Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf; Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, and other prominent leaders, have urged Nigerians to embrace unity, love and mutual understanding as vital ingredients for national development.
Yusuf made the call while delivering his address at the 66th Independence Anniversary celebration held at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kofar Mata, Kano, on Thursday.
Governor Yusuf described Independence Day as an important occasion to celebrate Nigeria’s sovereignty and honour the sacrifices of the nation’s founding fathers and other patriots who contributed towards preserving the country’s unity.
He said his administration, since assuming office three years ago, had prioritised key sectors including education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture and housing, among others.
According to him, as the administration enters its fourth year, ‘greater attention will be devoted to completing ongoing projects and improving the welfare and living conditions of residents across the state.’
Yusuf further stated that his government has made significant investments in the education sector as part of efforts to improve the quality of learning and address longstanding challenges.
He identified the recruitment of additional teachers as one of the measures introduced to bridge the manpower gap and strengthen the state’s education system.
In the health sector, Governor Yusuf said his administration has continued to invest in healthcare delivery, including the rehabilitation of health facilities, to expand access to quality medical services, and recruitment of health personnel to adequately cover health facilities at the nooks and crannies of the state.
Governor Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to implementing development projects and policies aimed at improving the lives of the people of Kano state.
He urged the people of Kano and Nigerians across the country to remain united, patriotic and committed to the collective responsibility of building a peaceful, prosperous and progressive nation.
In Katsina, Governor Radda saluted Nigerians and called for renewed faith in the nation.
Radda congratulated Nigerians on the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary, describing the occasion as a moment to honour the sacrifices that built the nation and renew the collective responsibility to make Nigeria work for all.
Governor Radda said Nigeria’s journey since October 1, 1960, has been marked by moments of triumph and trial, but the resilience of its people has remained a constant thread holding the country together.
‘Sixty-six years after independence, our greatest strength remains our ability to rise, rebuild and move forward together. We have crossed difficult bridges as a nation, and while the road ahead still demands courage and sacrifice, we must never lose faith in Nigeria,’ the Governor said.
He noted that independence should go beyond the celebration of history to serve as a reminder that every generation has a duty to leave the country stronger than it inherited it.
Governor Radda called on Nigerians to look beyond ethnic, religious and political differences and embrace the shared responsibility of building a peaceful, secure and prosperous country.
‘For us in Katsina State, nation-building begins at home. It means making our communities safer, putting our children in school, supporting our farmers and businesses, improving healthcare and ensuring that government works for the ordinary citizen. This is the responsibility we have accepted, and we will continue to pursue it with purpose,’ he stated.
The Governor paid tribute to Nigeria’s founding fathers, members of the Armed Forces and security agencies, as well as citizens who have made sacrifices for the peace, unity and progress of the country.
He urged Nigerians, particularly young people, not to surrender their hopes for the country, stressing that Nigeria’s future will ultimately be shaped by the choices, courage and contributions of its citizens.
On behalf of the Government and people of Katsina State, Governor Radda wished President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians at home and diaspora a peaceful 66th Independence Anniversary.
However, the Kano State governorship candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, has congratulated Nigerians, particularly, Kano residents on the occasion of the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
Gwarzo, called for renewed commitment to unity, democratic values, good governance and economic development.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, to mark the anniversary, Gwarzo said Nigeria’s independence should not merely be celebrated with ceremonies and speeches, but should serve as a reminder of the responsibility of leaders and citizens to build a nation where every Nigerian can live with dignity, security and hope.
The Kano NDC governorship candidate said, ‘the country’s 66 years of independence had demonstrated the resilience and determination of Nigerians despite challenges confronting the nation.’
He urged political leaders at all levels to place the interests of the people above personal and partisan considerations.
Gwarzo stressed that, ‘leadership should be measured by its impact on the lives of citizens.’
According to him, ‘Nigeria needs leadership that listens to the people, protects their interests and creates opportunities for young Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to national development.’
He also called for greater investment in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, security and job creation, describing them as critical sectors for building a stronger and more prosperous country.
Gwarzo said, ‘the economic difficulties confronting many families required urgent and practical interventions capable of reducing hardship and restoring confidence in the nation’s future.’
The former Kano Deputy Governor further urged Nigerians to reject ethnic and religious divisions, saying the country’s diversity should be transformed into an asset for national progress.
