NEWS
Buhari’s 60th Independence Anniversary Speech
INDEPENDENCE DAY ADDRESS BY HIS EXCELLENCY, MUHAMMADU BUHARI, PRESIDENT OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA ON THE OCCASION OF NIGERIA’S SIXTIETH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY, THURSDAY 1ST OCTOBER 2020
Fellow Nigerians
I speak to you today as your President and fellow citizen on this epoch occasion of our country’s 60th independence Anniversary.
As President, I wish to renew my appreciation to Nigerians for entrusting me with your hopes and aspirations for a better and greater Nigeria.2. Today, it is my unique privilege to re-commit myself to the service of this great country of great people with profound diversities and opportunities.
We are bound by destiny to be the largest and greatest black nation on earth.3. At this stage in our nationhood it is important that we reflect how we got here to enable us work TOGETHER to get to where we aspire to be as a strong indivisible nation, united in hope and equal in opportunity.
4. On October 1st 1960 when Prime Minister Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa received the constitutional instruments symbolizing Nigeria’s independence, he expressed his wish that having acquired our rightful status as an independent sovereign nation, history would record that the building of our nation proceeded at the wisest pace.
5. This optimism was anchored on the peaceful planning, full and open consultation and harmonious cooperation with the different groups which culminated in Nigeria emerging as a country without bitterness and bloodshed.
6. Our founding fathers understood the imperative of structuring a National identity using the power of the state and worked towards unification of Nigerians in a politically stable and viable entity.
7. That philosophy guided the foundation that was laid for our young nation of 45 million people with an urban population of approximately 7million occupying an area of 910,768 square kilometers. These demographics led to development challenges for which major efforts were made to overcome.
8. Today, we grapple with multiple challenges with a population exceeding 200million occupying the same land mass but 52% residing in urban areas.
9. Sixty years of nationhood provides an opportunity to ask ourselves questions on the extent to which we have sustained the aspirations of our founding fathers. Where did we do the right things? Are we on course? If not where did we stray and how can we remedy and retrace our steps?
10. Upon attaining independence, Nigeria’s growth trajectory was anchored on policies and programmes that positively impacted on all sectors of the economy. However, this journey was cut short by the 30-months of civil war.
11. We came out of the civil war with a focus on reconstruction, rehabilitation and reconciliation that enabled the country to put in place world class development structures and a strengthened public service that well served the government. This positive trajectory continued with a return to democratic government which was truncated by another round of military rule.
12. For a cumulative 29 of our 60 years existence as a nation, we have been under military rule.
13. My summary of our journey so far as a nation is necessary to appropriately chart where we need to go and how to get there TOGETHER.
14. Today, I am aware that our economy along with every single economy in the world is in crisis. We still face security challenges in parts of the country, while our society suffers from a high loss of moral rectitude which is driven by unbridled craving for political control.
15. An underlying cause of most of the problems we have faced as a nation is our consistent harping on artificially contrived fault-lines that we have harboured and allowed unnecessarily to fester.
16. In addition, institutions such as civil service, police, the judiciary, the military all suffered from a general decline.
17. We need to begin a sincere process of national healing and this anniversary presents a genuine opportunity to eliminate old and outworn perceptions that are always put to test in the lie they always are.
18. The stereotype of thinking of ourselves as coming from one part of the country before seeing ourselves as Nigerians is a key starting point to project us on the road to our deserved nation’s evolution and integration.
19. To start this healing process, we are already blessed with the most important asset any nation requires for such – OUR PEOPLE – and this has manifested globally in the exploits of Nigerians in many fields.
20. It has been demonstrated time and time again that Nigerians in the diaspora frequently excel in science, technology, medicine, sports, arts and many other fields.
21. Similarly, the creativity, ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Nigerian at home have resulted in globally recognized endeavours.
22. I am convinced that if we pursue our aspirations TOGETHER we would be able to achieve whatever we desire. That informed our adopting the theme TOGETHER to mark this epochal event.
23. Together we can change our condition for the better and more importantly, together we can do much more for ourselves and for our country.
