Independence: Govs CAN, Others Urge Nigerians To Believe In Country

Igho Oyoyo, George Okojie, Abdullahi Olesin, Longtong Yakubu, Muh’d Zangina Kura, Kabir Wurma, Damilola Origbemisuyi, Richard Ndoma, Ahmed Tahir, Anayo Onukwugha, Francis Okoye, Khalid Idris Doya,

Governors and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) have urged Nigerians not to give up, but to believe and work for the country despite all odds.

The messages came in different speeches delivered in commemoration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

Nigeria gained its independence from Britain on 1 October 1960. The British amalgamated the Northern and Southern Protectorates of Nigeria on 1 January 1914 and ruled for 46 years with Sir Frederick Lugard as the first Governor-General.

In Kano State, Governor Abba Yusuf, during his speech, urged residents to shun violence, intolerance and criminality ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Yusuf made the call on Thursday while addressing citizens at the 66th Independence Anniversary celebration at the Sani Abacha Indoor Stadium in Kano.

The governor urged political actors, community leaders and residents to prioritise peace, unity and mutual respect, stressing that security and stability were essential for sustainable development.

Jigawa State Governor, Malam Umar Namadi, urged Nigerians to remain hopeful as the nation marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, noting that Nigeria’s future is bright.

The governor made the remarks while speaking to journalists on the country’s Independence Anniversary. He emphasised that with full determination and collective sacrifice, the country could overcome all its challenges and forge ahead.

He noted that, as a nation, it is natural to encounter challenges, but the efforts of past and present leaders, as well as the sacrifices of citizens, have enabled the state to survive as a single, unified entity with an international political and economic presence.

Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has sought unity among politicians, noting that only through unity can Nigeria sustain democracy.

He made the request on Thursday in his Independence Day message to Nigerians.

The governor, however, described the Anniversary as an important moment for Nigerians to reflect on the nation’s journey since independence.

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has tasked Nigerians on their collective responsibility to build a stronger nation, saying the 66th anniversary of independence should renew citizens’ commitment to Nigeria’s development.

Aiyedatiwa spoke on Thursday at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade, Akure, during the state’s celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

He said the generation that secured independence in 1960 did not bequeath a finished country to succeeding generations, but rather the responsibility to build, preserve, and improve it.

“Independence, therefore, is more than the memory of a date; it is a continuing responsibility to the past, the present and the future,” the governor said.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Thursday said despite Nigeria’s chequered history that recorded civil war, military rule, economic hardship and political upheavals over the past 66 years, the country’s resilience has never been in doubt.

Sanwo-Olu, who stated this at the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Onikan, Lagos, during the state’s celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, added that the country has remained one indivisible entity anchored in shared history and diverse culture amid its challenges.

The colourful ceremony featured an Independence Day parade by the Nigeria Police Force, paramilitary agencies and students, with the governor taking the salute. It also included the cutting of the anniversary cake.

The Kwara State governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, yesterday charged Nigerians to renew their commitment to building a nation of choice.

Speaking in Ilorin at the celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence Day, the Governor saluted the citizens for their manifest courage, enterprise, creativity, and determination in the face of all odds.

While congratulating President Bola Tinubu and all citizens on the anniversary, the governor urged citizens to reject violence, criminality, and hate speech and to embrace peace and collective security.

Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, has said Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary must reinforce the principles of justice, equity and the rule of law as the foundation for national stability and prosperity.

Otu stated this in his Independence Day goodwill message to Cross Riverians at the U.J. Esuene Stadium, Calabar, where he was represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey.  He described the anniversary as a moment for “solemn national introspection” and a call to preserve the ideals for which Nigeria’s founding nationalists sacrificed.

The Governor said independence should be seen not merely as freedom from external rule, but as “the capacity of a people to determine their destiny, provide for their needs, protect their dignity and build institutions worthy of their aspirations.”

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State on Thursday painted Nigeria’s 66-year journey as a testament to resilience, sacrifice and enduring hope, declaring that Nasarawa at 30 has not only survived but fulfilled the lofty dream of its founding fathers.

Speaking in Lafia during his dual anniversary address marking Nigeria’s 66th Independence and 30 years of Nasarawa’s creation, the governor said leadership remains a sacred trust, not a title. He thanked the people of the state for the privilege of serving them since 2019.

