First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has urged Nigerians to choose love over division, peace over conflict and hope over despair as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
In her Independence Day message on Thursday, the First Lady said Nigeria’s diversity remains one of its greatest assets and must continue to be nurtured through peace, tolerance, dialogue, unity and patriotism.
She said the anniversary provided an opportunity to celebrate Nigeria’s resilience and honour the sacrifices of those who laid the foundation for the country’s freedom.
‘As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, we celebrate the remarkable journey of a resilient nation and honour the sacrifices of those who laid the foundation for our freedom,’ she said.
Mrs Tinubu noted that since gaining independence in 1960, Nigeria has confronted different challenges, embraced change and continued the task of building a stronger and more prosperous nation.
According to her, sustaining national progress would require Nigerians to protect the country’s diversity and resist forces that deepen division.
‘Our diversity remains one of our greatest assets; we must continue to nurture it through peace, tolerance, dialogue, unity, and love for country’, the First Lady said.
Quoting American civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., she added: ‘Love is the most durable power in the world.’
Mrs Tinubu called on Nigerians to remain hopeful about the country’s future and work collectively toward achieving the Nigeria of their dreams.
‘May we continue to choose love over division, peace over conflict, and hope over despair, as we work together toward attaining the Nigeria of our dreams,’ she said.
The First Lady also prayed for God’s protection over Nigerians and for greater unity, peace and prosperity across the country.
‘I pray that Almighty God bless Nigeria, protect our people, strengthen our unity, guide our leaders, and grant our nation enduring peace, prosperity, and progress,’ she said.
She congratulated Nigerians on the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary and wished the nation continued progress.