Akpabio urges renew faith in Nigeria at 66

Senate President,Akpabio

Senate President 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 on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Eseme Eyiboh.

He congratulated President Bola Tinubu and Nigerians at home and abroad, describing Nigeria as “our destiny, our duty, our future”.

“On behalf of the Senate, the 10th National Assembly and my family, I extend warm felicitations to President Bola Tinubu, and Nigerians everywhere,” he said.

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Akpabio said the anniversary provided an opportunity to celebrate Nigeria’s nationhood and the enduring promise of the country.

“Sixty-six years ago, our national flag rose to proclaim the birth of an independent Nigeria,” he said.

He said independence represented the hopes of millions for freedom, dignity, self-government and the opportunity to shape the nation’s destiny.

Akpabio honoured Nigeria’s founding fathers and generations whose courage, labour and sacrifices contributed to the country’s independence and development.

“They handed us a country to cherish and a future to build,” he said, urging Nigerians to justify their faith in the nation.

The Senate President acknowledged that Nigeria’s journey had experienced triumphs and trials, as well as periods of confidence and uncertainty.

He, however, said Nigerians had continued to strive, create, serve and believe in their country despite the challenges.

“We celebrate that resilience today, the strength of a people whose hopes have survived every storm,” he said.

Akpabio said Nigeria’s spirit was reflected in farmers, teachers, entrepreneurs and young people pursuing their dreams across the country.

He also cited Nigerian music, enterprise, hospitality and the achievements of citizens worldwide as expressions of the country’s enduring spirit.

He said Nigeria’s diversity remained an important part of the country’s national inheritance, encompassing different languages, cultures and faiths.

“Let this anniversary renew our affection for one another and remind us that the green-white-green shelters us all,” he said.

Akpabio said preserving peace collectively remained fundamental to building the future Nigerians desired.

He also paid tribute to the Armed Forces and security agencies, particularly personnel who had lost their lives serving the country.

“We remember their families with gratitude and honour; their sacrifice gives solemn meaning to the freedom and unity we celebrate,” he said.

Akpabio assured Nigerians that the National Assembly would continue supporting President Tinubu’s efforts to strengthen the country and improve citizens’ lives.

He urged citizens to renew their commitment to serving Nigeria with integrity, compassion and devotion.

“Independence is an inheritance renewed by every generation,” Akpabio said, urging Nigerians to celebrate with gratitude and extend friendship to one another.

“Our past gives us perspective, our present gives us responsibility, and our future gives us purpose,” he said.

He prayed that the anniversary would bring renewed commitment among Nigerians and that God would bless citizens and preserve Nigeria. (NAN)