By Oluwabukunmi
As Nigeria marked its 65th Independence Anniversary on Sunday, the Federal Government appealed to citizens to remain patient and supportive of ongoing reforms under President Bola Tinubu, assuring that the policies are designed to deliver long-term transformation.
Speaking at an inter-denominational church service held at the National Ecumenical Christian Centre, Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said governance was a shared responsibility that required unity and resilience.
“Under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, our nation is undergoing bold reforms aimed not at temporary relief but at lasting transformation,” Akume said in a statement by his media aide, Yomi Odunuga.
He acknowledged the hardship currently facing Nigerians but maintained that the sacrifices would pave the way for economic renewal, stronger institutions, and improvements across food security, energy, healthcare, education, jobs, and infrastructure.
“The challenges we face today are deep-rooted, spanning decades. But this administration is determined to confront them head-on. These reforms may feel tough at the moment, but the sacrifices being made today are paving the way for a brighter tomorrow,” Akume said.
He described Independence Day as not just a commemoration of history but also a “renewal of purpose,” urging citizens to rekindle their national spirit and turn challenges into opportunities.
In a related message, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, called for unity, justice, fairness, and equity as the bedrock for Nigeria’s development. Speaking at a thanksgiving service at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Asaba, the governor said Nigeria’s survival despite daunting challenges was evidence of divine grace.
“Every citizen has a responsibility to contribute to the Nigeria of our dreams. Independence was born out of a vision of hope and sacrifice, and we must build on the legacies of our founding fathers,” Oborevwori said.
He stressed that peace was essential to progress, adding: “What we want in Delta State is peace, because development starts where peace abounds. Those of us in political leadership must always put the people’s interest first.”
Delivering his homily, the Catholic Bishop of Issele-Uku Diocese, Most Rev. Michael Elue, urged Nigerians to embrace righteousness, love, endurance, and generosity, noting that service to humanity would be the true measure of their lives before God.
