The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DAKA Foundation and Agba-Akin Bobajiro of Ibadanland, Dr Kazeem Adesina Abidikugu, popularly known as KSO, has congratulated Nigerians on the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
Abidikugu, who is contesting the Ibadan South East and North East Federal Constituency seat under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), said Nigeria had yet to fully realise the aspirations of its founding fathers but noted that the country had remained united despite its challenges.
In a statement made available to journalists to mark the anniversary, Abidikugu, a United Kingdom-based psychiatric consultant, recalled the aspirations he had for Nigeria while growing up.
He expressed concern that the country was still struggling with development 66 years after independence but said there was still room for progress.
He urged Nigerians to use the anniversary to pray for peace, stability and development, while calling on those in government and aspiring to public office to prioritise the interests of citizens.
Abidikugu urged politicians to embrace servant leadership rather than viewing themselves as controllers of the people.
He also urged Nigerians to celebrate the country’s uninterrupted democratic rule since 1999, despite the challenges it has faced.
The ADC candidate called for peaceful coexistence and tolerance of religious differences, stressing that national unity remained important to the country’s progress.
He urged Nigerians to remain hopeful, saying the country had the potential to overcome its challenges and strengthen its position among nations.