Tinubu Breaks Records : Gives Unprecedented Emphasis to Sports in Independence Day Speech
By: Olufemi Orunsola
Analysts have observed that, for the first time in years, sports has been prominently featured in a Nigerian Independence Day presidential address as President Bola Tinubu, in his 65th Independence Anniversary broadcast, acknowledged and emphasized the role of sports in national development, pledging renewed government support for young athletes.
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that President Tinubu, in his early morning nationwide broadcast, described Nigerian youths as the “future and greatest assets” of the country, calling on them to “dream big, innovate, and conquer more territories” in diverse fields including science, technology, sports, arts, and the creative industry."
President Tinubu who maintained that the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration, was designed to create opportunities for young Nigerians, not only in academics and entrepreneurship but also in athletics and entertainment.
In his words, “Our administration, through policies and funding, will continue to give you wings to fly sky-high."
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering the youth through student loans, credit schemes, and digital enterprise programmes.
OTN News further reports that analysts observe that it is the first time in some mamy years that sports has gained direct mention and accorded a pride of place in Nigeria’s Independence day speech, the development could be a pointer to significant policy shift, with the government beginning to view sports as a serious contributor to economic growth, social cohesion, and global recognition for Nigeria.
Beyond sports, as President Tinubu duly noted in his speech that "Sports is not just about competition; it is about unity, health, youth empowerment, and national pride."
Tinubu’s Independence Day message also extended to other areas such as:economic reforms, national security, education, and social investments, but more importantly, Nigerians are currently talking about the recognition of sports as a pillar of national progress, thus driving a renewed hope for young Nigerians to see, explore and exploits the Sports sector as a veritable field of unlimited opportunities.
BEONG FULL TEXT OF PRESIDENTIAL BROADCAST, NIGERIA @ 65 BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU
1 October 2025
1. Fellow Nigerians, today marks the 65th anniversary of our great nation’s Independence…
2. Our founding heroes and heroines—Herbert Macaulay, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe…
3. For decades, the promise of our Independence has been tested…
4. Although it is much easier for those whose vocation is to focus solely…
5. Our country has experienced both the good and the bad times…
6. Fellow Compatriots, this is the third time I will address you…
7. Upon assuming office, our administration inherited a near-collapsed economy…
8. In resetting our country for sustainable growth, we ended the corrupt fuel subsidies…
9. Fellow Nigerians, we are racing against time…
10. I am pleased to report that we have finally turned the corner…
11. Under our leadership, our economy is recovering fast…
12. In the last two years of our administration, we have achieved 12 remarkable economic milestones…
13. We are working diligently to enhance national security…
14. I have a message for our young people. You are the future and the greatest assets… including sports…
15. Credicorp, another initiative of our administration, has granted…
16. YouthCred, which I promised last June, is a reality…
17. Under our Renewed Hope Agenda, we promised to build a Nigeria…
18. Fellow Nigerians, I have always candidly acknowledged that these reforms…
19. The accurate measure of our success will not be limited to economic statistics…
20. Therefore, on this 65th Anniversary of Our Independence, my message is hope…
21. Finally, let all hands be on deck. Let us believe…
22. With Almighty God on our side, I can assure you that the dawn of a new…
23. Happy 65th Independence Anniversary, and may God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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