Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on Nigerians to strengthen their commitment to love, unity and peaceful coexistence as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
Akpabio made the call in an Independence Day goodwill message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh.
He congratulated President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, describing the country as “our destiny, our duty, our future.”
“On behalf of the Senate, the 10th National Assembly and my family, I extend warm felicitations to President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians everywhere,” Akpabio said.
The Senate President said the anniversary offered Nigerians an opportunity to reflect on the country’s journey since independence and renew their commitment to building a peaceful and prosperous nation.
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“Sixty-six years ago, our national flag rose to proclaim the birth of an independent Nigeria,” he said.
According to him, independence represented the hopes of millions of Nigerians for freedom, dignity, self-government and the opportunity to determine the country’s future.
Akpabio paid tribute to Nigeria’s founding fathers and generations of citizens whose courage, labour and sacrifices contributed to the country’s independence and development.
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“They handed us a country to cherish and a future to build,” he said, urging Nigerians to continue working towards fulfilling the aspirations of the nation’s founding fathers.
He acknowledged that Nigeria’s journey had been marked by both achievements and challenges, including periods of confidence and uncertainty.
Despite the difficulties, Akpabio said Nigerians had continued to demonstrate resilience through hard work, creativity, service and faith in the country.
“We celebrate that resilience today, the strength of a people whose hopes have survived every storm,” he said.
The Senate President said Nigeria’s enduring spirit could be seen in the contributions of farmers, teachers, entrepreneurs, professionals and young people pursuing their aspirations across the country.
He also highlighted Nigeria’s music, enterprise, hospitality and the achievements of Nigerians around the world as examples of the country’s potential and resilience.
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Akpabio described Nigeria’s diversity of languages, cultures and faiths as an important part of its national heritage and urged citizens to see their differences as a source of strength.
“Let this anniversary renew our affection for one another and remind us that the green-white-green shelters us all,” he said.
He stressed that preserving peace and national unity remained essential to building the future Nigerians desired.
Akpabio also paid tribute to members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies, particularly personnel who lost their lives in service to the country.
“We remember their families with gratitude and honour; their sacrifice gives solemn meaning to the freedom and unity we celebrate,” he said.
The Senate President said the National Assembly would continue to support initiatives aimed at strengthening the country and improving the welfare of Nigerians.
He urged citizens to renew their commitment to serving the country with integrity, compassion and dedication.
“Independence is an inheritance renewed by every generation,” Akpabio said, urging Nigerians to celebrate the anniversary with gratitude and extend friendship to one another.
“Our past gives us perspective, our present gives us responsibility, and our future gives us purpose,” he added.
Akpabio prayed for peace, progress and renewed national commitment as Nigeria celebrates 66 years of independence.
