By Salihu Mohammed
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday declared that Nigeria was saved from collapse by the decade-long rule of the All Progressives Congress (APC), crediting the party’s policies for stabilising the economy and strengthening national unity.
Tinubu made the remark in Owerri at the launch of “One Decade of Progressive, Impactful Leadership in Nigeria”, a book authored by Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, and presented at the Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre.
Earlier in the day, the President inaugurated three major projects in the state, the 120km Owerri-Umuahia Road, the Assumpta twin flyover, and the 10,000-capacity Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu Conference Centre.
Speaking at the event, Tinubu said the book was significant because it chronicled the struggles, milestones, and sacrifices of progressive leaders since 2015, beginning with the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.
“By recording the journey of the last ten years, Governor Uzodimma has given Nigeria a gift. No nation can afford to forget its history, nor should leaders escape accountability,” Tinubu said.
He pointed to recent economic indicators as proof of progress under the APC, citing a 4.23 per cent GDP growth in the second quarter, inflation falling to 20.12 per cent, the lowest in three years and external reserves rising to $42.03 billion, the highest since 2019.
He also noted a trade surplus increase of over 44 per cent and a 173 per cent rise in manufactured exports.
“These numbers show a Nigeria that is producing, exporting, and competing more than ever before. The Naira has steadied under exchange reforms, and new investment flows are restoring confidence,” the President said, while urging Nigerians to remain patient under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
In his remarks, Uzodimma said the book was inspired by a duty to document APC’s performance over the past decade.
He credited Tinubu’s “courage and clarity” as decisive in shaping the party and carrying Nigeria through difficult transitions.
National Chairman of the APC, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, praised Uzodimma’s effort, describing him as a “stabiliser, chronicler and conscience of the progressive journey.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio and the Obi of Onitsha also lauded the governor for what they called a “service to national memory.”
Tinubu concluded by assuring that while the last decade was one of change, “the coming decade will be an era of renewal and stability that will ensure victory for the country.”
