By Yahaya Umar, Abuja and Richard Akintade, Osogbo
Once again, Nigeria is celebrating her Independence Day Anniversary as a sovereign country after gaining self rule from Britain on October 1, 1960, exactly 65 years ago.
Like previous years the state of the nation on the spotlight with some citizens hopeful for a better nation and other in despair.
The sharp divide over the assessment of the country’s achievements since independence has become a recurring decimal for decades.
Prominent among Nigerians positive about the country’s recovery from the abyss was Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who in a statement to mark the nation 65th anniversary urged Nigerians to keep hope alive, saying with the right leadership, the country can still rise to reclaim its rightful place among the comity of nations.
Atiku, also commended the uncommon patience, endurance, and resilience of Nigerians in holding the country together inspire the socio-economic and security challenges.
In a statement by his Media Aide, Paul Ibe, in Abuja, yesterday he wished Nigerians a happy 65th Independence Day Anniversary celebration
The ex-vice president said that in spite of the immense human and material resources the country is blessed with, millions of Nigerians still faced with the challenges of unemployment, hunger and insecurity.
He called on Nigerians not to lose faith but to look forward to a better tomorrow.
“The beauty of democracy lies in the power of the ballot”, adding “that is the power no cabal can take away from the people”.
For his part, the former President of the Senate and National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Senator David Mark, said only visionary and credible leadership can deliver the country from its current challenges.
Therefore, Mark urged Nigerians to use the lessons of the past as a guide to make informed choices in the 2027 general elections.
He stated this in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Paul Mumeh, in Kano, yesterday.
The former President of the Senate described Nigeria’s 65 years journey of nationhood as one of resilience in the face of daunting challenges.
He emphasised that Nigerians must not lose faith in their collective ability to rebuild and reposition the country for prosperity.
Mark, urged citizens to draw strength from history and confront present realities with courage and unity.
“Sixty-five years ago, we lifted the flag of freedom and declared ourselves a sovereign people. That moment was not just the end of colonial rule; it was the beginning of our responsibility to build a nation worthy of our hopes.
According to him, “Today, we look back with mixed emotions and gratitude for how far we have come, but concerned over the storms that still threaten our future”.
“Our communities are restless under the grip of insecurity. Our youths are losing hope to unemployment. Inflation has eroded the dignity of honest earnings.
In spite of these difficulties, Mark stressed that Nigerians must not give in to despair, reminding citizens that the great nations of today were also built through periods of meaningful severe hardships.
He called for urgent investment in intelligence, modern technology, and the welfare of security personnel, addressing the deeper causes of violence, poverty, injustice, and exclusion.
Mark, called for the revival of local industries, stronger support for small and medium-scale businesses, and an environment where investment can flourish.
He advocated equipping young people with relevant skills in technology, agriculture, innovation, and the creative sector beyond mere tokenism.
The ADC chairman urged renewed investment in agriculture, efficient storage systems, and fair distribution channels to ensure that Nigerian produce first serves Nigerian households.
He called for a rebirth of unity and sacrifice; the same spirit that won independence in 1960.
“No nation is ever too broken to be rebuilt when her people are determined. At 65, our burdens are real, but so is our resilience.
“Our hope must outweigh our despair, and our strength must carry us forward. Let us recover faith in our nation, work hand in hand, and rebuild the promise of Nigeria”, he said.
Still on state of the nation Osun Civil Societies Coalition, OCSC, has described Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary as a moment for sober reflection rather than celebration, lamenting that six and a half decades after independence, Nigerians are still grappling with hunger, poverty, and disillusionment.
The coalition, in a statement signed by its State Chairman, Comrade Waheed Lawal, echoed the feelings of most Nigerians saying the dream of independence was one of freedom, dignity, and prosperity for all but lamented that “across the country, families are weighed down by unbearable hardship.
Government policies have worsened inflation, food has become unaffordable for the common man, and millions of youths are roaming the streets without jobs. Instead of hope, frustration and despair have become the daily reality of citizens”.
The chairman condemned what he described as the shrinking democratic space, disregard for the rule of law, suppression of dissenting voices, and anti-people governance practices, which he said were not the ideals for which Nigeria’s heroes fought.
As a way out of the situation he called on the government to adopt pro-people economic policies that guarantee food security, create jobs, and revive agriculture. It also demanded respect for democracy and the rule of law, protection of citizens’ voices, and inclusive governance.
Amid the expression of hope and despair Bola Tinubu will deliver a nationwide broadcast today as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a statement last night.
AljazirahNigeria reports that the president’s address to the nation will no doubt come under scrutiny of people from divergent views points as the nation contends with challenges including insecurity, economic hardship among others.
