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From Shafa’atu Suleiman, Sokoto
The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Sokoto East Senatorial District, Umar Ajiya, has urged Nigerians to turn the country’s diversity into a source of strength for national development, saying that unity remains critical to overcoming the challenges confronting the nation.
Ajiyabmade the call in his Independence Day message to Nigerians as the country marked its 66th anniversary, urging citizens to work together with leaders at all levels to build a peaceful, stable and prosperous nation.
He said Nigeria’s current challenges were not insurmountable, but required collective determination, sacrifice and a sustained commitment to national unity.
According to him, the country’s ethnic, religious and cultural diversity should be viewed as an asset rather than a source of division.
“Our diversity should be a source of strength, not division. We must learn to work together, respect our differences and use our different strengths to build a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria”
The senatorial candidate also called on Nigerians to support genuine efforts by governments at all levels to address insecurity, strengthen the economy, create jobs and improve the standard of living of citizens.
He said nation-building required contributions from everyone, adding that citizens had a responsibility to complement the efforts of the government through patriotism, sacrifice and commitment to the common good.
He further urged Nigerians to use the Independence anniversary to reflect on the sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers and the ideals that shaped the struggle for independence.
“Independence Day is not only a celebration of our freedom. It is also a time to reflect on where we are coming from, where we are today and the Nigeria we want to leave for future generations.
“We must honour the sacrifices of our founding fathers by preserving the unity of the country and building on the values of peace, tolerance, justice and mutual respect,” he said.
According to him, a peaceful and united Nigeria would create the right environment for economic growth, investment, job creation and sustainable development.
The APC candidate also appealed to Nigerians to put the national interest above ethnic, religious and sectional considerations, saying the country’s progress would depend largely on the ability of its citizens to work together despite their differences.
“Reposing confidence in leadership is one of the ways of ensuring progress in the economy and strengthening the task of uniting the country. But leadership and followership must work together for nation-building to succeed,” Ajiya added.
He called on Nigerians, irrespective of their ethnic, religious or political backgrounds, to renew their commitment to building a peaceful, resilient and self-reliant nation.
Ajiya congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad on the 66th Independence Anniversary and expressed optimism that with unity, responsible leadership and active citizenship, the country could overcome its challenges and achieve its full potential.
