Nigeria at 66: Tinubu Will Lead Nation to Promised Land — Bankole

A member of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Aare Tolu Bankole, has expressed confidence that President Bola Tinubu will lead Nigeria to what he described as the “promised land”.

Bankole made the declaration in an Independence Day message issued on Wednesday as he welcomed Tinubu back to Nigeria after his working vacation abroad.

He also congratulated Nigerians at home and in the diaspora as the country marked its 66th Independence Anniversary.

The APC chieftain described the anniversary as a reminder of the resilience and enterprise of Nigerians despite the challenges facing the country.

For him, nation-building remains a continuous process that demands sacrifice, patriotism and collective responsibility.

Bankole believes Tinubu’s return should bring greater attention to implementing the administration’s economic reforms and ensuring that their gains reach ordinary Nigerians.

He pointed to recent economic indicators as evidence that the country was making progress, citing the 3.89 per cent real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth recorded in the first quarter of 2026.

The figure, he noted, compared with 3.13 per cent recorded in the corresponding period of 2025. He also referenced manufacturing growth of 3.29 per cent year-on-year.

Bankole further highlighted the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) decision to reduce the Monetary Policy Rate to 23 per cent at its September 21 and 22 meeting.

“Reforms are never easy, and like the President said, Nigeria is now on a steady trajectory,” he noted.

The APC National Working Committee member also pointed to reforms in the foreign exchange market, including the unification of the market and clearance of verified backlogs.

He listed the Petroleum Industry Act, the Nigeria Tax Act 2025 and the banking recapitalisation programme among measures that could strengthen government revenue, attract investment and improve economic resilience.

In his assessment, sustained implementation of the reforms could bring greater stability to businesses, boost investor confidence, create jobs and improve access to credit.

He acknowledged, however, that Nigerians should not expect an immediate transformation from the policies.

“Transformation does not happen overnight. It takes time, discipline and consistency for foundations to become prosperity that people can feel,” Bankole stated.

The APC chieftain consequently called for continued support for the Tinubu administration in the forthcoming general elections.

According to him, policy continuity would give the government an opportunity to consolidate the reforms and translate the improving macroeconomic indicators into tangible benefits for households, businesses, farms and factories.

Bankole maintained that the ultimate objective should be to ensure that the sacrifices Nigerians are making today produce measurable prosperity in the future.

“The goal is simple: the sacrifices of today must lead to real, measurable prosperity for every household tomorrow,” he declared.

He described the present period as a defining moment for Nigeria, arguing that the country’s progress in the coming years would depend on sustained economic policies, stronger institutions and productive investment.

His vision includes a Nigeria where businesses thrive, young people can build sustainable futures at home and citizens have greater opportunities to participate in economic life.

“President Tinubu has returned to more work, not less. The task ahead is to build on what is working, fix what needs fixing, and make sure growth reaches everyone,” Bankole added.

He concluded by urging Nigerians to support the President, expressing confidence that the administration could deliver the prosperity it has promised.

“We can and will get to that promised land if we support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is focused, disciplined and committed to the dignity and prosperity of every Nigerian,” Bankole said.