‘Independence is not simply about the freedom we got in 1960; it is about the responsibility we have today to protect our democracy, strengthen our institutions,promote freedom of speech and build a country that works for all,’ Gwarzo stated.
He called on Nigerians, particularly, young people, to remain actively involved in the democratic process and demand accountability from those entrusted with public office.
Gwarzo reaffirmed his commitment to democratic governance and a political system that prioritises the welfare of ordinary citizens, saying Nigeria’s future would depend largely on the quality of leadership and the collective determination of its people.
He prayed for peace, security and prosperity for the country and wished Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary.
In Gombe, the APC governorship candidate, Gombe State, Dr.Jamil Isyaku Gwamna, called for unity, renewed patriotism for national development.
Gwamna congratulated residents and citizens of Gombe State and Nigerians on the occasion of the state’s 30th anniversary and the nation’s 66th Independence Anniversary, calling for renewed patriotism, unity and collective commitment to building a stronger and more prosperous state and Nigeria.
Dr. Gwamna described Nigeria’s independence as a historic milestone that represents the resilience, sacrifices and aspirations of generations of Nigerians who have contributed to the growth and development of the country.
He said that while the nation has faced significant challenges since independence, Nigeria has continued to demonstrate its capacity to overcome difficulties and move forward through the determination, creativity and resilience of its people.
According to him, the 66th anniversary should provide an opportunity for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey, appreciate the progress made and renew their commitment to the ideals of peace, unity, justice, democracy and inclusive development.
‘Independence is not only a celebration of our past; it is also a reminder of our responsibility to the present and our duty to future generations. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and its progress requires the contribution and sacrifice of every citizen,’ Dr. Gwamna said.
The APC candidate particularly called for greater opportunities for young Nigerians and women, stressing that they remain central to the country’s economic transformation and sustainable development.
He also commended Nigerians for their resilience and urged citizens to continue supporting efforts aimed at strengthening the economy, improving security, expanding access to education and healthcare, creating jobs and promoting agricultural and industrial development.
Gwamna while congratulating residents of Gombe State for the state’s 30th anniversary celebration, also commended the people for their resilience and contributions to the rapid development of the state.
Gwamna further lauded Gov Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State for initiatives and policies that his administration had implemented to fast-track development for the state while improving the wellbeing of residents.
He reaffirmed his commitment to the ideals of good governance, accountability, inclusiveness and development, stressing that Gombe Above All remains a guiding principle of his political vision for the state.
He called on the people of Gombe State to continue to uphold the peace and unity for which the state is known, while encouraging citizens to remain committed to peaceful democratic participation and the collective advancement of the state.
The APC governorship candidate also expressed confidence in Nigeria’s future, saying the country possesses enormous human and natural resources capable of transforming it into a leading global economy if its citizens remain united and committed to national development.
He wished people of Gombe State and Nigerians a peaceful and meaningful 30th and 66th Independence Anniversary respectively and prayed for continued peace, prosperity and progress of the state and Nigeria.
Also, the Director-General of the Kano State Signage and Advertisement Agency (KASA), Comrade Kabiru Saidu Dakata, has congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
Comrade Dakata described the Independence Anniversary as an important occasion that reminds Nigerians of the country’s journey since gaining independence and the progress recorded over the years.
He called on Nigerians to continue promoting patriotism, peace and unity, while contributing positively to the development of their communities and the nation at large.
Comrade Dakata stressed that unity and peaceful coexistence remain important foundations for building a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.
In a Statement signed by the Director, Public Enlightenment of KASA, Munzali Muhd Hausawa, the KASA Director General described the 66 years of independence as a golden opportunity for Nigerians to work hard towards fulfilling the dreams and aspirations of the country’s founding fathers for unity, peace and progress.
He also called on the people of Kano State to remain committed to the development of the state, support peaceful democratic participation, and contribute to efforts aimed at improving the standard of living of the people.
Comrade Kabiru Saidu Dakata further wished the Governor of Kano State, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, members of the State Executive Council, and the people of Kano State a successful Independence Anniversary celebration.
He also wished all Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary and prayed for continued peace, unity and sustainable development across the country.
(Comrade Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, Kano NDC governorship candidate)