ABUJA/Nigeria: As Nigeria marked its 65th Independence anniversary, Senator Ned Munir Nwoko has urged citizens to embrace resilience and a renewed commitment to building a nation that transforms its vast wealth into the wellbeing of its people.
In a goodwill message titled “Nigeria @65: A Nation Rising Beyond Challenges,” the Delta North lawmaker described the country as one that has endured turbulence, survived setbacks, and continues to stand tall as Africa’s most powerful voice.
“Sixty-five years after independence, Nigeria remains a work in progress, a story of resilience, promise, and determination,” he said. “Ours is a nation that has survived turbulence, overcome setbacks, and yet continues to stand as Africa’s most powerful voice.”
He commended the strides of the present administration under the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting its efforts at restoring macroeconomic stability, curbing reckless imports through local production, expanding social interventions, and reaffirming Nigeria’s leadership on the African continent.
Nwoko also praised Vice President Kashim Shettima’s intervention at the 80th United Nations General Assembly, especially his call for a permanent African seat on the UN Security Council, sovereign debt relief, equitable access to trade and financing, fair resource ownership, and bridging the global digital divide to ensure, as Shettima put it, “AI means Africa Included.”
“These are not abstract declarations,” Nwoko emphasized. “They are the lived realities that define our struggle as a nation.”
Outlining his own legislative priorities, the senator listed justice through reparations and reconciliation, dignity through social security and education reforms, sovereignty through tackling crude oil theft and gas flaring, and opportunity through youth entrepreneurship, diaspora voting, and expansion of the digital economy.
At 65, he stressed, Nigeria must redefine itself as a nation of fulfilled potential rather than wasted opportunities.
“We must secure our communities, empower our youth, modernize our infrastructure, and build institutions that outlive individuals. We must insist that no Nigerian is left behind — not the farmer in the village, the entrepreneur in the city, or the vulnerable in need of support,” he declared.
According to him, the journey of nation-building is far from finished, but collaboration between the executive and legislature, coupled with faith among citizens and people-centered policies, could turn this decade into the defining moment when Nigeria moves from survival to greatness.
“Happy Independence Day, Nigeria. As resilience meets hope, with courage we arise stronger,” the senator concluded.
