01/10/2026
As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, we celebrate the freedom that gave us the right to call ourselves one nation, united by a shared history and a common destiny.
We are a people of many tribes, languages, cultures and religions. From one region to another, our traditions may differ, our beliefs may differ, and our ethnic identities may differ, but beneath all these differences is something that binds us together, we are Nigerians.
Our diversity is not a weakness. It is part of what makes Nigeria unique.
But this celebration must also be a moment of reflection.
We cannot celebrate our freedom and ignore the realities confronting our people. Insecurity continues to affect communities, high cost of living, and Young Nigerians are struggling to find employment and meaningful opportunities.
These challenges should not divide us. They should remind us of the responsibility we share to build a better country.
We must remember the men and women who sacrificed, struggled and worked for Nigeria's independence and for the unity of our people. Their contribution should remind us that nation building is never the responsibility of one tribe, one religion or one generation.
We inherited a Nigeria built on the hope of unity. It is our responsibility to protect and strengthen that unity.
Regardless of whether we are Christian or Muslim, Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba or any of the many ethnic groups that make up our great nation, we share the same country, the same hopes and the same future.
Let us therefore refuse to allow insecurity, hardship, unemployment or our differences to destroy the bonds that hold us together.
Let us choose understanding over division, peace over violence, unity over suspicion, and hope over despair.
Nigeria may not yet be where we want her to be, but our story is still being written.
May we honour the sacrifices of our heroes by building a country where every citizen can live with dignity, pursue opportunity, worship freely and raise their family in peace and security.
Our freedom was inherited.
Our unity must be protected.
Our future must be built together.
Happy 66th Independence Anniversary,
Nigeria. 🇳🇬