*Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, CON (3rd L) displaying a plaque as important dignitaries applauded in admiration at the unveiling of The Nigerian Grand Book at the DTN@100 Centenary Celebration in Abuja.
President Bola Tinubu has commended the Daily Times of Nigeria (DTN) on its historic centenary, hailing the iconic publication as the ultimate custodian of the nation’s political, social, and democratic history over the past 100 years.
The President, who gave the commendation while delivering the keynote address and formally unveiling The Nigerian Grand Book at the DTN@100 Centenary Celebration in Abuja, noted that through the colonial era, the struggle for independence, the birth of the Republic, the challenges of nation-building, and the transformations of contemporary democracy, the pages of the Daily Times have continuously captured the personalities, events, and aspirations that shaped the national journey.
“Through the colonial era, the struggle for independence, the birth of our Republic, the challenges of nation-building and the transformations of our contemporary democracy, the pages of the Daily Times have captured the personalities, events and aspirations that have shaped our national journey”, the President added.
President Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Sen. George Akume, CON described the Daily Times of Nigeria’s 100 years of existence as “a testament to endurance, relevance and institutional resilience,” and a vital record of Nigeria’s national journey.
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“It is a great honour and privilege to join you today as we celebrate a remarkable milestone in the history of Nigerian journalism, and indeed in the history of our nation, the centenary of the Daily Times of Nigeria”, he said.
Speaking on the significance of The Nigerian Grand Book, he said the compendium is critical at this point in the nation’s history.
“A nation that forgets its history risks repeating its mistakes. But a nation that understands its history can draw wisdom from its successes, learn from its setbacks and confidently design its future.
“This is a principle that resonates deeply with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR. The President has consistently demonstrated an appreciation of the fact that Nigeria’s present challenges did not emerge overnight; many are rooted in structural weaknesses that have accumulated over decades.
Consequently, the task of national renewal requires the courage to understand where we have come from, confront what has held us back and make difficult but necessary choices about where we must go.” He said.
The President linked the publication directly to the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying: “The reforms of the present administration are therefore not simply about changing policies; they are about changing the trajectory of our nation. They seek to build a stronger fiscal foundation, create a more productive economy, strengthen institutions, unlock investment, improve infrastructure, expand opportunities for our young people and position Nigeria to compete more effectively in the global economy.”
He further emphasized the role of historical records in nation-building: “President Tinubu’s approach reminds us that history should not be a museum of yesterday. History should be an instrument for engineering tomorrow. That is why a publication such as The Nigerian Grand Book is so important. It gives us an opportunity to tell our story from our own perspective; to celebrate Nigerians who have contributed to our progress; to preserve the institutional memories of our nation.”
He also commended the DTN@100 Times Heroes Awards, noting that “nations are built by people.
“The entrepreneurs who create jobs, the farmers who feed our communities, the scientists who expand knowledge, the public servants who uphold institutions, the artists who enrich our culture, the innovators who solve problems and the citizens who serve their communities are all contributors to the Nigerian story. Their achievements deserve to be remembered,” he said.
On national unity and identity, President Tinubu reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment:
“The Federal Government attaches great importance to national identity, social cohesion and the preservation of our collective memory. Our diversity is one of Nigeria’s greatest assets, and our history provides us with countless examples of what Nigerians can accomplish when our differences are transformed into strength rather than division.”
He outlined the administration’s focus going forward, noting that: “Under the Renewed Hope Agenda, the Federal Government is committed to building an economy that creates opportunities rather than dependency; institutions that command confidence; infrastructure that connects communities and markets; and a society in which every Nigerian has the opportunity to contribute to national prosperity.”
He also congratulated the leadership of the Daily Times under Mr. Fidelis Anosike and all those involved in producing The Nigerian Grand Book for their “historic contribution to the preservation of our national heritage.”
Speaking on the role of the media in national development, he said “the Federal Government recognises the media not only as an instrument of information and accountability, but also as a custodian of national memory. The Daily Times has fulfilled that responsibility for a century.”
Concluding, the President charged Nigerians to look to the future: “As we unveil this remarkable compendium today, let us remember that the first hundred years of Nigeria’s story have been written; the next chapter is in our hands. May we write that chapter with courage, unity, innovation and patriotism. May the Nigeria of tomorrow be more prosperous, more secure, more competitive and more united than the Nigeria we inherited.”
He formally unveiled The Nigerian Grand Book and urged Nigerians, schools, libraries, and institutions to embrace it.