In a stirring tribute to nationhood, Sule congratulated all Nigerians on 66 years of independence since 1 October 1960. He noted that despite decades of political turbulence, economic hardship, civil conflict and insecurity, Nigeria has remained one indivisible nation, thanks to the sacrifices of patriots who secured freedom. He aligned with President Bola Tinubu’s call for unity of purpose and shared responsibility in building the nation.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has called on the people of the state to embrace peace and unity, describing them as indispensable pillars for the socioeconomic development of any society.

Fubara, who made the call in a goodwill message to mark Nigeria’s 66th independence anniversary, said the celebration offers an opportunity for the people to reflect on Nigeria’s journey since 1960 and to renew their commitment to peaceful coexistence.

The governor noted that Rivers State, as the “treasure base of the nation” and a melting pot of diverse ethnic nationalities, has always thrived when its people lived in harmony. He said no meaningful development can take place in an atmosphere of rancour, division and political hostility.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has urged residents to use the January 2027 general elections to elect progressive, visionary leaders capable of sustaining ongoing development and delivering greater prosperity to Nigerians.

Wike made the call in his 2026 Independence Day message to residents of the FCT, in which he linked the forthcoming elections to the need for continuity in the development of the nation’s capital.

The minister urged voters to regard the elections as an opportunity to choose leaders with the vision and capacity to consolidate what he described as the FCT’s ongoing infrastructural transformation.

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has challenged the federal government to ensure that its economic reforms translate into tangible relief for Nigerians, declaring that prosperity cannot be measured by economic statistics alone but by what citizens can afford in their homes.

CAN, in its Independence Day message signed by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, on Thursday, said Nigerians who had endured years of economic hardship deserved to begin experiencing meaningful reductions in the cost of food, transportation and energy.

The association said the 66th Independence Anniversary should mark the beginning of a new phase in which the promise of prosperity becomes visible in the daily lives of ordinary Nigerians.

According to CAN, the true measure of progress is whether families can afford food, young people can secure decent jobs, communities can live safely, and children have fair opportunities to build their future.

It urged the government to make lower food, transport and energy costs a measurable priority, while strengthening social protection programmes for vulnerable Nigerians.

As the country marks its 66th anniversary of independence, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged political leaders at the federal and state levels to enact policies that will alleviate citizens’ suffering.

The CAN Chairman, Most Rev  Dr John Bogna Bakeni, also decried the level of economic hardship and insecurity bedevilling Nigerians, worrying that the 66th independent anniversary of the country is occurring when several school children and other citizens are in the hands of the Boko Haram terrorists, with their whereabouts unknown.

Bakeni stated this on Thursday in Maiduguri during a church service to mark the 50th anniversary of CAN, which coincided with Nigeria’s Independence Day celebration.

Nigeria At 66: Federal Government Urged To Address Poverty, Insecurity

The federal government has been urged to intensify efforts to address poverty, insecurity and the deterioration of social amenities as Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary. The call was made by the Ukomu Igala Organisation (UIO) Worldwide in a statement issued by its President, Maj.-Gen. James Ataguba (rtd.), to mark the anniversary.

The organisation expressed concern over the continued challenges of poverty and insecurity, particularly at the grassroots, as well as the decline in social amenities.

“Unless addressed urgently, these issues will ultimately diminish the current efforts of the Federal Government,” UIO said.

It urged the government to take practical measures to improve citizens’ welfare and address the challenges affecting communities across the country.

Nigeria @ 66: Aremu Seeks Remodelling Of National Labour  Institute

The director general of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), Ilorin, Comrade Issa Aremu, has called for a strategic, comprehensive presidential remodelling and repositioning of the Institute.

He said the long-overdue remodelling of MINILS should be carried out in the context of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Aremu made the plea at Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary Town Hall themed: “Nigeria @ 66: Reflections on Labour Education Since Independence.”

“One area Nigeria has made a giant stride to ‘decolonise’ and give meaning to independence is in the area of education in general and labour education in particular”, Aremu said.

He added that, “while the wealth of humans is the wealth of nations, education is the key to unlock the talents and innate skills of workers for development. “

Independence: Bauchi Speaker Urges Nigerians To Promote Unity, Patriotism

The Speaker of the Bauchi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Suleiman has called on Nigerians to promote tolerance, unity and patriotism while praying for leaders at all levels to succeed in their responsibilities.

Suleiman made the call yesterday in a goodwill message issued by his media aide, Mukhtar Garba Kobi, to commemorate Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

The Speaker urged Nigerians, irrespective of their regions, ethnic backgrounds or religious affiliations, to remain patriotic, hopeful and vigilant, while also reminding political leaders to remain committed to their promises and deliver development to the people.