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Full text of President Muhammadu Buhari’s Independence Day broadcast

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President Muhammadu Buhari

Fellow Nigerians,

I address you today, with a deep sense of gratitude to God and a high level of appreciation to all Nigerians whose tremendous goodwill gave me the opportunity to provide leadership for our great country at one of the trying times in her history.

  1. Conscious that today’s address would be my last on an Independence Day as your President; I speak to the millions of Nigerians, who believed in me, propelled and stood by me in my quest to bequeath a country where all citizens have equal opportunities to achieve their lives desires in a peaceful atmosphere.
  2. I am honoured to say that my story in the annals of Nigeria’s history is no household secret. My various attempts, failures and eventual success in being elected as a Democratic President in 2015 was made possible by the majority of Nigerians.
  3. When you elected me, I readily acknowledged that the tasks before me were daunting but surmountable because of the growing national consensus that our chosen route to national development was democracy.
  4. This democracy was to be anchored on a clear understanding, application and the principles of separation of powers supported by a reformed public service that is more effective.
  5. I then pledged to Improve the Economy, Tackle Corruption and Fight Insecurity and this was further strengthened by my commitment to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in ten years as the central plank of my second term in 2019.
  6. To the Glory of God and His Grace as well as the commitment and passion displayed by many Nigerian supporters, we have made appreciable progress in these areas but not yet at our destination.
  7. Mindful of the task before us, we took some time in settling down and we re-positioned the Economy by providing strategic interventions in core areas at both the Federal and Sub-National levels.
  8. One of the areas where we have made significant progress is in the eradication of deeply entrenched corruption that permeates all facets of our national development.
  9. We strengthened the Institutions for tackling corruption and also cultivated international support, which aided the repatriation of huge sums of money illegally kept outside the country.
  10. The increasing number of prosecutions and convictions, with associated refunds of large sums of money is still ongoing. Furthermore, we would continue to block opportunities that encourage corrupt practices.
  11. In order to address Insecurity, we worked methodically in reducing Insurgency in the North East, Militancy in the Niger Delta, Ethnic and Religious Tensions in some sections of Nigeria along with other problems threatening our country.
  12. Our efforts in re-setting the economy manifested in Nigeria exiting two economic recessions by the very practical and realistic monetary and fiscal measures to ensure effective public financial management. In addition, the effective implementation of the Treasury Single Account and cutting down on the cost of governance also facilitated early exits from recessions.
  13. Fellow Nigerians, this administration removed several decades uncertainty for potential Investors in the Oil & Gas sector with the passage of the Petroleum Industry Act, 2021. This landmark legislation created opportunities for foreign investments in addition to improving transparency in the management of the sector.
  14. Our administration has given the desired priority to the Agricultural Sector through a series of incentives to Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises that resulted in creating millions of jobs. Leading this initiative, the Central Bank of Nigeria’s intervention in a number of areas as well as the Anchor Borrowers Programme had created the required leverages for Nigerians towards self-sufficiency in food and the necessary attraction for farming as a business.
  15. The growing contribution of non-oil exports, especially in agriculture, information and communication technology as well as the performing arts to our national economy will enhance our foreign exchange earning capacity.
  16. We are confronting current economic challenges such as debt burden, growing inflation, living standards and increasing unemployment accentuated by our growing youthful population. These problems are globally induced and we would continue to ensure that their negative effects are addressed in our policies.
  17. This administration will continue to ensure that our fiscal policies are supported by a robust and contemporary monetary policy that recognises our peculiarities in the midst of the growing global economic difficulties.
  18. This is evidenced by the recent Monetary Policy Committee decision to maintain all parameters, especially interest rates and marginally increased the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) from 14% to 15.5% and the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) from 27.5% to 32.5%. It is projected that this would further insulate our economy from over exposure to uncertainties at the international market by restraining growth in core inflation.
  19. As we continue to de-escalate the security challenges that confronted us at inception of this administration, newer forms alien to our country began to manifest especially in the areas of kidnappings, molestations/killings of innocent citizens, banditry, all of which are being addressed by our security forces.
  20. I share the pains Nigerians are going through and I assure you that your resilience and patience would not be in vain as this administration continues to reposition as well as strengthen the security agencies to enable them to deal with all forms of security challenges.
  21. At the inception of this administration in 2015, I provided the funding requirements of the security agencies which was also improved in my second tenure in 2019 to enable them to surmount security challenges. We will continue on this path until our efforts yield the desired results.
  22. As we put in place all measures to ensure that Nigeria takes her place in the Comity of Nations, we recognize the importance of a well-educated populace as a panacea to most of the challenges we face.
