President Bola Tinubu declared, yesterday, that Nigeria’s difficult period of economic reforms was over, saying the dark days were over and light is here.
The President’s message came as Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; his deputy, Jubril Barau; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abass and governors called for sacrifice, unity and national renewal.
Tinubu said the sacrifices of Nigerians of the past three years had yielded a more stable economy, adding that the country was now positioned as a preferred investment destination.
In his Eid-el-Kabir message to Muslim faithful in Nigeria and across the world, Tinubu linked the sacrifice and the economic hardships Nigerians had endured under his administration’s reform programme.
He declared that the reforms were now delivering results but acknowledged that terrorists and bandits continued to attack communities and pledged that they would be defeated.
“Just as sacrifice brings reward, I am happy that the sacrifices and efforts we have made over the past three years have yielded a more stable economy, making our country a preferred investment destination that will drive job creation and economic growth. The walk through the dark tunnel is over, and the light is here,” Tinubu stated.
While noting that he remained confident that the reforms would continue to yield improved security and greater opportunities, the President said: “By the Grace of God, the reforms we have diligently pursued will continue to yield improved security and greater opportunities for all.”
On security, he acknowledged that insecurity had persisted in parts of the country, even after significant operational successes, including the recent joint Nigeria-US elimination of the ISIS senior leader, Abu-Bilal al-Manuki, in the Lake Chad Basin.
He said: “I am aware that, despite the best efforts of our security and intelligence agencies, including the recent elimination of a wanted ISIS leader, heartless terrorists and bandits still attack some communities.
“I assure you: you are neither abandoned nor forgotten. We will ultimately defeat all the forces of evil.’’
He also used the message to call on religious and community leaders to pray for peace and the country’s leadership, and extend charity to the less privileged during the celebration.