24. I chose the path of self-reflection because this is what I do on a daily basis and I must confess that at most times, I always felt the need for a collective reflection as I know that the foundation for a solid future which this administration is laying can only be sustainable if there is a collective commitment by Nigerians.
25. Nigeria is not a country for Mr. President, any ruling or opposition party but a country for all of us and we must play our part, irrespective of challenges we face, to make this country what we desire.
26. To achieve this, we must focus our minds, TOGETHER as a people, on ways of resolving the identified critical challenges that underlie our present state. These include:
a. Evolving and sustaining a democratic culture that leaves power in the hands of the people;
b. Supporting the enthronement of the rule of law, demanding accountability of elected representatives and contributing to good governance;
c. Increasing our commitment to peaceful co-existence in a peaceful, secure and united Nigeria;
d. Harnessing and Optimizing our tremendous human and natural resources to attain our goal of being in the top twenty economies of the world and in the process;
e. Lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in 10 years;
f. Strengthening institutions to make them stronger in protecting National Interests; and
g. Imbibing tolerance in diversity.
27. I am a firm believer in transparent, free, fair and credible elections as has been demonstrated during my period as a democratically elected President.
28. The recent build-up and eventual outcome of the Edo State elections should encourage Nigerians that it is my commitment to bequeath to this country processes and procedures that would guarantee that the people’s votes count.
29. The problems with our electoral process are mainly human induced as desperate desire for power leads to desperate attempts to gain power and office.
30. Democracy, the world over and as I am pursuing in Nigeria, recognizes the power of the people. However, if some constituencies choose to bargain off their power, they should be prepared for denial of their rights.
31. This call is made more urgent if we realise that even after a transparent, free, fair and credible election, desperation leads to compromising the judiciary to upturn legitimate decisions of the people.
32. It is necessary to, therefore support the enthronement of the rule of law by avoiding actions which compromise the judiciary.
33. Fellow Nigerians, our history has shown that we are a people that have the capacity to live peacefully with one another.
34. As a government, we remain committed to our constitutional oath of securing the lives and properties of the citizenry. I, however, call on the citizenry to also support government by providing the necessary community level intelligence in addressing these challenges.
35. In moving forward together, it is important to strengthen our economy to provide sustainable means of livelihood for as many Nigerians as possible so as to eradicate absolute poverty from our midst.
36. I want to re-emphasize my dedication and commitment, a dedication and commitment that propelled my public service career and informed my quest to continually seek for an opportunity to improve the lives of Nigerians, set the country on the path of prosperity and lead the country to a better future.
37. This administration has been focused on rebuilding and laying the foundations for a sustainable Nigeria. Of course, we have met and are still meeting the challenges inherent in any rebuilding initiative – more so that of a nation like Nigeria that has undergone avoidable levels of deprivation – but can be surmounted if we all work together.
38. I wish to re-iterate that our people and our spirit of excellence remains our most important asset.
39. In this wise, the need to return to our age-old ethical and high moral values would be necessary and this informed my launching of the National Ethics and Integrity Policy on Monday 28th September, 2020.
40. The policy would not implement itself and the first contact of the visibility of its implementation is the Public Service whose on-going reforms would be expected to be sustainable and give a radical re-direction in providing services to all Nigerians.
41. Fellow Nigerians, in addition to public health challenges of working to contain the spread of the Coronavirus, we have suffered a significant drop in our foreign exchange earnings and internal revenues due to 40 per cent drop in oil prices and steep drop in economic activities, leading to a 60 per cent drop in government revenue.
42. Our government is grappling with the dual challenge of saving lives and livelihoods in face of drastically reduced resources.
43. In this regard, sustaining the level of petroleum prices is no longer possible. The government, since coming into office has recognized the economic argument for adjusting the price of petroleum. But the social argument about the knock-on effect of any adjustment weighed heavily with the government.
44. Accordingly, in the last three years, we have introduced unprecedented measures in support of the economy and to the weakest members of our society in the shape of:
a. Tradermoni
b. Farmermoni
c. School Feeding Programme
d. Job creation efforts
e. Agricultural intervention programmes
45. No government in the past did what we are doing with such scarce resources. We have managed to keep things going in spite of the disproportionate spending on security. Those in the previous Governments from 1999 – 2015 who presided over the near destruction of the country have now the impudence to attempt to criticize our efforts.
