Follow Us on Google
From Ndubuisi Orji, Aidoghie Paulinus, Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja, Oluseye Ojo, Ibadan, Ola Muhammad, Brinin Kebbi
As Nigeria marked its 66th independence anniversary yesterday, Nigerians from all walks of life, including politicians, religious bodies, ethnic nationalities and even political parties, all agreed that all is not well with the country.
However, while some expressed hope that the country was still redeemable, others thought otherwise, with many blaming the problem on the successive leadership, particularly the current leadership under President Bola Tinubu.
We’re not cursed; leadership failure is our problem – Obi
For the presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, Nigeria is cursed but its worsening poverty, insecurity and underdevelopment are consequences of choices made and failures tolerated by its leaders.
Obi, in his Independence Day address to Nigerians, said the country remained enormously endowed with human and natural resources but had failed to translate its wealth into human development, productivity, security and shared prosperity.
He posed a fundamental question to Nigerians: “Are we cursed or have we become the curse through the choices we have made and the failures we have tolerated?”
Answering the question, Obi said: “The answer cannot be that Nigeria is cursed. We are a nation immensely endowed and blessed. Our greatest problem is not a lack of resources; it is the failure to convert our enormous resources into human development, productivity, security and shared prosperity.”
He said the 66th anniversary of independence should, therefore, be more than a celebration, urging Nigerians to use the occasion for an honest assessment of the country’s direction and its failure to meet the expectations of its founding fathers.
The former Anambra State governor said the country was currently facing deepening challenges across virtually every critical sector, including poverty, education, security, food security, employment, healthcare and life expectancy.
According to him, more than 140 million Nigerians are living in poverty and severe hardship, while over 18 million children remain out of school and more than 35 million youths are affected by unemployment and underemployment.
He also warned that over 40 million Nigerians could face extreme hunger by the end of 2026, while insecurity, terrorism, banditry and kidnapping continued to threaten lives and livelihoods.
He said the reality of the crisis was brought home to him during his recent two-day visit to Sokoto State with his running mate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, where they consulted different groups on insecurity, poverty, out-of-school children, youth unemployment and drug abuse.
He said their visit to the internally displaced persons’ camp at Ramin Kura was particularly troubling, with thousands of women and children living in difficult conditions after being forced out from their communities.
“What we saw was deeply troubling. Thousands of women and children live in deplorable conditions, displaced from their homes and deprived of the basic necessities of life,” Obi said.
He added that many of the children had no access to education, while mothers and children had limited access to basic healthcare.
“These are Nigerians who should be living in their communities, going to school, farming their land, conducting their businesses and contributing to the economy. Instead, they live as displaced persons in their own country,” he said.
Obi said the situation at Ramin Kura was a reflection of the suffering experienced in different parts of Nigeria, arguing that the country could not continue to treat such conditions as normal.
He further said the challenge before Nigeria is to determine where the country stand, where it wants to be and how to move from its present condition to its desired destination.
Obi, however, said his message was not one of despair but one of hope, insisting that “a new Nigeria is possible.”
He promised that, if elected president, his administration would make governance measurable and accountable, with greater emphasis on the welfare and productivity of citizens.
He said his government would tackle insecurity to enable farmers return to their farms, children return to school and businesses operate freely, while Nigerians displaced by insecurity would be supported to return safely and with dignity to their communities.
The former governor also promised to move Nigeria from what he described as a consumption-driven economy to a productive one that creates jobs, expands opportunities, supports agriculture and manufacturing and invests in human capital.
He said education, healthcare, security and productive enterprise would be prioritised because they are the foundations of a functioning nation.
The NDC candidate said Nigeria’s future would ultimately depend on leadership that treats public office as a responsibility rather than an entitlement, as well as citizens willing to demand accountability.
“The Nigeria we desire will not be built by prayers alone nor by promises alone. It will be built by leadership that understands that public office is a sacred trust, by citizens who demand accountability and by all of us who refuse to accept failure as our destiny,” he said.
Nigeria can be great again, but… – PFN
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) believes that Nigeria can still achieve greatness but warned that insecurity, economic hardship, corruption and the growing illicit drug trade must be urgently addressed.
The National President, Archbishop Francis Wale Oke, stated this in his Independence Day message to Nigerians as the country marks her 66th anniversary.
Oke congratulated Nigerians on the occasion but urged them to use the anniversary for deep and honest reflection on the state of the nation.
