President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, has congratulated Nigerians on the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary, urging citizens to embrace love, unity and renewed faith in Nigeria’s future.
Akpabio, in a statement issued to journalists yesterday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, described Nigeria as “our destiny, our duty, our future.”
He extended felicitations to President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians at home and abroad, saying the anniversary provided an opportunity to celebrate the country’s nationhood and the enduring promise of independence.
“On behalf of the Senate, the 10th National Assembly and my family, I extend warm felicitations to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and Nigerians everywhere on our 66th Independence Anniversary,” Akpabio said.
“Today, we celebrate the gift of nationhood and the enduring promise of our beloved country.”
Reflecting on Nigeria’s journey since independence, the Senate President said the raising of the national flag 66 years ago symbolised the hopes of millions of Nigerians for freedom, self-government and the ability to shape the nation’s destiny.
He paid tribute to the country’s founding fathers and generations of Nigerians whose courage, labour and sacrifice contributed to the development of the nation.
According to Akpabio, Nigeria’s journey has been marked by “triumphs and trials, seasons of confidence and moments of uncertainty,” but Nigerians have continued to demonstrate resilience despite the challenges.
“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 said.
Akpabio highlighted the contributions of Nigerians across different sectors, noting that the Nigerian spirit could be found in farmers, teachers, entrepreneurs and young people pursuing their dreams.
He also described the country’s cultural diversity, music, enterprise and the achievements of Nigerians around the world as expressions of the national spirit.
“Our diversity enriches this inheritance. Across languages, cultures and faiths, we belong to one national family,” he said.
The Senate President urged Nigerians to use the anniversary to renew their commitment to one another, stressing the importance of peace and unity in building the country’s future.
“Let this anniversary renew our affection for one another and remind us that the green-white-green shelters us all. The peace we preserve together is the foundation of the future we seek,” he added.
Akpabio also commended members of the Armed Forces and security agencies for their service to the country, particularly those who lost their lives in the line of duty.
He expressed gratitude to the families of fallen security personnel, saying their sacrifices had given “solemn meaning to the freedom and unity we celebrate.”
The Senate President further assured Nigerians that the National Assembly would continue to support efforts by the administration of President Tinubu aimed at strengthening the country and improving the lives of citizens.
“As President Tinubu leads our country through this chapter, the National Assembly remains committed to supporting efforts that strengthen our nation and improve our people’s lives,” he said.
Akpabio urged Nigerians to mark the anniversary with a renewed sense of responsibility and commitment to the nation.
“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,” he said.
“Our past gives us perspective, our present gives us responsibility, and our future gives us purpose. Together, let us carry its promise into the future.”
He concluded by wishing Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary and prayed for the nation’s leaders, citizens and the continued unity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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