President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that he will never turn his back on them, reiterating his commitment in a nationwide broadcast on Wednesday commemorating Nigeria’s 25th anniversary of democracy.
In his address, President Tinubu urged Nigerians to endure the hardships brought about by ongoing economic reforms, emphasizing that these steps are necessary to establish a solid economic foundation for the country.
“As we continue to reform the economy, I shall always listen to the people and will never turn my back on you,” Tinubu stated.
The President also addressed the recent negotiations with organized labour regarding a new national minimum wage. He confirmed that the government had negotiated in good faith and would soon present an executive measure to the National Assembly to secure the agreed-upon salary for the next five years or less.
Emphasizing the significance of both political and economic democracy, Tinubu urged the nation to keep striving for a brighter future. He acknowledged the country’s current economic challenges and stressed the necessity of reforms to create a better platform for future prosperity.
“In the end, our national greatness will not be achieved by travelling the easy road. It can only be achieved by taking the right one,” he said. Quoting American President Franklin Roosevelt, Tinubu added, “There are many ways of going forward. But only one way of standing still!”
He cautioned against complacency, stating, “We dare not slumber lest the good things awaiting our immediate future pass us by. We dare not plant our feet in an idle standstill in the middle of the intersection of hope and despair. We know the proper way forward and we shall take it!”
The President expressed optimism about the future, noting, “The initial rays of a brighter tomorrow now appear on the early horizon. An abundant future and our capacity to achieve that future lie within our reach.”
Tinubu concluded his address with a call for unity and progress, urging Nigerians to join in the collective effort to advance the nation. “Democracy and the institutions it begets offer to take us to our profound destination. Let us board this progressive train together. Together, let us move Nigeria forward. Let’s continue to keep the fire of democracy burning. Let’s keep the torch lit for generations to come.”
