… Says nation entering era of maturity, stability

… The worst is over – Tinubu 

… Reforms are tough, but necessary for distorted economy – Soludo

BENIN CITY – Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo has commended President Bola Tinubu for his efforts in repositioning Nigeria for greatness through the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Okpebholo made this known on Wednesday, while speaking on the occasion of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary .

Okpebholo lauded the President’s initiatives, citing the elimination of fuel queues and subsidy rackets, economic expansion, and increased state autonomy.

According to him, the Renewed Hope Agenda has brought economic stability and growth to Nigeria.

He noted that the agenda has freed states from relying on federal bailouts to pay workers’ salaries.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President is the true reflection of independence,” Okpebholo said.

Okpebholo expressed gratitude for the President’s interventions and pledged Edo’s support.

The governor also reflected on the sacrifices of the nation’s founding fathers and the importance of unity and teamwork.

Okpebholo highlighted the state’s progress under his leadership, including improved security, infrastructure development, and opportunities for youths.

He encouraged youths to remain hopeful and emphasised the government’s commitment to investing in their future.

“To our youths and children: You are the heartbeat of this state. Do not give in to despair.

”Your energy and talents are the key to our future, and this government will continue to invest in you,” he said.

The governor stressed the importance of unity and teamwork in achieving progress and maximising opportunities.

“A New Edo Has Risen. A New Nigeria Has Risen. Together, with courage and dedication, nothing can stop us.” Okpebholo noted.

He described Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary as a significant milestone in the nation’s march towards maturity, institutional stability, and socio-economic transformation.

Speaking at a commemorative event in Benin City tagged Independence Prophetic Prayers and Praise Programme, the governor, represented by his Special Adviser on Religious Matters, Apostle Sule Farade, said Nigeria is gradually entering a phase defined by wisdom, national cohesion, and a renewed developmental focus.

“The 65th anniversary is not just a celebration of age, but a divine reminder that Nigeria is stepping into maturity,” Farade said on behalf of the governor. 

“We are witnessing transformation across key sectors; ongoing construction of flyover bridges, rehabilitation of schools and markets, renewed investment in agriculture, and decisive actions against cultism and kidnapping.”

Okpebholo stressed that peace remained central to Edo State’s growth and the country’s broader development agenda. 

“For Edo to continue rising, we must preserve the pillar that sustains all growth: peace,” he said. 

“Without peace, there is no prosperity, no meaningful development, and no secure future. As we pray for peace in Edo State and Nigeria, we also declare prosperity and progress over our land.”

The event, themed Total Peace in Edo and Nigeria, featured a message by Pastor Emmanuel Oibiwiye, who underscored the spiritual and civic significance of peace in national progress. 

Drawing from scriptures such as Job 34:29, 2 Thessalonians 3:16, and Isaiah 6:9, Oibiwiye described peace as a divine provision and a prerequisite for governance, economic growth, and social cohesion.

“God is the giver of peace, and where peace reigns, development follows,” he said. 

“We must continue to pray for the state and the nation. Through sustained prayer, we will see peace, prosperity, and the emergence of purposeful leadership.”

The gathering brought together faith leaders, community stakeholders, and state officials in a collective reflection on Nigeria’s trajectory since independence in 1960. 

Speakers reiterated the urgent need for unity and stability to consolidate gains and enable enduring progress.

As Nigeria steps into its 66th year, the occasion served both as a moment of thanksgiving and as a call to action, urging citizens, leaders, and institutions to embrace peace as the foundation for national renewal.

In his national broadcast on Wednesday to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, President Bola Tinubu has declared that Nigeria has “turned the corner” towards economic prosperity, assuring citizens that the worst is behind them.

‎“I am pleased to report that we have finally turned the corner. The worst is over.

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‎“Yesterday’s pains are giving way to relief,” he said.

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‎ Tinubu applauded Nigerians for their resilience and support, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to delivering on its promises.

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‎“I salute your endurance, support, and understanding.

” I will continue to work for you and justify the confidence you reposed in me to steer the ship of our nation to a safe harbour,” he said.

‎He recalled that his administration inherited a near-collapsed economy, weakened by decades of fiscal mismanagement and distorted policies.

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“Upon assuming office, our administration inherited a near-collapsed economy caused by decades of fiscal policy distortions and misalignment that had impaired real growth,” he said.

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Tinubu said his government had a choice to continue with the status quo or pursue bold reforms to rescue the nation.

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‎ He stressed that without the tough decisions, Nigeria would have drifted into a deeper economic crisis.

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‎The president noted that within three years, the seeds of reforms in the removal of the corrupt fuel subsidy and unified foreign exchange are beginning to bear fruit.

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‎ He said these bold steps dismantled incentives that sustained a rent-seeking economy and redirected resources to priority sectors.

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‎ Tinubu said his administration had redirected the economy towards a more inclusive path.

His administration, he said, had been channelling money to fund education, healthcare, national security, agriculture, and critical economic infrastructure such as roads, power, broadband, and social investment programmes.

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Tinubu called for collective action to accelerate development, warning that Nigeria remained in a race against time on infrastructure.

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‎“We are racing against time. All hands must be on deck tuo fast track development and deliver the promise of a greater Nigeria,” he said.

During his March Past remarks to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day anniversary as a sovereign state on Wednesday in Awka, Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State said that President Bola Tinubu’s reforms are a necessary medicine for an economy that has long been distorted and papered over

He said: ‘I commend President Tinubu’s courageous national reforms, including removal of subsidies, harmonization of exchange rates, redesign of fiscal and tax policies as well as other structural reforms.

“These reforms, obviously, in the short term, are bound to have some disruptive effects, including some unanticipated pains and hardships.

“However, they are a necessary medicine for an economy long distorted and papered over.

“This is the time we must rebuild our nation on a firmer foundation and I urge Nigerians to stand firm, as the road to renewal requires sacrifice.

“But beyond these current hardships, lies a Nigeria where our currency gets stronger, our economy becomes more productive and our resources serve the many, not just the few.

“I encourage all Nigerians to support these reforms and demonstrate patriotism by obeying the law and paying taxes. This is the path to a more prosperous future,” he said.

The governor described Nigeria’s independence as a symbol of hope, freedom and possibility for the Black race.