President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and united as the country prepares to mark its 66th Independence Day anniversary on October 1st.
The President gave the message on Friday during a special Jumat prayer held at the National Mosque in Abuja as part of activities lined up to commemorate the nation’s independence.
President Tinubu, who was represented at the prayer session by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, said Nigeria has come a long way since independence and has every reason to be optimistic about its future.
He noted that despite the socio-economic and security challenges confronting the nation, the resilience, creativity and patriotism of Nigerians remain the greatest assets for national transformation.
The President said his administration is aware of the pains and sacrifices Nigerians are making as a result of ongoing economic reforms, but assured that the reforms are designed to lay a solid foundation for sustainable growth and prosperity.
He explained that the removal of fuel subsidy, unification of foreign exchange rates and other tough decisions were necessary to save the economy from collapse and to redirect resources to critical sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure and agriculture.
President Tinubu said early signs of recovery are already emerging, with improved revenue, increased investment in infrastructure and renewed investor confidence in the Nigerian economy.
He therefore appealed to citizens to continue to support government reforms and remain committed to the country’s democratic process, stressing that democracy remains the best pathway for national development.
According to him, national development cannot be achieved without the collective support of all citizens, regardless of religious, ethnic or political differences.
The President also called on religious leaders across the country to continue to preach peace, tolerance and unity, and to pray for the success of his administration and for the continued peace and stability of Nigeria.
He said the 66th Independence anniversary is not just a celebration of the past, but a call to reflect on the future and to renew commitment to building a Nigeria that works for all.
In his sermon, the Chief Imam of the National Mosque prayed for President Tinubu, the National Assembly, the judiciary and all leaders at various levels, asking Almighty Allah to grant them wisdom and guidance to lead the country aright.
The Imam also prayed for peace, security and economic prosperity, and for the repose of the souls of the nation’s founding fathers who laboured to secure independence for the country.
Dignitaries at the Jumat prayer included members of the National Assembly, Ministers, top government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and Muslim faithful from across the Federal Capital Territory.
The Independence anniversary activities are expected to continue with an interdenominational church service on Sunday, while President Tinubu will address the nation on October 1st.