46. In the circumstances, a responsible government must face realities and take tough decisions.
47. Petroleum prices in Nigeria are to be adjusted. We sell now at N161 per litre. A comparison with our neighbours will illustrate the point;
a. Chad which is an oil producing country charges N362 per litre
b. Niger, also an oil producing country sells 1 litre at N346.
c. In Ghana, another oil producing country, petroleum pump price is N326 per litre.
48. Further afield, Egypt charges N211 per litre. Saudi Arabia charges N168 per litre. It makes no sense for oil to be cheaper in Nigeria than in Saudi Arabia.
49. Fellow Nigerians, to achieve the great country we desire, we need to solidify our strength, increase our commitment and encourage ourselves to do that which is right and proper even when no one is watching.
50. Fellow Nigerians, let us collectively resolve to continue our journey beyond the sixty years on the clear understanding that as a nation we are greater together than being smaller units of nationalities. By the special grace of God we shall come through any transient challenges.
51. It is my sincere hope that by the end of this anniversary on September 30th 2021, we will all be proud of taking this individual and collective self-assessment for the progress of our great Nation.
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
God Bless us all. Thank you.
From Attah Ede Makurdi
United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Dr. Amina Mohammed, on Friday condemned the incessant conflicts killings in Nigeria, particularly in Benue State, saying that it continue to cause wider pressures felt in very immediate ways, shaping the context in which communities are pursuing peace, recovery and resilience, progress, priorities and potentials.
Dr Mohammed made the remarks when she visited Yelewata and Mega camp Internally Displaced Persons(IDPs) in Mbayongo in Guma LGA of the State.
She particularly expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the recent attacks in Benue State, including in Mbalom, in Gwer East Local Government Area, and in Yelwata, and expressed solidarity with all affected communities, including those newly
displaced.
She lamented that at the moment, there is profound global uncertainty, as conflict, climate shocks, economic pressures and displacement are
converging and placing growing strain on communities around the world.
She noted that the war in Iran is a stark reminder of how quickly conflict can escalate, with consequences that reverberate far beyond any one country or region, stating thay UN welcomes the ceasefire as an important step towards deescalation and diplomacy.
According to her, across the region, these intersecting pressures
are testing resilience, deepening vulnerabilities and reinforcing the importance of inclusive development, strong institutions and social
cohesion.
The former Nigeria Minister for Environment observed that in spite of these challenging times, the direction, Benue State Government is setting deserves recognition, noting that the state 2026 Budget of Rural Development,
Livelihood Support and Sustained Growth sends an important signal of commitment to improving lives, expanding opportunity and anchoring development where it matters most.
Said she, “the human toll of insecurity is profound. Itdisrupts lives, weakens livelihoods, erodes trust and undermines the foundations for peace and development.
“What is required is not only a security
response, but a broader commitment to
peacebuilding that starts at the grassroots—strengthening early warning and early response, rebuilding trust across communities, and creating the conditions for reconciliation to take root”.
Dr. Amina stressed that Benue holds enormous potential as Nigeria’s
food basket, which plays a critical role
not only in feeding the country, but in
generating livelihoods, enterprise and broader prosperity.
The UN Deputy Secretary-General acknowledged the efforts being made to pursue durable solutions for displaced families—including through access to agricultural land and opportunities for self-reliance—reflect the kind of joined-up leadership this moment demands.
“This is how the Sustainable Development Goals, SDG are advanced in practice through integrated action that connects humanitarian response to long-term development, restores agency, reduces dependency and leaves no one behind.
“With sustained leadership, stronger partnerships and continued investment in livelihoods and value chains, Benue is well placed to translate its assets into more inclusive and resilient growth.
“The United Nations stands ready to support these efforts in ways that are practical, coordinated and aligned behind State priorities.Insecurity, reconciliation and peacebuilding.
“Justice and accountability are also essential.Without them, peace remains fragile and reconciliation incomplete.
We must also be mindful of the risks that come when complex crises are reduced to narrow or simplified narratives.
