement of operations at certain oil mining leases.

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    Tinubu Nominates Bernard Dodo As Minister, Forwards Name To Senate For Confirmation 

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    According to a statement issued on Tuesday by presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, Dr Doro’s nomination follows Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda’s election as the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman in July 2025. Yilwatda previously served as Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction.

    Born on January 23, 1969, in Kwall, Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State, Doro has over 20 years of multidisciplinary experience in clinical practice, pharmaceutical management, strategic leadership and community engagement in the UK and Nigeria.

    He has degrees in Pharmacy and law, an MBA focusing on IT-driven business strategy, and a Master’s in Advanced Clinical Practice..

    Doro is an Independent Prescriber and Advanced Clinical Practitioner with NHS frontline experience across urgent care, walk-in centres, GP practices and hospital settings.

    He has also led youth mentorship and social impact initiatives in the diaspora and local communities.

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