As Nigerians marked its 65th Independence Anniversary, the Federal Government appealed to citizens to be patient with the ongoing reforms of the Bola Tinubu administration, assuring that the policies would yield lasting benefits.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, who spoke at an inter-denominational church service at the National Ecumenical Christian Centre, Abuja, described governance as a “shared responsibility” and urged Nigerians to remain united and supportive of the government’s efforts.
“Under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, our nation is undergoing bold reforms aimed not at temporary relief but at lasting transformation,” Akume said in a statement issued by his media aide, Yomi Odunuga.
He acknowledged the hardship currently faced by Nigerians but insisted that the sacrifices would pave the way for national renewal.
“The challenges we face today are deep-rooted, spanning decades. But this administration is determined to confront them head-on and deliver enduring solutions. These reforms may feel tough at the moment, but the sacrifices being made by Nigerians today are paving the way for economic renewal, stronger institutions, and improved conditions across food, energy, healthcare, education, jobs, and infrastructure,” he said.
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Calling for collective effort, Akume added, “Our challenges are real, but our resilience is greater. This is the moment to rekindle our national spirit, transform challenges into opportunities, and drive forward with hope grounded in action.”
The SGF also stressed that Independence Day was not just a remembrance of history but “a renewal of purpose,” urging citizens to contribute to building a just and prosperous nation.
Similarly, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, in his Independence message, urged Nigerians to embrace unity, justice, fairness, and equity as the foundation for national development.
Speaking at a thanksgiving service at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Asaba, Oborevwori said Nigeria’s survival despite daunting challenges was proof of divine grace.
“Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute to the Nigeria of our dreams. Independence was born out of a vision of hope and brightness for this country, and we must continue to build on the sacrifices of our founding fathers,” he said.
The governor added that peace remained critical to growth. “What we want in Delta State is peace, because development starts where peace abounds. Those of us in political leadership must always put the people’s interest first, not our own,” he said.
In his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Issele-Uku Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Elue, called on Nigerians to embrace righteousness, love, endurance, and generosity, stressing that “what we share with our brothers and sisters is what will count for us when we appear before God on the day of judgment.”
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