Senate President Godswill Akpabio and House of Representatives Speaker Tajudeen Abbas yesterday said that the future of Nigeria is bright.
In their messages to Nigerians on the occasion of the 65th Independence Anniversary, they urged Nigerians to exercise patience as the reforms produce results.
Akpabio said that Nigeria is moving in the right direction with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms.
He urged Nigerians to endure the pains of the reforms a little while longer ‘in the interest of our children and future generations’.
He said: ‘My dear resilient and wonderful people of this great nation, I wish to heartily congratulate you for witnessing Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary celebration. At 65, we are matured and should be working for the unity of the nation and prosperity of our people.
‘We salute your resilience, patience and endurance in the last two years. We deeply appreciate your support and understanding.
‘In line with the theme of this year’s celebration, ‘All hands are on deck for a greater Nigeria’, I urge you to continue to bear the temporary discomfort of the ongoing reforms. We are not unaware of the pains occasioned by the reforms, but I want to assure you, very soon, this will be a thing of the past because the benefits of the reforms are beginning to manifest positively.
‘Let me also congratulate our President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his demonstrated commitment to the peace and development of our dear country, Members of the National Assembly for the steadfastness in their legislative engagements, the judiciary and the Nigerian people at home and in diaspora on this auspicious occasion.’
He added: ‘I must tell you that Nigeria is not finished. Do not buy into the mischievous narrative that Nigeria is irredeemable. We are on the right pedestal and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is reshaping the country; we are growing and making progress.
‘If we all join hands together to support the reforms, Nigeria will become better and surely get to the promised land.’
Abbas urged Nigerians to look beyond the current challenges and anticipate a bright future.
The Speaker, who said God has blessed the country with immeasurable human and natural resources, called for collective efforts towards building ‘a nation of our dreams regardless of religious, ethnic and political differences.’
According to the Speaker, Nigeria remains on the right path with the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
He expressed optimism that the country remains the giant of Africa, adding that it would reclaim its position as the biggest economy on the continent.
He urged Nigerians to remain undaunted by the security and socio-economic challenges.
Abbas called for more prayers and patriotism from law-abiding Nigerians, assuring that the House would provide accountable leadership, good governance and dividends of democracy, especially at the grassroots.