Sixty-six years after independence – which we got in 1960, we have gone through a civil war, political crises, economic hardship, insecurity, ethnic and religious tensions and many other difficult seasons, yet Nigeria is still standing. For this alone, we must give God thanks!
As my Spiritual father – Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, has repeatedly reminded us, we must continue to seek God’s face concerning the affairs of our nation, because Nigeria needs our prayers, as well as our collective action.
MY PEOPLE, this year, like previous ones, is again reminding us that we still have a long road ahead.
The kidnappings, killings and attacks that have affected communities across the country, are painful reminders that the safety of the Nigerian people must remain a national priority, which we, through our governments, must be assiduously working upon, because Uhuru looks still far away.
We cannot build a great economy when our people are afraid to travel, go to school, farm, trade or sleep peacefully in their homes. At the same time, we must be fair enough to acknowledge that there have been some improvements, reforms in efforts here and there, to attract investment and measures aimed at strengthening the economy.
On this thought, the private sector efforts – like the case of Aliko Dangoto and others, in elongating the frontiers of the Nigerian economy, despite many difficult terrains, must be applauded.
The government must make the security of lives and properties its most urgent responsibility, as provided for by the 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended. It must also create an environment where businesses can survive, young Nigerians can find meaningful opportunities and ordinary families can feel the impact of economic growth in their homes.
Nigeria has everything required to become one of the greatest nations on earth. What we need is better leadership at every level, stronger institutions, accountability, security and above all, a renewed sense of national responsibility.
We must stop seeing Nigeria only through the eyes of our ethnic groups, political parties or religious affiliations.
Let us pray for our security personnel, the professionals, the politicians [the politicians need more of our prayers so that God can touch and change their stone hearts to the heart of flesh], and every other Nigerian, as all of us work towards keeping this country together.
Let us remember the sacrifices of those who fought for our independence and those who sacrificed for democracy.
And let us commit ourselves to building a Nigeria that our children will be proud to inherit.
May God continue to protect our nation, heal our wounds, guide our leaders and give us the Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding, and Courage to build the Nigeria we all desire.
Happy 66th Independence Anniversary!
GODWIN ETAKIBUEBU (THE GURU)
VETERAN JOURNALIST AND ELDER STATESMAN
N:B
The Guru shall be discussing President Bola Tinubu’s 2026 Independence Day National Broadcast tomorrow, on this platform.