The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, have felicitated with Nigerians on the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary, expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future and calling for unity, resilience and collective responsibility.
Yilwatda, in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the APC National Chairman on Media and Information Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, congratulated Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, commending citizens for their sacrifices, patience and determination in navigating the challenges confronting the nation.
The APC National Chairman described the anniversary as an opportunity to celebrate the resilience, unity and enduring faith of Nigerians in the country’s potential.
He acknowledged that Nigeria’s journey since independence has been marked by significant difficulties, but said the country has consistently demonstrated its capacity to overcome adversity, reinvent itself and move forward.
Yilwatda also highlighted economic reforms introduced by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the government inherited a challenging economic situation and took what he described as politically difficult decisions to address longstanding structural challenges.
According to him, the reforms include the removal of petrol subsidy, changes to the foreign exchange market, efforts to strengthen domestic revenue mobilisation, monetary and fiscal reforms, as well as measures aimed at attracting investment and strengthening productive sectors.
He acknowledged that the reforms have resulted in significant short-term sacrifices for Nigerians, but said there are increasingly measurable signs of macroeconomic stabilisation.
The statement cited World Bank assessments on stronger economic growth, improved fiscal and external positions, rising foreign exchange reserves and greater stability in the foreign exchange market as indications of progress under the reform programme.
It added that Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 4.2 per cent in the first quarter of the year.
Meanwhile, Sanwo-Olu, in his Independence Day message, reflected on Nigeria’s journey since October 1, 1960, saying the country had experienced difficult periods as well as moments of significant progress.
The governor said Nigerians had demonstrated resilience and determination through the years, expressing confidence in what the country can achieve when citizens work together.
“I believe deeply in Nigeria and in what we can achieve when we stand together,” Sanwo-Olu said.
He urged Nigerians not to allow their differences to become a source of division, describing the country’s diversity as one of its greatest strengths.
According to him, citizens have a responsibility to honour the sacrifices of those who contributed to Nigeria’s independence and nation-building by playing their part in the country’s development.
Sanwo-Olu said the heroes who fought for Nigeria’s freedom believed in a united nation, adding that present and future generations owe it to them to continue building a stronger country.
“Nigeria belongs to all of us. Its future will be shaped by the choices we make and the work we are willing to do together,” he said.
The Lagos governor congratulated Nigerians on the 66th Independence Anniversary and called for continued commitment to unity, responsible citizenship and national development.
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