  23. We have, therefore, pursued policies and implemented programmes designed to create a literate and proficient society that ensures that citizens are availed with opportunities for life-long achievements.
  24. I must confess that I am very pained by the recurring disruption to our tertiary education system and I am using this Independence Day celebration to re-iterate my call for the striking Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to return to the classroom while assuring them to deal with their contending issues within the limits of the scarce resources available. This administration has made appreciable progress in redressing these issues that have been lingering for over eleven years.
  25. The Federal Government will continue to mobilize resources both internationally and nationally towards funding education to ensure that our citizens are well educated and skilled in various vocations in view of the fact that education is a leading determinant of economic growth and employment generation.
  26. Fellow Nigerians, we have also improved our health facilities, especially during and after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, which attracted commendation of the global community.
  27. As you are aware, Nigeria was one of the countries that defied global predictions of the socio-economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic because of our resilience, commitment and passion with which we individually and collectively managed the pandemic.
  28. This administration embarked on addressing critical ecological challenges across the country in order to mitigate the impact of Climate Change manifesting in the form of flood, soil erosion, desertification, air pollution amongst others
  29. We will continue to ensure that our infrastructure drive remains the key to Nigeria’s economic growth and for which every Nigerian will feel the impact.
  30. The Federal Government is already expanding ports operations to ensure that they provide opportunities for the growth of the Nigerian economy.
  31. We have also continued to accelerate our infrastructure development through serviceable and transparent borrowing, improved capital inflow & increased revenue generation by expanding the tax bases and prudent management of investment proceeds in the Sovereign Wealth Fund.
  32. To further open up our communities to economic activities, we have continued to boost our railway infrastructure with the completion of a good number of critical railways and at the same time rehabilitating as well as upgrading obsolete equipment.
  33. I am pleased to inform my fellow citizens that besides our emphasis on infrastructural development with its attendant opportunities for job creation, employment generation and subsequent poverty reduction, our focussed intervention directly to Nigerians through the National Social Investment Programme is also yielding benefits.
  34. There is hardly any ward, village or local government in Nigeria today that has not benefited from one of the following: N-Power, trader-moni, market moni, subsidized loans, business grants or Conditional Cash Transfers.
  35. All the aforementioned programmes along with various interventions by the National Social Investment programme, direct support to victims of flooding and other forms of disasters have provided succor to the affected Nigerians.
  36. Fellow Nigerians, no matter what gains we make, without a good governance system anchored on electing credible leaders on the basis of free, fair, credible and transparent elections, our efforts would not be enough.
  37. It is for this reason that I have resolved to bequeath a sustainable democratic culture which will remain lasting. The signing of the Electoral Act 2021 as amended with landmark provisions further assures us of a more transparent and inclusive Electoral Process.
  38. Having witnessed at close quarters, the pains, anguish and disappointment of being a victim of an unfair electoral process, the pursuit of an electoral system and processes that guarantee election of leaders by citizens remains the guiding light as I prepare to wind down our administration.
  39. You would all agree that the recent elections in the past two years in some states (notably Anambra, Ekiti and Osun) and a few federal constituencies have shown a high degree of credibility, transparency and freedom of choice with the people’s votes actually counting. This I promise would be improved upon as we move towards the 2023 General Elections.
  40. As we begin the transition process to another democratically elected government, I want to implore all aspirants to conduct issues-based campaigns devoid of hate speeches as well as other negative and divisive tendencies.
  41. I also want to express my wish that we see more female and youth participation in the forth-coming electoral cycle. I am sure that our teeming and energetic youths now realise that violence generally mar elections and so should desist from being used by politicians for this purpose.
  42. Reforms in the public sector are already yielding results especially in the delivery of services. On this note, I urge the general public to demand for citizen-centred services from the relevant authorities.
  43. On the international front, we have continued to take advantage of our bilateral and multilateral platforms to explore cooperation with friendly countries and partners whenever these areas of cooperation are to the advantage of Nigeria.
  44. Fellow Nigerians, in the past few years we have witnessed and overcome a good number of challenges that would ordinarily have destroyed our Nation. However, the indefatigable spirit of the Nigerian people has ensured that we overcome our challenges.
  45. It is in this spirit that I call on all of us to individually and collectively bring to the fore in dealing with all our development issues.
  46. I was called to serve, along with my team, I saw an opportunity to create a better Nigeria which we have done with the support of Nigerians. Almighty God and the good people of Nigeria supported us in laying a solid foundation for the Nigeria of our dreams.
  47. I thank you all and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

