As Nigeria marks its 66th Independence Anniversary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau and Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele have called for national unity, renewed faith in the country and peaceful political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In separate Independence Day messages on Thursday, the three leaders urged Nigerians to preserve the nation’s unity, support efforts to strengthen the economy and security, and uphold democratic values.
Akpabio, in a message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, described Nigeria as “our destiny, our duty, our future,” urging citizens to celebrate the resilience of Nigerians and remain committed to building a better country.
He said Nigeria’s 66-year journey had witnessed “triumphs and trials” but noted that Nigerians had continued to strive, create and believe in the country’s future.
The Senate President also paid tribute to members of the Armed Forces and security agencies who had sacrificed their lives in service to the nation, while urging Nigerians to embrace the country’s diversity.
“Let this anniversary renew our affection for one another and remind us that the green-white-green shelters us all,” Akpabio said.
Barau, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ismail Mudashir, urged Nigerians to renew their faith in the Nigerian project and support efforts to build a stronger, more prosperous and secure nation.
He said Nigeria had made significant progress since independence despite its challenges, adding that unity, resilience and collective effort would help the country overcome its difficulties.
The Deputy Senate President also said the National Assembly would continue to provide legislative support for economic growth and improved security, including through the proposed State Police Bill currently before state Houses of Assembly.
On his part, Bamidele called on political parties and candidates to conduct their campaigns peacefully and in strict compliance with the Electoral Act, 2026 and the Constitution.
The Senate Leader warned against hate speech and inflammatory statements capable of triggering political unrest and ethno-religious tensions ahead of the 2027 elections.
“No ambition is worth setting the nation ablaze,” Bamidele said, urging political actors to pursue their aspirations with “decorum, patriotism and utmost restraint.”
The lawmakers’ messages came as the country marked 66 years of independence, with renewed calls for Nigerians and political leaders to protect national unity and work towards a peaceful and prosperous future.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen has congratulated citizens as Nigeria marks her 61st Independence Anniversary on Thursday, urging them not to lose hope in their country.
Speaker Abbas, in his congratulatory message to Nigerians on the occasion, noted that the country is maturing politically, socially and economically as a nation, adding that democracy now thrives in the most populous black nation.
The Speaker emphasised the role of patriotism, peace, and unity in nation-building, stating that Nigerians must collectively work for the development, growth, and prosperity of the country.
While urging continued prayers and support for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Speaker Abbas pointed out that nationhood is beyond politics, political affiliations, and ethno-religious factors.
He, therefore, called for public reorientation towards national rebirth, stressing that Nigerians must love their country and be committed to its advancement.
The Speaker wished Nigerians happy celebrations.
Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, has felicitated Nigerians on the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary, celebrating the resilience, courage and enduring hope that bind the nation together.
The Minister noted that the anniversary provided an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s journey, shared identity and the possibilities ahead.
“Today, I celebrate the Nigerian spirit, our strength, our courage and the enduring hope that unites us as a nation,” she said.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim described Independence Day as a celebration of the country’s collective journey and identity, with a renewed focus on building a prosperous future for generations to come.
“Independence Day is a celebration of our journey, our shared identity and the tremendous possibilities that lie ahead as we continue to build a more prosperous Nigeria for generations to come,” the Minister explained
She highlighted the strength of Nigerian women, the promise of children and the dedication of families and communities across the country, describing them as sources of inspiration.
“As Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, I remain inspired by the remarkable strength of our women, the promise of our children, and the dedication of families and communities across our great nation,” Sulaiman-Ibrahim stated.
The Minister therefore called for sustained efforts to create opportunities that would enable women, children and families to thrive, contribute and realise their potential.
“Together, let us continue to nurture a Nigeria where every woman, every child and every family is empowered with opportunities to thrive, contribute and fulfil their potential.” She emphasised.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim urged Nigerians to sustain the values of unity, patriotism and collective hope as the country looks towards a brighter future.
“Happy Independence Day, Nigeria, and may our unity, patriotism and collective hope continue to inspire a brighter future for our nation.” The Minister added.
Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960, and is marking its 66th anniversary in 2026 under the theme, “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity.”
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, says Nigeria is on the path to becoming a stronger and more prosperous nation as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
Yilwatda, in an Independence Day message, said the country’s journey since independence had been marked by challenges but also by resilience, unity and an enduring belief in Nigeria’s potential.
He said the administration of President Bola Tinubu inherited a difficult economic situation and had embarked on major reforms, including the removal of the petrol subsidy, foreign-exchange reforms, measures to improve domestic revenue mobilisation, and monetary and fiscal policy changes.
According to Yilwatda, the reforms have imposed significant short-term sacrifices on Nigerians but are beginning to produce measurable signs of macroeconomic stabilisation.
He cited World Bank figures indicating that Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 4.2 per cent in the first half of 2026, while the country’s gross foreign-exchange reserves stood at $51.9 billion at the end of July 2026.
The APC chairman also pointed to developments in the energy sector, investment, the digital economy and social protection as signs that the reform programme is moving beyond economic stabilisation towards structural transformation.
“We acknowledge the progress that has been recorded and, more importantly, recognise that the work is not finished. Economic stabilisation will now translate more rapidly into improved household incomes, employment, food security and greater opportunities for our people,” he said.
Yilwatda said the ultimate goal of the reforms should be an economy capable of creating jobs, expanding opportunities for young Nigerians, supporting businesses, improving infrastructure and raising the standard of living.
He stressed that democracy must ultimately translate into improved living conditions for citizens, adding that political leadership should remain accountable to the people.
The APC national chairman also urged Nigerians to actively participate in the democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He called on citizens to assess the records, policies, programmes and plans of political parties and candidates before making their choices at the polls.
Yilwatda said Nigeria possesses the human resources, natural resources and entrepreneurial energy needed to build a stronger and more prosperous country.
He pledged that the APC would continue to work with the Federal Government, state governments, elected representatives and Nigerians across the country to consolidate what he described as the gains of the ongoing reforms.
“On this 66th Independence Anniversary, let us celebrate Nigeria, believe in Nigeria and continue to work together for the Nigeria we all desire. Our best days are still ahead of us,” he said.
“The task before us is to ensure that the reforms and sacrifices of today translate into lasting prosperity and opportunity for generations yet unborn.” The party’s National Chairman said.