He said although Nigeria had recorded progress in 66 years, the challenges confronting the country could no longer be ignored, particularly the threat to peace and security.
“The peace and security of our nation are vital, for without them, there cannot be any tangible progress,” he said.
He urged the Federal Government to flush bandits and terrorists out of the nation’s forests and bring them and their financiers to justice.
“We must remove the bandits and terrorists from our forests and bring them and their financiers to justice. The Federal Government must do more and do it now. The blood of our citizens cries out from the ground and we cannot remain silent,” he said.
On the economy, he described the situation as deeply worrisome and urged the federal and the state governments to deploy Nigeria’s human and natural resources for the benefit of the generality of the people rather than a few elites.
He called for a review of the existing laws and the enactment of new ones to make businesses thrive and promote vigorous industrialisation, which he said would boost productive capacity and improve living standards.
He also described corruption as an anathema to democracy, saying it had stalled growth, drained public resources, deepened inequality, eroded public trust, limited the potential of youth and undermined justice.
He urged the governments at the federal, state and local levels to intensify the fight against corruption so that Nigerians could enjoy the dividends of democracy.
He further expressed concern over the production and transportation of illicit drugs throughout Nigeria. He warned that the menace posed a serious threat to the younger generation.
“Much has been done, but we must strive harder to remove this evil from our land. We must protect our children, for they are a gift from God and their destruction is an affront to our future,” he said.
He appealed to Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, religion or social class, to unite in building a nation founded on peace, justice and love.
He urged citizens to rededicate themselves to God and the ideals of the nation’s founding fathers, stressing that the country’s progress depended on the collective efforts of Nigerians.
“Nigeria can be great again, but we must all play our parts. Nigeria belongs to all of us and its progress is dependent on all of us,” Oke said.
He called on Nigerians to think, speak and act in ways that would move the country forward and accelerate its development.
Nigerians must continue to pray for unity – Gov Idris
Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, has congratulated Nigerians, urging citizens to renew their commitment to national unity, democratic values, peaceful coexistence and the collective task of building a stronger, more prosperous and united nation.
The Governor, in his Independence Day message, described the anniversary as an important moment for Nigerians to reflect on the country’s journey since independence in 1960, honour the sacrifices of the nation’s founding fathers and reaffirm their shared responsibility for Nigeria’s continued progress.
He stressed that democracy, the rule of law, justice, fairness and good governance remain essential pillars for achieving sustainable development and national stability, calling on Nigerians to protect the democratic gains made over the years and reject anything capable of undermining peace, unity and constitutional order.
He said Nigeria’s greatest strength lies in its diversity and the ability of its citizens to live together as one nation, regardless of political, religious, ethnic or other differences.
“We are stronger in unity and our prosperity lies in upholding togetherness as one indivisible entity,” the Governor declared.
He urged Nigerians to draw inspiration from the patriotism, courage, discipline, selflessness and determination of the country’s founding fathers, stressing that the freedom achieved at independence came through sacrifice and a shared vision of a better Nigeria.
The Governor specifically acknowledged the contributions of prominent nationalists, including Sir Ahmadu Bello, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Chief Obafemi Awolowo, noting that their legacies should continue to inspire present and future generations to place national interest above narrow considerations.
Idris also called for sustained prayers for the peace, stability and prosperity of Nigeria, saying that the country’s challenges can be overcome through collective responsibility, resilience, mutual understanding and unwavering faith.
He assured the people of Kebbi State that his administration remained fully committed to strengthening security across the state, while sustaining people-oriented policies, empowerment initiatives and development projects aimed at improving the welfare and living conditions of citizens.
The Governor called for greater patience, understanding and cooperation from the people, particularly in confronting security challenges, stressing that the protection of lives and property remains a shared responsibility between the government, the security agencies and the citizens.
He further urged Nigerians not to allow political differences, religious affiliations or personal interests, weaken the bonds of national unity, emphasising that peaceful coexistence and respect for one another are indispensable to Nigeria’s stability and development.
While expressing confidence in the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, the Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s economy, security, democratic institutions and overall development.
He thanked the people of Kebbi State for their continued support and cooperation with his administration, assuring them that the government would remain focused on policies and programmes that directly impact the lives of the citizens and contribute to the long-term development of the state.