. Being text of President Muhammadu Buhari’s address on the occasion of the 62nd Independence Anniversary of Nigeria.

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NYSC Charges Corps Members on Election Duties as Camp Closes in Osun

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1 day ago

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May 19, 2026

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NYSC Charges Corps Members on Election Duties as Camp Closes in Osun

NYSC Charges Corps Members on Election Duties as Camp Closes in Osun

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Osun State, has officially concluded the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream II Orientation Course with a low-key closing ceremony held at the NYSC Permanent Orientation Camp, Ede, marking the end of the three-week training programme for corps members deployed to the state.

Speaking at the ceremony, the State Coordinator, Mr. Ekeng Kubiangha, congratulated the corps members on the successful completion of the orientation exercise and commended their discipline, resilience, cooperation, and active participation throughout their stay in camp. He explained that the orientation course was deliberately designed to prepare corps members for the realities of national service, describing it as a foundation for nation-building, leadership development, and civic responsibility.

Kubiangha highlighted key components of the programme, including paramilitary drills, leadership training, security awareness lectures, citizenship and civic education, and the Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development (SAED) programme. According to him, these modules were structured to equip corps members with practical knowledge, discipline, and entrepreneurial skills needed to thrive beyond their service year. He urged participants not to abandon the SAED programme after leaving camp, encouraging them to take advantage of post-camp training opportunities across their local government areas to promote self-reliance, entrepreneurship, and job creation.

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The Coordinator advised corps members to settle quickly into their Places of Primary Assignment (PPA) and perform their duties with professionalism, diligence, and integrity. He stressed the importance of punctuality, dedication to duty, respect for authority, and ethical conduct, noting that the behaviour of corps members plays a vital role in shaping the public image of the NYSC scheme.

He also encouraged corps members to actively participate in Community Development Service (CDS), describing it as a key platform for identifying and addressing challenges within host communities through impactful projects. Ahead of the forthcoming governorship election in Osun State, he reminded corps members of their expected role as ad-hoc electoral officials, urging them to remain neutral, professional, and law-abiding throughout the electoral process. He warned against partisan involvement, adding that corps members must avoid any activity that could compromise their safety or the credibility of the election.

Kubiangha cautioned corps members to remain security conscious, avoid unauthorized travel, and respect the customs and traditions of their host communities. He also warned against the misuse of social media, urging them to avoid spreading fake news, misinformation, and inflammatory content that could damage the reputation of the NYSC scheme. Corps members were further advised to maintain regular communication with NYSC officials at their places of deployment.

