By His Excellency, Mayor Eshanekpe Israel (Akpodoro)
Head, Association of Urhobo Mayoral Family Crown (AUMFC); Mayor of Urhoboland
Fellow Nigerians,
Today, as we celebrate 65 years of nationhood, we rejoice in the gift of Nigeria – a nation under God, blessed with resilience, unity, and boundless potential. October 1, 1960, marked the dawn of our independence, and since then, despite challenges, we have continued to stand tall among the nations of the world.
We have overcome storms, endured trials, and remained indivisible. Our unity, our shared heritage, and our commitment to progress are reasons to celebrate. Indeed, Happy Birthday, Nigeria!
Celebrating Leadership and Nationhood
On this historic day, I extend heartfelt congratulations to the President and Commander-in-Chief, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR. His courage, patriotism, and relentless drive for reform have placed Nigeria on the path of greatness.
Since assuming office, President Tinubu has shown remarkable political will and unwavering commitment to building a prosperous nation. His policies and reforms are reshaping Nigeria’s destiny, restoring hope, and positioning us as a proud member of the global community.
Achievements of President Tinubu
In just two years, this administration has recorded outstanding milestones:
Economic Growth: Nigeria’s GDP rose from ₦269.29 trillion in May 2023 to ₦372.8 trillion today, with 3.84% quarterly growth in 2024 – our best in a decade.
Energy Independence: Nigeria has moved from Africa’s top fuel importer to West Africa’s leading refined fuel exporter.
Workers’ Welfare: A new minimum wage of ₦70,000 for federal workers has been approved and implemented.
Infrastructure: Two legacy super highways – the 1,068km Illela-Sokoto-Badagry and the 750km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road – are underway.
Debt Reduction: National debt has dropped from $113.7 billion to $97 billion, while federal allocations to states have doubled.
Education & Empowerment: The Student Loan Initiative (NELFUND) has empowered nearly one million indigent Nigerians.
Stability in Governance: Peaceful relations among the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary have been maintained, with a zero-tolerance stance on corruption.
International Recognition: Nigeria has secured stronger diplomatic ties with countries like Brazil and Seychelles while improving our global standing.
Infrastructure & Power: Abuja’s power supply has improved with the $2 billion, 1,350MW Gwagwalada Independent Power Plant.
Trade & Reserves: Nigeria achieved a record trade surplus of $14.31 billion in 2024 and boosted foreign reserves to $40.1 billion.
Aviation Reform: Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, is now the most modern in Sub-Saharan Africa.
These are not mere promises – they are tangible results delivered within a short time. If such transformation is possible in two years, imagine what awaits Nigeria if President Tinubu continues beyond 2027.
Our Commitment to 2027 and Beyond
As we celebrate our nation’s independence, we also look to the future with optimism. For us in Urhoboland, there is no going back on our support for President Tinubu’s leadership.
Therefore, on behalf of the 4BAT Movement under the leadership of Comrade Peter Ilefa, we make the following declaration:
We fully endorse President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in 2027.
Nationwide mobilization has commenced to ensure overwhelming support for his reelection.
We will sustain this momentum until election day when Nigerians will once again affirm his mandate.
Our group is ready to purchase the Presidential Nomination Form for him, should any opposition arise within his party.
We call on opposition parties to prioritize nation-building over futile political pursuits.
To us, President Tinubu has no rival – he is the beacon of democracy and the father of modern Nigeria.
Conclusion
At 65, Nigeria is stronger, more hopeful, and set on the path of renewal. With President Tinubu’s visionary leadership, the dream of a greater Nigeria is no longer deferred – it is becoming reality.
Congratulations to the good people of Nigeria. Congratulations to our beloved nation. And congratulations to the Father of Modern Nigeria – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
May Nigeria succeed. Happy Independence Day!
Signed,
His Excellency, Eshanekpe A. Israel (Akpodoro)
Mayor of Urhoboland
