President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has congratulated Nigerians on the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary, calling for love, unity and renewed confidence in Nigeria’s future.
In a goodwill message issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio described Nigeria as “our destiny, our duty, our future.”
He said: “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. Today, we celebrate the gift of nationhood and the enduring promise of our beloved country.
“Sixty-six years ago, our national flag rose to proclaim the birth of an independent Nigeria. With it rose the hopes of millions: the hope of freedom, the dignity of self-government and the conviction that we could shape our own destiny. That flag still flies, and that promise still calls us forward.
“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. May we prove worthy of their faith, and may our children inherit a Nigeria greater than the one entrusted to us.”
Akpabio acknowledged that Nigeria’s journey has included both achievements and challenges, as well as periods of optimism and uncertainty.
He, however, said Nigerians had continued to strive, create, serve and maintain faith in the country.
“We celebrate that resilience today: the strength of a people whose hopes have survived every storm.”
The Senate President said Nigeria’s identity could be seen in the contributions of its citizens across different sectors and communities.
“Nigeria lives in the farmer tending the soil, the teacher shaping a mind, the entrepreneur creating opportunity and the young person daring to dream. It lives in our music, our enterprise, our hospitality and the achievements of Nigerians across the world. These are daily expressions of the spirit we celebrate.”
Continuing, he said: “Our diversity enriches this inheritance. 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. The peace we preserve together is the foundation of the future we seek.
“We salute our Armed Forces and security agencies, especially those whose lives were given in service to our country. We remember their families with gratitude and honour. Their sacrifice gives solemn meaning to the freedom and unity we celebrate.”
Akpabio also said the National Assembly would continue to support the Federal Government’s efforts under President Tinubu.
He assured that “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.”
The Senate President expressed hope that the anniversary would encourage Nigerians to remain committed to national service and development.
He prayed that “this anniversary renews our shared resolve to serve Nigeria with integrity, compassion and devotion,” adding:
“Fellow Nigerians, 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. 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.
“Happy 66th Independence Anniversary! May God bless every Nigerian home, guide our leaders, and preserve the Federal Republic of Nigeria”, he added.