A highlight of the event was a donation by members of the Orientation Broadcasting Service (OBS), who presented a newly fabricated metal door to the OBS studio as part of efforts to improve camp facilities. The ceremony also featured the presentation of awards to outstanding individuals and agencies for their contributions to the success of the orientation programme. Award recipients included ASP Oluwaseun Deborah as Best Collaborating Agency Representative, Staff Sergeant Bukar Mallam as Best Collaborating Camp Officer, and James Augustine as Best Camp Official (Non-Staff). NYSC staff members honoured included Mr. Waheed Ajayi (Deputy Camp Director), Miss Akinsanmi Kikelomo (Head of ICT), and Mrs. Catherine Otemuyiwa (Head of Information and Public Relations Unit).

On behalf of the Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier General O. O. Nafiu, the State Coordinator formally declared the 2026 Batch ‘A’ Stream II Orientation Course closed, wishing corps members safe journeys to their various Places of Primary Assignment (PPA) and a successful service year ahead.

NYSC Charges Corps Members on Election Duties as Camp Closes in Osun

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AFIDMURG Trains Over 150 African Researchers On Infectious Disease Systematic Review

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3 days ago

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May 17, 2026

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AFIDMURG Trains Over 150 African Researchers On Infectious Disease Systematic Review

AFIDMURG Trains Over 150 African Researchers On Infectious Disease Systematic Review

The African Infectious Disease Multidisciplinary Research and Grant (AFIDMURG) has successfully trained more than 150 infectious disease experts, researchers, academicians, laboratorians, policymakers and postgraduate students from Africa and other continents during a virtual workshop on systematic review reporting and infectious disease research.

The workshop, held on May 7, 2026, focused on strengthening Africa’s research capacity, improving evidence-based scientific reporting and enhancing preparedness against emerging and endemic infectious diseases across the continent.

Participants at the training came from Africa, Asia, Europe and the Americas, reflecting the growing international interest in collaborative infectious disease research involving Africa.

AFIDMURG, established in 2020, was founded with the vision of connecting African infectious disease experts and multidisciplinary researchers to solve communal health challenges linked to endemic and emerging diseases affecting the continent.

Speaking during the workshop themed “Step-by-Step Approach to a Systematic Review,” the Founder and Director of AFIDMURG, Dr. Abdul-Azeez Adeyemi Anjorin, stressed the urgent need to strengthen Africa’s contribution to global infectious disease data and scientific research.

Dr. Anjorin, the immediate past Head of the Department of Microbiology at Lagos State University, noted that infectious diseases remain among the leading causes of death globally, citing illnesses such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, influenza, Lassa fever, Mpox and Ebola.

According to him, Africa must improve the quality and speed of infectious disease reporting and publication through globally recognised scientific tools such as systematic reviews.

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“The battle against infectious diseases requires experts to be well equipped, hence the need for capacity building with correct instruments like systematic review to integrate African data into the world database,” he said.

Dr. Anjorin, who also serves on several international scientific and virology networks, explained that AFIDMURG intends to train researchers in areas such as disease surveillance, grant writing, pandemic prevention, artificial intelligence applications and practical research skills.

He added that the organisation aims to foster collaboration among African scientists globally while strengthening local and international partnerships in infectious disease research.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Muhabat Raji of Alfaisal University, Riyadh, highlighted the growing importance of systematic reviews in evidence-based research, public health policy and clinical decision-making.

She explained that systematic reviews offer a structured and transparent approach to synthesising scientific literature, thereby improving the reliability and credibility of research findings.

Dr. Raji urged researchers to adhere to ethical standards and globally accepted reporting guidelines while conducting systematic reviews to ensure impactful and internationally relevant studies.

She also encouraged young researchers and academics to embrace interdisciplinary collaboration and continuously develop their skills in research methodologies and digital research tools.

According to her, systematic reviews not only identify knowledge gaps but also contribute significantly to policy formulation, academic development and improved healthcare practices.

The guest speaker, Prof. Ismail Ayoade Odetokun of the University of Ilorin, delivered detailed practical sessions explaining the concept and processes involved in conducting systematic reviews.

He guided participants through major stages including topic selection, research question formulation, literature search strategies, data extraction and analysis of findings.

Prof. Odetokun also discussed common challenges associated with systematic reviews and advised researchers to maintain methodological rigor, objectivity and accuracy during scientific investigations.

