NIGERIA AT 66: THE JOURNEY CONTINUES, RENEWED HOPE ENDURES
PRESS STATEMENT
As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, the National Movement for Tinubu–Shettima 2027 – Forward Nigeria congratulates President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON, and all Nigerians at home and abroad.
At 66, Nigeria remains a nation of remarkable resilience. We have endured a civil war, economic crises, insecurity, political upheavals and moments of profound uncertainty, yet we have remained one indivisible nation.
Today, the country is undergoing significant reforms under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at addressing structural challenges that have constrained economic growth for decades. These reforms have brought difficult adjustments and genuine hardship for many Nigerians. Yet emerging improvements in economic stability, investment and fiscal resilience indicate that important foundations for recovery are being laid.
The task now is to translate these reforms into relief, growth into jobs and recovery into broad-based prosperity for all Nigerians.
Investments in roads, rail, electricity, housing, agriculture and energy are strengthening the foundations of a more productive economy. The CNG initiative, electricity reforms and renewed efforts to attract investment into the oil and gas sector also offer opportunities to reduce energy costs, stimulate industrial activity, create employment and strengthen national revenues.
But infrastructure must deliver. Electricity must become more reliable and accessable. Food must become more affordable. Businesses must be able to grow, and young Nigerians must increasingly find opportunity at home.
As we celebrate Nigeria at 66, food security must be national security. Nigeria must sustain investment in agriculture, irrigation, mechanisation, storage, processing and rural infrastructure, while creating stronger collaboration between farmers, the industry and markets. Agriculture must become not only a means of feeding the nation but a major engine of wealth creation and employment.
Our young people must remain at the centre of national development. Education, technical and vocational skills, digital technology, entrepreneurship and access to finance must continue to expand, while women, persons with disabilities, workers, farmers, small businesses and vulnerable households must remain integral to the national development agenda.
There can be no sustainable prosperity without security. We salute the men and women of the Armed Forces, police and other security agencies who continue to defend the nation. The fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other criminality must remain resolute, supported by superior intelligence, technology, effective policing and improved welfare for security personnel.
As Nigeria approaches the 2027 electoral season, we call for peaceful, issue-based and responsible democratic competition. The record of the Tinubu administration should be assessed alongside competing programmes and alternatives in an atmosphere free from violence, intimidation, ethnic incitement and religious hatred. No political contest is worth the peace, stability and unity of Nigeria.
The National Movement for Tinubu–Shettima 2027 remains firmly supportive of President Tinubu’s reform agenda and believes that continuity, stronger implementation and greater delivery are essential to consolidating the gains of the ongoing transformation.
The challenges are real. The work remains unfinished. The next phase, however, must make the benefits of reform increasingly visible in the daily lives of ordinary Nigerians.
At 66, Nigeria has every reason to believe in itself.
We have survived.
We are rebuilding.
We are moving forward.
Forward Nigeria!
Happy 66th Independence Anniversary to all Nigerians at home and abroad.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
God bless President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
God bless Vice President Kashim Shettima, GCON.
God bless all Nigerians.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Signed:
Prof. Rufa’i Ahmed Alkali
National Chairman, National Coordinating Committee
National Movement for Tinubu–Shettima 2027 – Forward Nigeria