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| Professor Nentawe Yilwatda |
Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad on the country’s 66th Independence Day, calling the milestone a celebration of resilience, unity and enduring belief in Nigeria’s potential.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, Professor Yilwatda praised citizens for their sacrifices, patience and determination in confronting the nation’s challenges.
He acknowledged that Nigeria’s post-independence path has been difficult at times but emphasized the nation’s repeated ability to overcome setbacks, adapt and progress.
Yilwatda also highlighted the Tinubu administration’s response to a tough economic legacy. He said the government made politically challenging but necessary reforms to address deep structural imbalances and set the economy on firmer, more sustainable footing.
These, he said, include the removal of the petrol subsidy, reforms to the foreign-exchange market, efforts to strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation, monetary and fiscal reforms, and measures aimed at attracting investment and strengthening productive sectors of the economy.
He noted that these reforms have involved significant short-term sacrifices for Nigerians, but said there are increasingly measurable signs of macroeconomic stabilisation.
The World Bank, he adds, has reported stronger economic growth, improved fiscal and external positions, rising foreign-exchange reserves and a more stable foreign-exchange market as important outcomes of the reform programme. “Nigeria’s real GDP grew by 4.2 per cent in the first half of 2026, according to the World Bank, while gross foreign reserves reached $51.9 billion at the end of July 2026,” he said, pointing to developments in the energy sector, investment, digital economy and social protection as evidence that the reform programme is increasingly moving beyond stabilisation towards structural transformation.
He said the objective must ultimately be an economy that creates jobs, expands opportunities for young Nigerians, strengthens businesses, improves infrastructure and delivers a better quality of life for families.
“We acknowledge the progress that has been recorded and, more importantly, recognise that the work is not finished. Economic stabilisation will now translate more rapidly into improved household incomes, employment, food security and greater opportunities for our people,” he said.
The National Chairman said the APC recognises that democracy is ultimately about improving the lives of citizens and that political leadership must therefore remain accountable to the people. He assured Nigerians that the party would continue to support policies that promote economic growth, national security, social inclusion, investment and institutional development.
He called on Nigerians to use the 66th Independence anniversary to reflect soberly on the country’s journey, the challenges that remain and the opportunities before the nation. He urged citizens to examine the records, policies, programmes and future plans of all political parties and candidates as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, and to participate actively in the democratic process.
Professor Yilwatda expressed confidence that Nigeria has the human resources, natural endowments and entrepreneurial energy required to emerge as a stronger and more prosperous nation. He said the APC would continue to work with the Federal Government, state governments, elected representatives and Nigerians across the country to consolidate the gains of reform and build a more productive, secure and united Nigeria.
He therefore called on Nigerians to remain hopeful and patriotic, saying that the challenges of today should not obscure the enormous possibilities of tomorrow.
“On this 66th Independence Anniversary, let us celebrate Nigeria, believe in Nigeria and continue to work together for the Nigeria we all desire. Our best days are still ahead of us. The task before us is to ensure that the reforms and sacrifices of today translate into lasting prosperity and opportunity for generations yet unborn.”
Professor Yilwatda wished all Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary and prayed for continued peace, stability, prosperity and unity across the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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