The virtual workshop was moderated by Emmanuel Oyinloye of Hanover Medical School, Germany, who coordinated discussions and facilitated interaction between speakers and participants throughout the event.

In his closing remarks, Oyinloye summarised key lessons from the workshop and encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained in future academic and scientific research projects.

AFIDMURG disclosed that its overarching mission is to foster infectious disease multidisciplinary collaborations among Africans globally, collect and analyse disease outbreak data, secure research grants and publish timely scientific findings on infectious diseases affecting Africa.

The organisation also highlighted some of its previous Pan-African studies on COVID-19, vaccine surveillance and Mpox outbreaks published in international journals including PLOS One, Tropical Medicine and International Health, Vaccines, PAMJ and COVID.

AFIDMURG further announced that it remains open to infectious disease experts and researchers interested in collaborative research, grant development and public health initiatives across Africa and beyond.

AFIDMURG Trains Over 150 African Researchers On Infectious Disease Systematic Review

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Virgo International Sensitises Intending Pilgrims Ahead of 2026 Hajj

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4 days ago

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May 16, 2026

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Virgo International Sensitises Intending Pilgrims Ahead of 2026 Hajj

The Grand Kadi of the Kwara State Shariah Court of Appeal, Justice Abdullateef Kamaldeen, has led practical training sessions for intending pilgrims as Virgo International Limited intensified preparations for the 2026 Hajj exercise.

The training, held during the company’s pre-Hajj seminar at Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin, focused on educating pilgrims on the rites, conduct and spiritual significance of the pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Ajijolakewu

Dr. Ajijolakewu

Virgo International, a licensed Hajj and Umrah operator, also announced the commencement of its 2026 Hajj airlift operations, with the first batch of diasporan pilgrims departing on May 16, while the second batch is scheduled to leave on May 17. The company added that airlift of Nigerian pilgrims would begin on May 19.

Addressing the participants, Justice Kamaldeen urged intending pilgrims to purify their intentions and remain conscious of the spiritual essence of Hajj throughout the journey.

The seminar featured lectures and practical demonstrations by notable Islamic scholars, including Sheikh Dr. Kamaldeen Ajijolakewu, Sheikh Dr. Uthman Abdulhameed and Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, who educated pilgrims on the ethics, endurance and discipline required during Hajj.

Justice Kamaldeen

Justice Kamaldeen

One of the lecturers, Sheikh Ajijolakewu, cautioned pilgrims against treating the pilgrimage as a social outing, stressing that Hajj demands patience, sacrifice and total obedience to Allah.

During a practical session, Dr. Abdulhameed explained the proper method of wearing the ihram, especially for pilgrims performing Hajj Tamattu, where Umrah is observed before the commencement of Hajj rites.

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Participants were also taken through demonstrations of Tawaf and other rituals using a symbolic representation of the Kaaba to provide clearer understanding of the exercise.

Dr. Sanusi during of the the practical sessions

Dr. Sanusi during one of the the practical sessions

The organisers said the seminar was designed to prepare pilgrims mentally, spiritually and physically ahead of their departure to the Holy Land.

Many of the intending pilgrims described the training as enlightening and practical, noting that the sessions helped simplify the procedures and expectations associated with Hajj.

Special prayers were later offered for the success of the pilgrims, the organisers and the 2026 Hajj operations.

Dr. Uthman

Dr. Uthman

Chairman of Virgo International Limited, Mallam Nafiu Abdulrahman, who addressed participants virtually, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to providing seamless and spiritually rewarding Hajj and Umrah services.

He stated that the company has spent more than two decades in the travel and pilgrimage industry and remains committed to professionalism, hospitality and quality service delivery to pilgrims across the world.

Abdulrahman further noted that Virgo International is registered with the Hajj and Umrah Tour Operators of Nigeria and licensed by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to conduct Hajj and Umrah operations.

Virgo International Sensitises Intending Pilgrims Ahead of 2026 Hajj

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