By Opeyemi Adelakun
President Bola Tinubu has said Nigerians remain free to criticise or attack him publicly without fear of government reprisals, describing tolerance for dissent as a key part of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Tinubu made the remarks on Thursday in Abuja during the centenary celebration of the Daily Times of Nigeria Limited.
The President was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
According to Tinubu, the ability of citizens to openly criticise those in power without suffering retaliation reflects his administration’s commitment to press freedom and democratic values.
“Under this government, you can insult and attack the President and still go to bed without midnight troubles,” the President said, according to the SGF.
Tinubu also highlighted the role of the media in Nigeria’s democratic development, saying the country’s current difficulties were products of structural challenges that had accumulated over several decades.
He said his administration’s reform programme was therefore intended to address deeper economic and institutional problems rather than provide temporary solutions.
According to him, the reforms are aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s fiscal position, improving productivity, attracting investment, developing infrastructure, strengthening institutions and creating greater opportunities for young Nigerians.
The President said the ultimate objective was to place Nigeria on a stronger footing to compete effectively in the global economy.
Speaking on the significance of the Daily Times’ 100th anniversary, Tinubu described the milestone as evidence of the newspaper’s endurance and relevance to Nigeria’s development.
He said the newspaper had played more than a reporting role, describing it as an important participant in documenting and shaping the country’s history.
Tinubu also unveiled the Nigerian Grand Book, a publication designed to preserve Nigeria’s institutional memory and document the contributions of citizens who have played significant roles in national development.
He said the initiative would help Nigerians tell their own story and draw lessons from the country’s past while preparing for the future.
The President further raised concerns about Nigeria’s projected population growth, noting that the country could have about 450 million people by 2050.
He said the projected increase would have significant implications for food security, water resources and other areas of national planning.
Tinubu commended the management of Daily Times and the Chairman of Folio Media Group, Fidelis Anosike, for efforts to preserve the newspaper’s legacy and urged the publication to remain relevant for another century.
Anosike said Daily Times officially marked its centenary on June 26, 2026, describing the Nigerian Grand Book as part of efforts to revive the newspaper and reposition it for the future.
The event attracted prominent political, business and media figures, including Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, governors and their representatives, ministers, presidential candidate Peter Obi, Vanguard Publisher Sam Amuka, ThisDay Publisher Nduka Obaigbena and former African Development Bank President Akinwumi Adesina.
Adesina, who delivered the keynote address, commended the Daily Times for its longstanding contribution to the development of journalism in Nigeria.
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