“Oversimplified narratives can inflame tensions, strain the social fabric and make the work of peacebuilding and reconciliation even harder.
“This is why responsible leadership, careful language and a commitment to dialogue and social cohesion are so important at this moment.
“Benue’s launch of the BRACE-UP initiative is an important step in bringing unenrolled children into school and protecting every child’s right to education. In communities affected by conflict and displacement, this imperative becomes even greater.
“Children who have already experienced
disruption and loss must not be left further behind, and continued support will be essential to ensure their safe integration into host schools and their access to learning materials and opportunity, She emphasized.
Speaking on the significance of the visit the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, Representative in Nigeria, Wafaa Saeed Abdelatef, said, “it is about the partnership between the United Nations team led by the Deputy Secretary General and the state government bringing hope, sustainable development to bring change. So we affirm our commitment to support to the state. And we really acknowledge the leadership of the Governor of the state”.
In his remark, Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, noted that as the food basket of the nation, the state stability is directly linked to the stability of Nigeria’s food systems and, indeed, West Africa’s broader supply chains.
According to him, Benue people also at the frontline of complex challenges; farmer–herder conflicts, climate-induced vulnerabilities, and the realities of over 500,000 internally displaced persons across our communities”.
- From Seyi Tayese, Yenagoa
The National Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (N-CITRE-INC) has suspended the Ijaw National Congress (INC) elections till further notice.
The N-CITRE, after its meeting in Yenagoa deliberated extensively on all issues that led to the impasse in the INC elections, including petitions received.
The group, therefore, unanimously agreed to suspend the conduct of the INC elections and directed the electoral committee to stop all forms of electoral duties.
N-CITRE, which is empowered by the INC constitution to resolve all disputes, has also set up a seven-man Dispute Resolution Committee (DRC) to investigate all petitions.
The resolutions read in part ‘’ That the elections into the National Executive Council of the Ijaw National Congress (NE-INC), which were rescheduled for Monday, 13th April, 2026, by the National Electoral Committee, Ijaw National Congress(N-ELECO-INC), have been temporarily suspended until N-CITRE directs further after all pending disputes have been settled. N-CITRE-INC, as the appointing authority for N-ELECO-INC, also holds the constitutional power to resolve all disputes within the Congress
‘’ Consequently, N-ELECO-INC has been directed to stop performing any electoral functions until otherwise subsequently directed by N-CITRE.’’
The N-CITRE has directed the DRC to resolve the lingering dispute and probe all petitions, including the petitions against the n-ELECO- INC.
The DRC is headed by HRM, King Bubaraye Dakolo Agada IV, Ibenanaowei of Ekpetiama Kingdom, Chairman of Bayelsa Traditional Rulers Council, and Chairman of N-CITRE.
Other members are HRM, King Dr. Brig-Gen Bright Ateke Fiboinumama (Rtd), Chief Dr. Silas Eneyo (representing Eastern Zone), Dr. Loveth Ige (representing Central Zone), HRM, Pere Luke Kalanama III, HRM, Dr. Ekiomi Oweigbe John (Gbisa I) representing Western Zone, and Zonal Chairman of N-CITRE.
N-CITRE, which reminded all stakeholders of the principle of honesty that guides the Ijaws, therefore appealed for cooperation to achieve peace.
By David Torough, Abuja
Stakeholders at the 2026 Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) International Conference in Bida have called for urgent adoption of digital economy strategies and strengthened governance systems as critical tools for achieving inclusive and sustainable growth in developing nations.
Delivering the lead paper at the conference held at the Federal Polytechnic Bida, Professor Jonathan Atsua Ikughur emphasized that while technological advancement has transformed global systems, many developing countries, including Nigeria, have yet to fully harness its benefits due to weak institutions and inconsistent policy implementation.
He contrasted the inefficiencies of the past—marked by long banking queues, unreliable communication systems, and risky cash transactions with the current opportunities offered by digital innovation, noting that such advancements can significantly reduce economic and social costs.
Ikughur stressed that development must be viewed beyond mere economic growth, encompassing equitable resource distribution, improved living standards, and social well-being.
