Nigeria At 66, Tinubu Hails Armed Forces: “We Are Grateful For Those Who Place Themselves In Harm’s Way So We May Live In Peace”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has paid glowing tribute to the Armed Forces and security services as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence anniversary, saying the nation has endured war, military rule, economic crises, insecurity and political upheaval through the indomitable spirit of its people.

In his Independence Day address titled “FROM REFORM TO PROSPERITY,” Tinub said Nigeria’s journey has not always been easy and has generally been too hard for too many, but the country has endured through the farmer who rises before dawn, the trader, the teacher, the young entrepreneur, and the security personnel.

“We are grateful for the men and women of our Armed Forces and security services who place themselves in harm’s way so that the rest of us may live in peace,” the President said.

The President tied security directly to prosperity and food security, defining the Nigeria he wants to build as one where security guarantees production.

“I mean a Nigeria in which the farmer can cultivate his land safely, produce more at lower cost, and earn a decent return for his labour,” Tinubu declared, stressing that oil theft is now down as part of improved security in the economic sector.

He added that with the foundation repaired and emergency treatment over, his administration will now focus on shared prosperity where factories have reliable power, businesses can obtain credit, young people find productive work, and hard-working families can look to the future with confidence — a vision he said can only be sustained by continued peace and security.