Independence anniversary: Nigeria’s brightest days ahead – Akpabio

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has urged Nigerians to be patient and hopeful, saying that the country’s brightest days are coming soon. Akpabio said this on Sunday at the Inter-denominational Church Service held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja as part of activities to mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary.

“As we celebrate today, let us also acknowledge the challenges we face. Yes, the road ahead may be bumpy. Yes, there will be setbacks. But together, united in our faith and love for Nigeria, we will prevail.

“Our journey to become a prosperous nation is just beginning and I urge each of you to be patient, to hold on to hope and to believe that change is not only possible but inevitable.

Nigeria’s brightest days are ahead of us. Together, with unwavering belief, we will build a nation that our children and generations to come will be proud of,” Akpabio said.

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He acknowledged the indomitable spirit of Nigerians to withstand and overcome a myriad of challenges from the earliest struggles for independence to date. He said, “Undoubtedly, the Nigerian nation is defined by resilience. From our earliest struggles for independence to the challenges of modern governance, we have continually shown our indomitable spirit.

“When faced with adversity, we rise. When confronted with challenges, we unite. Today, I thank God for the Nigerian spirit that has led us through turbulent times, across our Red Seas and Jordan Rivers, over our hills and mountains and through every valley we have encountered.”

He also commended the leadership qualities of President Bola Tinubu for steering the ship of the nation towards the path of prosperity.

According to him, President Tinubu’s leadership gave the nation hope that Nigeria can and will be better and that Tinubu’s courage and dedication to Nigeria’s advancement is indeed inspirational.

He recalled some pro-development laws passed by the 10th National Assembly which were aimed at bringing renewed hope to the citizenry and fostering growth in key sectors.

The Senate president said, “As we commemorate Nigeria’s independence today, let us celebrate the achievements that have brought us this far. Every milestone we have crossed is a testament to our collective will, strength and determination as Nigerians. Our nation is in the process of a renewed hope project that is tailored to rejuvenate our economy, empower our people and lift up the most vulnerable among us.”

Earlier, the Archbishop of Abuja Methodist Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Michael Akinwale, preached a sermon of hope for the country when he spoke prophetically of seeing a dream that Nigeria would be great again and become one among the giants of nations of the world.

Also speaking, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, said the government was making huge progress in nation-building.

He listed the efforts made by the government including the Students Loans scheme, gains recorded in the battle against insecurity and the CNG initiatives.

He said, “There is hope. I have a dream too, that this country under Asiwaju is going to be the most blessed, most successful and prosperous in Africa and the world.”