What we saw in Ramin Kura is not an isolated story. It is a reflection of the suffering experienced, in different forms, across many parts of Nigeria.
And yet, while ordinary Nigerians struggle with these realities, this present government often behaves as though these problems belong to another country. The political leaders, have failed our country and, most importantly, we have failed our children.
This must change.
My message today is not one of despair. It is a message of hope, determination and responsibility. I dare to proclaim with full assurance that a new Nigeria is possible.
As President of Nigeria, I will make governance measurable, accountable and centred on the welfare and productivity of our people. Within the first year, Nigerians will begin to see the tangible impact of purposeful and effective leadership.
We will confront insecurity decisively so that our farmers can return to their farms, our children can return to school, businesses can operate freely, and families can live without fear. No Nigerian should be forced to live in an IDP camp because his or her government has failed to provide security. My administration will work to ensure that Nigerians displaced by insecurity can begin to return safely and with dignity to their communities.
We will move from a consumption-driven economy to a productive economy, one that creates jobs, expands opportunities, supports agriculture and manufacturing, invests in human capital, and makes Nigeria a country where young people can build meaningful lives.
We will prioritise education, healthcare, security and productive enterprise because these are not luxuries. They are the foundations of a functioning nation.
As I have always done, I will lead by example. In four years as President of this great nation, I will not spend my holidays outside Nigeria. My holidays will be spent in Zamfara State; Borno State; Kwara State; Ebonyi State; Edo State; Ekiti State and other Nigerian States.
I want to continue to see Nigeria. I want to know Nigeria. I want to spend time with Nigerians, listen to them, understand their challenges and celebrate their resilience.
We will build a Nigeria that is secure, united and productive; a Nigeria governed with competence, accountability and justice; a Nigeria where no child is denied education because of untold poverty or unbearable insecurity; where no mother dies because she cannot access basic healthcare; where farmers can return safely to their farms; where young people can find opportunities to work and prosper; and where public resources are deployed strictly for the public good.
We will build a Nigeria that our children and future generations will be proud to inherit, a Nigeria where unity, peace, justice and prosperity are not merely words in speeches, but lived realities for our people.
On this sixty-sixth Independence Anniversary, let us look back with gratitude, look around us with honesty, and look forward with courage.
The Nigeria we desire will not be built by prayers alone, nor by promises alone. It will be built by leadership that understands that public office is a sacred trust, by citizens who demand accountability, and by all of us who refuse to accept failure as our destiny.
It is time to build the new and productive Nigeria that is possible.
May God Almighty bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. -PO