Despite challenges, Nigeria remains strong, united, viable nation – Tinubu

President Bola Tinubu has said that despite all the issues that have bedeviled Nigeria, the country remains a strong, united, and viable nation.

During his speech to mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day anniversary on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024, Tinubu said the nation has survived many crises and upheavals that led to the dissolution and disintegration of many other nations worldwide.

Tinubu stated that six years after independence, the country descended into a political crisis that led to a bitter and avoidable civil war and since returning from the brink of that darkest moment, the country has learned to embrace its diversity and manage differences better.

“While we celebrate the progress we have made as a people in the last sixty-four years, we must also recognise some of our missed opportunities and mistakes of the past. If we are to become one of the greatest nations on earth, as God has destined us to be, our mistakes must not be allowed to follow us into the future,” Tinubu said.

READ ALSO: Independence: Past mistakes mustn’t follow Nigeria into future – Tinubu

On security, Tinubu expressed happiness that his administration is winning the war on terror and banditry.

He said the target of his administration is to eliminate all the threats of Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and the scourge of all forms of violent extremism.

“Within one year, our government has eliminated Boko Haram and bandit commanders faster than ever. As of the last count, over 300 Boko Haram and bandit commanders have been eliminated by our gallant troops in the Northeast, Northwest, and some other parts of the country,” Tinubu said.

“We have restored peace to hundreds of communities in the North, and thousands of our people have been able to return home. It is an unfinished business, which our security agencies are committed to ending as quickly as possible.”

He added that as soon as peace is restored to many communities in the troubled parts of the North, farmers can return to their farms and they expect to see a leap in food production and a downward spiral in food costs.