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Azeez Oladapo Yusuf, popularly known as Ninolowo, has urged Nigerians to remain patriotic, patient and committed to the country’s development as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
Ninolowo, an Agege politician, gave the charge in his Independence Day message, calling on citizens to remain hopeful despite the economic and developmental challenges confronting the country.
He said Nigeria had demonstrated resilience over the past six decades, adding that the difficulties currently being experienced should not discourage citizens from believing in the country’s future.
According to him, “There is light at the end of the tunnel.”
He urged Nigerians to support ongoing reforms by the Federal Government, particularly under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, while calling for constructive engagement and patience as the government works towards economic stability and improved living conditions.
The Federal Government is marking the 66th Independence Anniversary with the theme, “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity.”
The government has said the next phase of its economic reforms would focus on translating gains from economic stabilisation into job creation, higher incomes, broader opportunities and improved living conditions for Nigerians.
Ninolowo said the success of the country’s development efforts would require collective responsibility, urging citizens to contribute to national development rather than lose hope because of present difficulties.
He also called for peaceful political participation as the country moves towards the 2027 general elections.
On Lagos State, Ninolowo commended Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration, describing its policies and projects as part of the state’s continuing development trajectory.
He urged Lagos residents to support continuity in governance, particularly the emergence of Deputy Governor Dr. Obafemi Hamzat as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the 2027 governorship election.
Hamzat was endorsed by the Lagos APC’s Governance Advisory Council and subsequently received the endorsement of President Tinubu. Sanwo-Olu had also publicly backed his deputy as his preferred successor.
Ninolowo said continuity in Lagos should provide an opportunity to consolidate existing programmes while creating room for fresh initiatives aimed at advancing the state’s development.
Turning to his political ambition in Agege Constituency II, Ninolowo expressed appreciation to residents and supporters for what he described as their continued confidence in his aspiration to represent them in the Lagos State House of Assembly in 2027.
He appealed to his supporters to remain calm and steadfast, expressing confidence that he would emerge as the constituency’s representative.
“As time goes on, I will let you know how we are going to achieve it, but be rest assured, I will be the one to represent you,” he said.
Ninolowo said his ambition was not driven by the desire to occupy political office but by what he described as a responsibility to serve the people of Agege and deliver tangible dividends of democracy to them.
He also acknowledged the roles played by political, community and religious leaders in discussions surrounding his political journey.
Among those he mentioned were the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, other Agege leaders, as well as pastors and imams who, he said, had offered counsel and interventions.
However, he maintained that his decision to seek elective office was primarily motivated by his desire to respond to what he described as a call from the people.
“This is a call to serve my people. Heaven won’t forgive me if I don’t respond to them because it is their call,” he said.
The politician also urged his supporters to intensify grassroots engagement by returning to the communities and interacting directly with residents.
“Let’s go to the field. If I fail, they will know that I tried my best rather than turning them down,” he stated.
He said the approach would enable him and his supporters to understand the concerns of residents and build stronger relationships with the electorate ahead of the 2027 election.
Ninolowo’s comments come against the backdrop of increasing political activity ahead of the 2027 elections, with parties and aspirants beginning to mobilise supporters and consolidate their structures across constituencies.
He concluded his Independence Day message by praying for peace, progress and prosperity in Agege, Lagos West, Lagos State, the Southwest and Nigeria.
He expressed optimism that Nigeria would overcome its current challenges and emerge stronger, urging citizens to remain committed to the country and believe in the possibility of a better future.
As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, Ninolowo’s message combines a call for national unity and patience with his political appeal for grassroots support ahead of the 2027 Lagos State House of Assembly election.
