President Tinubu’s inaugural speech in Full

President Bola Tinubu delivered his inaugural speech at Eagle Square in Abuja on Monday. The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kayode Ariwoola, administered the Oath of Office. Here is the complete text of his address:

Dear Fellow Citizens,

I stand before you with deep honor as I assume the sacred responsibility bestowed upon me by your mandate. My love for this nation is unwavering, my confidence in its people is steadfast, and my faith in God Almighty is absolute. I believe that His guidance will provide us with moral strength and clarity of purpose, even when we face challenges that test our human capacity.

Today is a momentous day, filled with grandeur, brightness, and a spirit that defines our beloved nation.

As a united nation, we have long decided to move beyond the darkness of the night and step into a new dawn of renewed hope for our country.

The question we must now ask ourselves is whether we will remain committed to the task of building a better society or retreat into the shadows of our untapped potential.

For me, there is only one answer. We are a nation of great potential and resilient people who will not deny ourselves the fulfillment of our glorious destiny.

Our nation’s journey has been shaped by the prayers of millions and the collective sacrifices of all of us.

We have endured hardships that would have broken other societies.

Yet, we have carried the heavy burden to reach this sublime moment where the possibility of a brighter future converges with our increased ability to create that future.

To the surprise of many but not ourselves, we have firmly established this land as a democracy in both words and actions.

The peaceful transition of power has become our political tradition. This handover represents our trust in God, our unwavering faith in representative governance, and our belief in our capacity to reshape this nation into the society it was always meant to be.

Allow me to address a few words to my predecessor, President Muhammadu Buhari. Mr. President, you have been an honest and patriotic leader who has done your best for the nation you love. On a personal level, you have been a worthy partner and friend. May history treat you kindly?

For years, critics of Nigeria have spread rumors that our nation would disintegrate or perish.

Yet, here we stand. We may have stumbled along the way, but our resilience and diversity have kept us going.

Our burdens may have bent us at times, but they will never break us.

Instead, we proudly stand as Africa’s most populous nation, the best hope, and the strongest advocate for the Black Race.

As citizens, we declare ourselves a unified people devoted to a common national cause: as long as this world exists, NIGERIA SHALL EXIST.

Today, Fate and Destiny come together to place the torch of human progress into our hands. We must not let it slip away.

We raise this torch high, so that it may illuminate every household and every heart that identifies as Nigerian. We hold it up because it illuminates our path with compassion, brotherhood, and peace. May this magnificent light never be extinguished?

Our administration will govern on your behalf without ruling over you. We will consult and engage in dialogue, never dictate. We will reach out to all, without suppressing anyone for holding views different from our own.

We are here to heal and unite this nation, not tear it apart.

In this spirit, allow me to address the recent election that has brought us to this point. It was a hard-fought contest, and it was conducted fairly. Since the beginning of the Fourth Republic, Nigeria has not witnessed a higher-quality election.

The outcome truly represents the will of the people. However, my victory does not make me any more Nigerian than my opponents, nor does it diminish their patriotism.