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Kogi Central Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has urged Nigerians to renew their faith in the country, strengthen national unity and remain committed to building a more prosperous and inclusive nation as Nigeria marks its 66th independence anniversary.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, in a goodwill message to Nigerians on Wednesday, said the anniversary should serve as a reminder of the sacrifices of the nation’s founding generation and the responsibility of present leaders and citizens to sustain the country’s development.
She urged Nigerians, particularly her constituents in Kogi Central, to remain hopeful about the future while taking advantage of opportunities emerging from developments in infrastructure, education, agriculture, technology and other productive sectors.
“At 66, Nigeria has every reason to look ahead with renewed hope. We have faced difficult moments as a nation, but the resilience of Nigerians has remained unshaken.
“Independence Day reminds us that nation-building is a continuous responsibility that requires unity, courage and faith in our collective future,” she said.
The senator also acknowledged the economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu administration under the Renewed Hope Agenda, saying the reforms and other government initiatives should translate into tangible opportunities for Nigerians.
“The Renewed Hope Agenda is built around reforms and initiatives that are intended to reposition the Nigerian economy and expand opportunities.
“We must acknowledge areas where progress is being made while continuing to demand accountability and improvements where challenges remain,” she stated.
Akpoti-Uduaghan said Kogi State must position itself to benefit from ongoing national development, urging citizens to focus on education, skills acquisition, enterprise, infrastructure, agriculture, technology and industrial development.
“Kogi State must position itself to benefit from the opportunities emerging from national development.
“We should focus on what can move our people forward, education, skills, enterprise, infrastructure, agriculture, technology and industrial development. There is much work to be done, but there is also much to build upon,” she said.
Speaking on her representation of Kogi Central, the senator said effective representation should be measured by tangible interventions, legislative engagement and the ability to attract development opportunities to the senatorial district.
“Representation is not merely about occupying a seat in the Senate. It is about being present, listening to the people, attracting development, using legislative opportunities responsibly and remaining accountable to the constituents,” she said.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, who is seeking another term in the Senate, urged constituents to assess political choices ahead of the 2027 elections based on records, programmes and commitments.
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“As we approach another electoral cycle, I encourage the people of Kogi Central to examine the records, the programmes and the commitments presented before them.
“Democracy gives the people the opportunity to assess their representatives and make their choice based on the issues that matter to them,” she added.
She identified constituency development, economic empowerment, technology, education, healthcare, infrastructure and industrial development as areas requiring sustained attention.
Furthermore, she called for greater investment in young Nigerians, particularly through technology, entrepreneurship, agriculture, education and the creative economy.
“Our young people are not merely the leaders of tomorrow; they are important contributors to the Nigeria we are building today.
“We must create an environment where their talent, creativity and enterprise can translate into productive livelihoods,” she stated.
Akpoti-Uduaghan also called on Nigerians to move beyond ceremonial celebrations of Independence Day and recommit themselves to peace, democratic values, accountability and national development.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us. We may differ in political affiliation, ethnicity, religion or social background, but our shared destiny as Nigerians remains stronger than our differences.
“We must continue to build bridges rather than walls,” she said.
Concluding her message, the senator saluted the resilience of Nigerians and expressed optimism that responsible leadership, continued reforms and active citizen participation would contribute to a stronger country.
“On this 66th independence anniversary, I salute the courage and resilience of the Nigerian people.
“Let us remain hopeful, united and committed to building a country where opportunity is available, justice is respected and every citizen can aspire to a better life.
“Happy Independence Day, Nigeria,” she said.
