As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence Anniversary, leaders across the country have urged citizens to embrace unity, courage, and collective responsibility in shaping the nation’s future.
Kogi Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, in his anniversary message, described Independence Day as a reminder of the sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers and a call to patriotism.
‘Independence Day is more than a date on our calendar; it is a call to unity and to the shared responsibility of building a nation that guarantees peace, justice, and prosperity for all,’ he said.
Ododo also commiserated with families affected by the recent boat mishap in Ibaji Local Government Area of Kogi State, which claimed several lives.
‘This tragedy reminds us of the fragility of life and the duty we owe one another to continually improve safety and support for our people,’ he said.
He assured that his government would intensify efforts to make water transportation safer for riverine communities.
Highlighting his administration’s policies, the governor pointed to free and compulsory education, support for girl-child learning through the AGILE programme, and investments in infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, and security.
‘We have made education free and accessible in order to guarantee the independence of future generations from ignorance and limitations,’ Ododo explained.
He also urged Nigerians ‘to renew our love for our country, to shun division, and to rise above fear and doubt, because the destiny of this nation is in our hands.’
In Bauchi, Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed described Nigeria’s independence as ‘a milestone achievement that liberated the nation from colonial domination and gave its people the right to self-determination, socio-economic growth, and political development.’
He urged citizens to reflect on whether the noble ideals of the founding fathers had been fully realized after 65 years of nationhood.
‘Though our development trajectory may not match that of some countries that gained independence around the same period, particularly the Asian Tigers, Nigeria has made significant strides in governing itself, managing diversity, and uniting towards nation-building,’ Mohammed noted.
He disclosed that Bauchi would host an Investment Summit on October 8 and 9 to attract investors to the state’s vast potential.
On security, he reiterated that ‘peace remains the bedrock of development’ and pledged continued collaboration with security agencies to safeguard lives and property.
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, in his goodwill message, praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bold reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies and efforts to stabilise the naira, describing them as ‘seismic, historic reforms that are dismantling decades of decay and inertia.’
Dogara acknowledged the hardships facing citizens but urged Nigerians to endure with patience and faith.
‘These are not ordinary policy adjustments. Though the pain of transition is real, the reward will be even greater,’ he said.
He also stressed the importance of unity: ‘At 65, Nigeria cannot afford the luxury of division. Our destiny is one, and our survival depends on unity of purpose. Security challenges, poverty, and inequality will bow only when confronted by a people united in spirit and resolve.’
Dogara, who chairs the National Credit Guarantee Company (NCGC), emphasised the company’s role in expanding access to credit for small businesses, empowering women and youths, and supporting inclusive growth.
‘Inclusive financial empowerment is the backbone of national growth and the surest path to lifting millions out of poverty,’ he added.
Across their messages, the leaders shared a common theme: Nigeria’s progress depends on the shared determination of its people to stay united, confront challenges with courage, and work toward a nation that offers justice, prosperity, and dignity for all.