By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Chief Executive Officer of OLAD Finance Limited, Afeez Ismaila, has congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad on the occasion of the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
In a goodwill message issued on behalf of the management and entire family of OLAD Finance Limited, Ismaila described Nigeria’s 66 years of nationhood as a testament to the resilience, courage, tenacity and resourcefulness of its people.
He said despite the challenges confronting the country, Nigeria remained a nation of enormous possibilities, blessed with human capital, natural resources, entrepreneurial energy and the capacity to become a leading global economy.
The OLAD Finance CEO acknowledged the economic and structural reforms being undertaken by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
He highlighted the removal of the petrol subsidy, foreign exchange reforms, tax reforms, fiscal measures and efforts to improve public revenue as some of the major steps taken by the Federal Government to reshape the economy.
According to him, the government’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s external position, improve revenue mobilisation, enhance tax compliance and manage the country’s debt obligations are important to building a more sustainable economy.
He also noted the increase in the national minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, describing it as a significant adjustment to the statutory wage floor amid changing economic realities.
Ismail further highlighted infrastructure projects across the country, including the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, rail projects, road rehabilitation, port modernisation, power projects and regional development initiatives.
He said such investments could improve national connectivity, create economic corridors and support agriculture, manufacturing, tourism and commerce.
On energy, the CEO pointed to the Electricity Act 2023 and increased opportunities for state and private-sector participation in electricity generation and distribution.
He also referenced investments in power infrastructure, including the Zungeru Hydropower Project, as part of efforts to provide the reliable energy required for industrial development.
Ismail said investing in Nigerians must remain central to the country’s development, citing initiatives such as the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, the 3 Million Technical Talent programme, youth-focused programmes, MSME interventions, consumer-credit initiatives and creative-economy financing.
He also called for sustained attention to agriculture, particularly mechanisation, dry-season farming, food production and agricultural value chains, saying Nigeria must move towards a more productive and export-oriented economy.
According to him, restoring confidence among Nigerians, businesses, investors and international partners should remain a key objective of economic reforms.
He said Nigeria must build an environment where investment is driven by strong institutions, a large and productive market, skilled citizens and predictable economic policies.
Ismail stressed that Nigeria’s journey to prosperity would require difficult decisions, patience, discipline and institutional consistency, while urging citizens and the private sector to play their respective roles in national development.
He said: “At OLAD Finance Limited, we believe that Nigeria’s prosperity must be founded on sustainability, resilience, courage, purposefulness and shared opportunity.”
He expressed optimism that with purposeful governance, resilient citizens and responsible private-sector participation, Nigeria could transform its vast potential into productivity, prosperity and global competitiveness.
He urged Nigerians to renew their faith in the country and remain committed to building a better future.
“May Nigeria continue to rise. May our diversity remain our strength. May our resilience become our advantage. May our courage overcome our challenges. May our purpose guide our progress.
“And may the Nigerian dream become a lived reality for every citizen,” he said.
He concluded by wishing Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary and praying for continued peace, progress and prosperity for the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