The Governor wished Nigerians, particularly the people of Kebbi State, a peaceful, memorable and prosperous 66th independence anniversary, while praying for continued peace, unity and progress across the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Nigerians must defend democracy, strengthen institutions – Dickson
Also, speaking on the country’s 66th independence anniversary, the former Bayelsa State Governor and National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Henry Seriake Dickson, has urged Nigerians to use the occasion to renew their commitment to democracy, strong institutions, justice and equal opportunities for all citizens.
Dickson, in his Independence Day message, said the anniversary should go beyond celebration, stressing the need to honour the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding fathers by building a country where citizens could live with dignity and hope.
He said Nigeria’s diversity remained a strength, urging citizens to work collectively to preserve democracy and strengthen institutions despite the challenges confronting the country.
“Our independence reminds us of the enduring responsibility to honour the sacrifices of our founding fathers and all those who have contributed to the growth of our nation, while renewing our commitment to building a Nigeria founded on justice, equity, unity, democracy, equal opportunities, and respect for the dignity of every citizen. These values must remain at the heart of our national renewal,” he said
Dickson said he remained confident in the resilience of Nigerians and the potential of the country, adding that the task of nation-building required collective responsibility.
“Despite the challenges we face, I remain confident in the resilience of our people and the great potential of our country. Our diversity is our strength, and our collective responsibility is to preserve our democracy, strengthen our institutions, and build a nation where every Nigerian can live with dignity and hope,” he said.
He said the NDC remained committed to providing a platform for national renewal as the country approaches another important stage in its democratic journey.
He said the party would present candidates at every level who were committed to service and good governance, expressing confidence that they would secure the mandate of Nigerians.
“As we approach another important moment in our democratic journey, the Nigeria Democratic Congress remains committed to providing a platform for national renewal and presenting candidates at every level who are committed to service and good governance,” Dickson said.
He also marked the 30th anniversary of the creation of Bayelsa State, describing it as his home state and acknowledging the contributions of its people to Nigeria’s development.
Dickson, who served as governor of Bayelsa, expressed hope for a more prosperous future for the state and said its people had the capacity to continue contributing meaningfully to national development.
He urged Nigerians to keep faith in the country and work together towards building a stronger, more united and prosperous nation.
“On this Independence Day, I urge us all to keep faith in Nigeria and continue working together for the stronger, more united and prosperous nation we desire,” he said.
Nigerian future remains bright – PDP
However, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) believes that Nigeria’s future remains bright, and that Nigerians must not despair.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, the party urged Nigerians to continue to preach peace, unity and national cohesion.
It also charged Nigerians to honour the sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers and all those who have contributed to national development.
Part of the statement read: “ The PDP acknowledges that, as a nation and as a people, we are not yet where we aspire to be. However, we must not despair. The future of Nigeria remains bright, and our collective hope must remain stronger than our present challenges.
“Nigeria is a blessed nation, endowed with enormous human and natural resources. Let us harness these resources, alongside our rich ethnic, cultural and religious diversity into an instrument of unity, creativity and national progress.
“The PDP, therefore, calls on all Nigerians to continue to preach peace, unity and national cohesion. Our leaders and followers alike must remain patriotic, reject violence and corruption and always place the interests of Nigeria above personal and sectional considerations.
“Above all, let us build a nation where our young people can dream, aspire and look to the future with confidence and hope.
“The PDP as a political party is committed to democracy, good governance and the welfare of the Nigerian people. We are poised to provide the alternative platform and leadership needed to help Nigeria realise her full potential and achieve the dreams and aspirations of her citizens.
“As we celebrate our nation, let us honour the sacrifices of our founding fathers and all those who have contributed to our national development, and ensure that the labour of our heroes’ past shall not be in vain.
“Together, let us renew our commitment to building a better Nigeria and restoring hope for the younger generations. “
We want sovereignty talks with NASS – Yoruba group demands
The Committee for the Actualisation of Yoruba Self Determination (CAYSD) has called on the National Assembly to urgently convene talks among Nigeria’s constituent ethnic nationalities on the future of the country, including the possibility of an independent Yoruba nation.
In a statement by its director, Prof. Ademola Araoye and signed by 43 prominent Yoruba leaders and stakeholders, titled, “For the Good of All: It’s Time to Convene Sovereignty Talks,” it said Nigeria’s longstanding political crisis could no longer be addressed solely through elections or adjustments to the existing political structure, insisting that fundamental questions about the country’s constitutional arrangement must be confronted.
