As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence Anniversary, the Southern Senators Forum and Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan of Kogi Central have paid glowing tributes to the resilience and steadfastness of Nigerians, while calling for unity and renewed commitment to national progress.
Chairman of the Southern Senators Forum, Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru (Lagos East), in a goodwill message on behalf of his colleagues, urged citizens to view the nation’s diversity as a source of strength rather than division.
He called on Nigerians to resist divisive tendencies and embrace collective responsibility in building a more united and prosperous country.
Abiru, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Other Financial Institutions, applauded the bold reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, noting that they are already beginning to yield positive outcomes.
“Today, as we mark the 65th Independence Anniversary of our beloved nation, I join millions of compatriots in celebrating Nigeria’s resilience and enduring spirit.
“Despite the economic, social, and political hurdles before us, our dear nation remains a beacon of hope on the African continent,” Abiru said.
He stressed that the administration’s economic reforms, including the harmonization of the foreign exchange market, had helped to curb spiraling inflation, restore investor confidence, and lay the foundation for sustainable economic growth.
He said, “This is not the time to give up on Nigeria. It is precisely at moments like this that our unity, resilience, and patriotism matter most.
“With determination and a shared sense of purpose, I am confident that we will emerge as a stronger and more prosperous nation, not just for ourselves, but for generations to come,” he added.
In a separate Independence Day message, Senator Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan of Kogi Central urged Nigerians to honour the sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers by recommitting to the ideals of justice, equity, and unity.
She described Independence Day as both a celebration of nationhood and a reminder of the unbreakable spirit of Nigerians, who have weathered decades of challenges with courage and resilience.
“Independence Day is more than a date etched in history. It is a reminder of the sacrifices of our founding fathers and mothers, those who dared to dream of a sovereign nation where freedom, justice, and unity would define our collective destiny,” she said.
While acknowledging current economic hardships, insecurity, and social inequality, Akpoti Uduaghan stressed that Nigeria also stands tall with stories of innovation, entrepreneurship, and global cultural impact.
She called for collective responsibility to build a nation that reflects the vision of its heroes.
“To embrace the present is to acknowledge both our challenges and our triumphs. The Nigeria our heroes envisioned is not one divided by ethnicity, religion, or politics, but one united by shared values of justice, equity, and prosperity,” she said.
