President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has urged Nigerians to embrace love, unity and renewed faith in the country as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
Akpabio made the call in a goodwill message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Rt. Hon. Eseme Eyibo, today to commemorate the anniversary.
The Senate President, who congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad, described Nigeria as “our destiny, our duty, our future,” and called on citizens to remain committed to building a stronger and more prosperous nation.
He said the 66th anniversary provided an opportunity to celebrate the country’s nationhood while reflecting on the sacrifices made by the founding fathers and successive generations of Nigerians.
“We honour our founding fathers and the generations whose courage, labour and sacrifice made this anniversary possible. They handed us a country to cherish and a future to build,” he said.
Akpabio acknowledged that Nigeria’s 66-year journey had been marked by both triumphs and challenges, periods of confidence and uncertainty, but noted that Nigerians had consistently demonstrated resilience.
“Yet through them all, Nigerians have continued to strive, create, serve and believe. We celebrate that resilience today: the strength of a people whose hopes have survived every storm,” he stated.
He said the Nigerian spirit was reflected in the contributions of farmers, teachers, entrepreneurs, young people and professionals, as well as in the country’s music, enterprise and hospitality industries and the achievements of Nigerians across the world.
The Senate President also emphasized the importance of Nigeria’s cultural and religious diversity, urging citizens to regard the country’s different languages, cultures and faiths as sources of strength rather than division.
“Across languages, cultures and faiths, we belong to one national family. Let this anniversary renew our affection for one another and remind us that the green-white-green shelters us all,” he said.
Akpabio paid tribute to members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies who had lost their lives in the service of the nation.
He commended their families for their sacrifices, saying the commitment of security personnel gave profound meaning to the freedom, peace and unity Nigerians continued to celebrate.
The Senate President also assured Nigerians that the National Assembly remained committed to supporting initiatives under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu aimed at strengthening the country and improving the lives of citizens.
He called on Nigerians to renew their commitment to national service with integrity, compassion and devotion.
“Independence is an inheritance renewed by every generation. Let us celebrate with grateful hearts, extend hands of friendship and keep faith with the possibilities before us,” Akpabio said.
He prayed for continued peace, unity and prosperity in the country, asking God to bless Nigerian families, guide the nation’s leaders and preserve the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