He warned that without deliberate planning and strong governance, many nations risk remaining trapped in poverty, inequality, and economic stagnation.
Painting a sobering picture of Nigeria’s development challenges, he cited high poverty and unemployment rates, weak institutional capacity, corruption, and overreliance on borrowing as major constraints to growth despite the country’s abundant natural resources.
The professor identified poor infrastructure, weak judicial systems, lack of transparency, and low investment in human capital as common features of many developing economies.
He urged policymakers to adopt data-driven strategies that integrate digital innovation with governance reforms to drive long-term prosperity.
Complementing this perspective, a research paper presented by Dr. Bolaji Tunde Matemilola highlighted the growing impact of digital financial inclusion on firms in emerging economies.
The study, which examined 475 firms across 15 countries, found that digital financial inclusion significantly boosts firms’ access to credit and drives business growth by reducing borrowing costs and information gaps.
However, the study also raised concerns about rising corporate debt levels, noting that while increased access to finance supports expansion, it may pose sustainability risks if not properly managed.
In his keynote address, Niger State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Muazu Hamidu Jantabo, described the digital economy as both a policy imperative and a generational opportunity for Africa.
He noted that digital transformation, when supported by strong governance, can reduce transaction costs, enhance transparency, and expand economic participation.
Jantabo highlighted ongoing reforms in Niger State, including investments in broadband infrastructure, digital literacy programmes, and e-governance systems aimed at improving service delivery and accountability.
He stressed that digitalization must be inclusive, warning that uneven access—particularly in rural areas—could deepen existing inequalities.
He further underscored the role of local governments as critical drivers of grassroots digital transformation, noting ongoing efforts to digitize administrative processes, improve revenue systems, and strengthen community engagement.
Earlier in his welcome address, ASUP Bida Chapter Chairman, Comrade Kolo Joshua, described the conference theme as timely, noting that the combination of digital economy and good governance remains essential for sustainable development in developing nations.
Across presentations, speakers converged on a common message: that digital transformation alone is insufficient without strong institutions, transparency, and accountability.
They called for coordinated efforts among governments, academia, and the private sector to align innovation with inclusive policies.
“The task before us is not just to embrace change,” Ikughur noted, “but to deliberately harness it for the collective good.”
UN Secretary General Visits Benue Condemns Incessant Attacks On Communities, Killings.
ShareFrom Attah Ede Makurdi United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Dr. Amina Mohammed, on Friday condemned the incessant conflicts killings in Nigeria,...
President Tinubu commissions 60 megawatts gas turbine, other projects in bayelsa
ShareFrom Mike Tayese, Yenagoa The much awaited 60 megawatts Gas Turbine embarked upon by the administration of Governor Douye Diri...
Ijaw Traditional Rulers, elders suspend INC elections
Share The National Conference of Ijaw Traditional Rulers and Elders (N-CITRE-INC) has suspended the Ijaw National Congress (INC) elections till...
Experts Advocate Digital Economy, Governance Reforms as Pathway to Inclusive Growth
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja Stakeholders at the 2026 Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) International Conference in Bida have called...
Digital Economy, Good Governance Key to Unlocking Inclusive Growth in Developing Nations — Expert
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja At the 2026 Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) National Conference held at the Federal Polytechnic...
UNILAG Alumni awards scholarship to 28 indigent students
ShareBy Laide Akinboade, Abuja The University of Lagos Alumni Association, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), chapter on Thursday, awarded scholarship to...
JAMB Releases 2026 UTME Examination Slips for Candidates
ShareThe Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that candidates who registered for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) can now print...
Lobi Stars Target Promotion to NPFL in 2026/2027 Season
ShareThe Chairman of Lobi Stars Football Club of Makurdi, Simon Ikya, said the club’s sole target is to gain promotion...
Gambia Appoints British Barrister to Prosecute Gruesome Jammeh-era Crimes
ShareBritish barrister Martin Hackett has been appointed as The Gambia’s first special prosecutor to try those responsible for human rights abuses carried out...
Court Frees Terror Victim, Jails another 10 Years
ShareJustice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday, sentenced a Boko Haram victim, Ali Kolo, to nine years’ imprisonment...