“For the good of all, it is time for the leadership of the Nigerian State as represented by the National Assembly and led by Senator Godswill Akpabio to, as a matter of urgency, facilitate talks by the Yoruba with all other ethnic nationalities in Nigeria.
“It is time to discuss how we have been and how we intend to be in Nigeria. The mere four-year cycle of elections as presently contemplated will have no effect on the subsisting ‘federal governance’ structure,” the statement said.
It said the Yoruba position had traditionally centred on restructuring Nigeria into a genuine federation with substantial autonomy for its constituent peoples and regions, but that repeated failures had prompted a change in approach.
“Having maintained this stance and in view of our severally failed efforts, we, the undersigned, now wish to transform and adopt a new modality that places peaceful self-determination, including the possibility of an Oduduwa Nation, expressly on the table for public discussion, constitutional engagement and democratic consideration,” it stated.
Going further, the group stressed that the initiative would be peaceful, rejecting violence, intimidation and attacks on public institutions.
“We intend instead to rely upon civic consultation, public enlightenment, scholarship, constitutional advocacy, dialogue, lawful assembly, engagement with elected institutions, negotiation with other nationalities and the pursuit of a credible democratic mechanism through which the wishes of the people can be expressed.”
The committee also said the proposed Yoruba self-determination initiative should not be interpreted as hostility towards Nigeria, arguing that the question should be addressed through constitutional negotiation and democratic consent.
“The proponents of Odudwa/Yoruba Nation, therefore, maintain that peaceful discussion of self-determination should not in itself be treated as hostility to Nigeria,” it said.
The statement further notified President Bola Tinubu of the signatories described as a “new phase of Oduduwa/Yoruba constitutional engagement with Nigeria,” saying they were commencing an “organised, legal, peaceful and democratic examination of self-determination and the ultimate creation of a Yoruba Nation as soon as possible.”
Among the 43 signatories are Prof. Banji Akintoye, Senator Femi Okurounmu, Chief John Oni, Chief Imam Aduanigba, Chief Tola Adeniyi, Prof. Oluyemisi Akinyemiju, Dr. Gbadebo Adekunjo, Senator Tunji Adelekan, Prof. Ademola Araoye, Dr. Akin Fapohunda, Dr. Olatunde Hamzat, Chief Kikelomo Laniyonu-Edwards, Prof. Kunle Olawunmi and General Gani Raji.
Nigeria needs unity for stronger nation – Natasha
Senator representing Kogi Central, 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 her 66th independence anniversary.
Akpoti-Uduaghan, in a goodwill message to Nigerians, 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 the opportunities emerging from the 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’s 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 we continue to demand accountability and improvements where challenges remain,” she stated.
She said Kogi State must position itself to benefit from the ongoing national development, urging the 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.
“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 choices 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.
She 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.
Future remains bright, promising -Ajadi, APM senatorial candidate
Also the 2027 senatorial candidate for Oyo Central, Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, expressed optimism that Nigeria’s future remains bright and promising despite the economic, security and social challenges confronting the country.
He made the disclosure in a statement to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, yesterday.
He urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the country’s project, saying it would overcome its current challenges and regain its pride of place in the comity of nations.
He saluted the resilience and doggedness of Nigerians in the face of harsh economic conditions and other social challenges. He added that the continued unity of the country despite its numerous problems was itself a reason for celebration.
According to him, Nigerians should use the anniversary to renew their hope in the country and remain committed to its progress, rather than allowing present difficulties to weaken their faith in its future.
Ajadi, while reflecting on Nigeria’s independence from Britain on October 1, 1960, paid tribute to the nation’s founding fathers for their sacrifices and contributions to the struggle for self-rule.
He said the foundation laid by the country’s early leaders had helped Nigeria remain united despite its ethnic, religious and cultural diversity.
The APM candidate particularly commended the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, for his contributions to the development of the former Western region, which he described as a pace-setter among the regions in the country.
Ajadi, a philanthropist and businessman, urged Nigerians to remain committed to building a better nation, adding that the country would bounce back from its present difficulties.
He also called on residents of Oyo Central to continue supporting Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration, the APM and his candidacy ahead of the 2027 elections.
Ajadi assured the people of the district that the future remained bright, promising that, if elected senator, he would work to bring the dividends of democracy to communities across Oyo Central.
