BY AHMED AKANBI
President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has congratulated Nigerians on the 66th Independence Anniversary, celebrating their resilience and urging love, unity and faith in the country’s future.
In a goodwill message released by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon Eseme Eyiboh, Akpabio described Nigeria as “our destiny, our duty, our future.”
”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,” he said.
Akpabio noted that 66 years ago, the national flag was raised to proclaim an independent Nigeria, carrying the hopes of millions for freedom, dignity of self-government and the ability to shape their own destiny.
He said that flag still flies and that promise still beckons, as he paid tribute to founding fathers and generations whose courage, labour and sacrifice made the 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,” the Senate President stated.
Akpabio admitted that Nigeria’s journey has known triumphs and trials, seasons of confidence and moments of uncertainty, but Nigerians have continued to strive, create, serve and believe.
He said the nation’s resilience is seen in the farmer tending the soil, the teacher shaping minds, the entrepreneur creating opportunities and the youth daring to dream.
According to him, Nigeria lives in its music, enterprise, hospitality and the achievements of its citizens across the world, which are daily expressions of the spirit being celebrated.
The Senate President said the country’s diversity enriches its inheritance, noting that across languages, cultures and faiths, Nigerians belong to one national family sheltered by the green-white-green.
He saluted the Armed Forces and security agencies, especially those who paid the supreme sacrifice, saying their sacrifice gives meaning to the freedom and unity being celebrated.
Akpabio assured that as President Tinubu leads the country, the National Assembly remains committed to supporting efforts that strengthen the nation and improve citizens’ lives.
He urged Nigerians to celebrate with grateful hearts, extend hands of friendship and keep faith with the possibilities ahead, praying for God’s blessing on every home and preservation of the Federal Republic.