Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has acknowledged the economic hardship confronting Nigerians, saying rising food, transportation and other living costs have placed pressure on households across the country.
Sanwo-Olu spoke on Thursday at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, during the state’s 66th National Independence Day Parade, where he reflected on Nigeria’s journey since independence, including the civil war, years of military rule, economic difficulties and political upheavals.
The governor said Nigeria’s ability to overcome decades of challenges and sustain 27 consecutive years of constitutional democracy demonstrated the resilience of its people. He stressed that despite the difficulties, the country had remained united under one flag.
Sanwo-Olu, who took the salute during a parade involving the Nigeria Police Force, paramilitary agencies and students, also highlighted the historical significance of Onikan to Nigeria’s independence. He recalled that the Union Jack was lowered and the Nigerian flag raised nearby at midnight on October 1, 1960, marking the country’s independence from British colonial rule.
The governor said the priority now should be to ensure that the gains expected from ongoing economic reforms translate into improved living conditions for citizens. While acknowledging the difficulties faced by households, he urged Nigerians to remain committed to building a stronger and more prosperous country.
Turning to Lagos, Sanwo-Olu described the state as a microcosm of Nigeria and highlighted his administration’s investments in transportation, healthcare, education and digital governance. He cited the Blue and Red rail lines, road and bridge projects, as well as the expansion of tertiary institutions, among the initiatives undertaken by his administration.
As his tenure approaches its end, the governor said his administration’s priority was to leave behind institutions capable of functioning beyond individual administrations.
He also urged young Nigerians to play an active role in shaping the country’s future through democratic participation, technology, entrepreneurship and other productive endeavours.
Sanwo-Olu called for peaceful participation in the 2027 elections, urging Nigerians to protect the country’s unity and build on the legacy of previous generations. Despite the challenges Nigeria has faced since independence, he said, ‘the flag has never come down.’
Meanwhile, as Nigeria looks ahead to the elections in January 2027, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has said no political contest is worth the loss of human life.
This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the ACF Chairman, Mamman Mike Osuman, to commemorate the nation’s 66th anniversary of nationhood.
He cautioned that the period leading to the elections, as well as the period immediately after them, could be tense and potentially hazardous.
‘I therefore urge all citizens, particularly our youths, to exercise restraint and avoid locations, gatherings and incidents that are known or reasonably suspected to be trouble-prone.
‘No political contest is worth the loss of a human life. Let us reject violence, inflammatory rhetoric, provocation and the destruction of lives and property.’
The ACF leader noted that differences of political opinion should never become reasons for hatred, violence or the destruction of communities.
According to him, ‘The strength of any society lies not merely in its numbers or resources, but in the quality of its unity, its shared values, its commitment to justice and its willingness to place the common good above narrow personal interests.’
The statement averred that the North must continually remind itself that its diversity should be a source of strength and not a justification for division.
‘Parents, elders and teachers have a profound responsibility in shaping the character and future of our young people.
‘As we commemorate the 66th Anniversary of our nation’s Independence, it is appropriate that we pause to reflect on the state of our nation and, particularly the experiences of our people across the various geographical locations of Nigeria.
‘Many of our people continue to suffer from natural disasters, insecurity, displacement, economic hardship, poverty and multifaceted forms of deprivation.
‘These challenges have disrupted economic activities, closed schools, separated families and, in many instances, broken homes and destroyed livelihoods,’ the statement lamented.