Nigeria @ 65: Oborevwori, Keyamo Call for Unity, Renewed Hope

By John Paul

As Nigeria marked her 65th Independence anniversary, voices of unity, hope, and renewed patriotism rang out across the country on Wednesday, with leaders urging Nigerians to close ranks, embrace reforms, and commit to building the nation of their dreams.

In Delta State, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori led calls for unity at a colourful ceremony held at The Cenotaph, Asaba, where military and paramilitary agencies, traditional rulers, and top government functionaries gathered to honour the occasion. Represented by his deputy, Monday Onyeme, the governor congratulated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerians, reminding them that the sacrifices of the founding fathers must not be in vain.

“I join all Nigerians to congratulate His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on this anniversary. May God continue to guide him with wisdom and strength as he leads our country through thorny roads to prosperity and enduring peace,” Oborevwori said.

He called on Deltans and Nigerians to embrace independence from ethnic rivalries, dependency, and divisive forces. “The true strength of Delta lies in its people. Independence means hard work, creativity, and unity under one banner. We reflect on our journey as a nation—the victories, the struggles, and the lessons—and we renew our commitment to the values of unity, peace, and progress,” the governor said.

Oborevwori also assured that his administration would sustain development through his M.O.R.E. Agenda, pledging improved infrastructure, healthcare, education, and digital technology, while urging critics to engage constructively. “Do not be distracted by those who parade themselves as critics but thrive on mischief. We are on the right path and with your steadfast support, we will go even further,” he said.

At the federal level, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, echoed similar sentiments of optimism in his goodwill broadcast to Nigerians. He described Nigeria’s 65th Independence as a double milestone, marking also 26 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.

“Since 1999, we have witnessed peaceful transfers of power between ruling and opposition parties, greater civic participation, and strengthening of institutions like INEC. This durability of the Fourth Republic is proof of Nigerians’ determination to preserve democracy despite challenges,” Keyamo said.

He praised Tinubu’s administration for what he called “bold economic decisions” — the removal of fuel subsidy, unification of the naira exchange rate, student loan schemes, electricity reforms, digital economy incentives, and agricultural policies to boost food security. He argued that while critics have raised concerns, they have offered no “viable alternatives” to the far-reaching reforms already underway.

“As we celebrate our country’s progress and the resilience of the Nigerian people, I urge everyone to join hands in building a brighter future for our beloved country, Nigeria,” he said.

Also lending his voice was Sunday Asuku, National Coordinator of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, who called for collective action against corruption, banditry, and insecurity. Speaking at a rally in Abuja, Asuku stressed that Nigeria could only attain greatness through unity and discipline.

“Without unity, peace, and collective action, Nigeria cannot be great. But if we can shun corruption, banditry, and insecurity, Nigeria shall be great again. On this 65th anniversary, let us support the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu. If we come together, I can bet it with you, we are going places,” he said. He paid tribute to fallen heroes and Nigeria’s founding fathers, urging citizens to honour their sacrifices by working for peace and development.