‘No Great Nation Was Built Overnight,’ President Tinubu Urges Patience
...Assures Nigerians Their Sacrifices Will Yield Long-Term Economic Benefits
President Bola Tinubu has appealed to Nigerians to remain patient with his administration’s economic reforms, assuring them that the current sacrifices would ultimately pave the way for lasting prosperity and national development.
The President gave the assurance on Friday during the inauguration of access roads to the Informal Sector Layout in Wasa District, Abuja, as part of Day 23 of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) project commissioning. He was represented at the event by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas.
Tinubu described the inauguration of the Wasa Informal Sector Layout as another milestone in the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying the project demonstrated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that no segment of society was left behind.
He stated that the newly commissioned infrastructure goes beyond the construction of roads, electricity and water facilities, describing it as an investment in human dignity, economic freedom, and the growth of the informal sector.
“The informal sector is the true engine of our economy, sustaining millions of livelihoods. By providing quality infrastructure here in Wasa, we are transforming this district into a modern, vibrant commercial hub that will boost Abuja’s internally generated revenue and reduce the cost of doing business,” he said.
Tinubu noted that mechanics, artisans and traders, particularly those relocating from the Apo Mechanic Village, had waited for more than a decade for a permanent and conducive business environment.
He stressed that the completion of the project fulfilled a long-standing promise that previous administrations had failed to deliver.
The President also commended the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, for what he described as his dedication, vision, and effective leadership in delivering critical infrastructure across the FCT.
He equally praised the Minister of State for the FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, for her support and collaborative efforts in ensuring the successful implementation of the administration’s development agenda.
Tinubu emphasised that the achievements of the FCT administration signalled the end of the era of abandoned public projects in the nation’s capital.
He urged artisans, traders, business owners and residents who would occupy the Wasa Informal Sector Layout to protect the facilities and use them to expand their businesses, create wealth, and generate employment.
Speaking further, the President acknowledged the economic difficulties facing Nigerians, saying his administration understood the burden the reforms had placed on households and businesses. “As your President, I feel your pain, I hear your concerns, and I carry the weight of your daily struggles.”
He explained that although the reforms were painful, they were necessary to rebuild the nation’s economy on a stronger and more sustainable foundation.
“These decisions were not made lightly. They are difficult but necessary surgeries required to save the patient. We are tearing down the broken structures of the past to lay an unshakable, sustainable foundation for a prosperous future,” he said.
Tinubu urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the government’s vision, explaining that meaningful nation-building requires patience, resilience, and collective commitment.
“No great nation was ever built overnight or on the foundation of easy, short-term victories. I therefore urge all Nigerians to continue to support this administration. Stand with us as we navigate this challenging transition. Your trust is the fuel for our resolve, and I promise you that your sacrifices will not be in vain,” he remarked.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of Nigerians through targeted social intervention programmes, investments in agriculture to enhance food security, infrastructure development, and other initiatives aimed at stimulating economic growth, creating jobs, and ensuring that the benefits of the ongoing reforms reach every citizen.
