As the nation marks its 65th year of sovereignty, a poignant message of reflection, resilience, and resolve has been issued, calling on Nigerians to harness the lessons of history and the energy of the present to build a future worthy of its founding ideals. In a comprehensive Independence Day statement, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) articulated a vision that moves beyond ceremonial remembrance to a clarion call for collective action.
The statement, titled “Honour the Past, Embrace the Present, and March Towards the Nigeria Our Heroes Envisioned,” delves into the multifaceted journey of Africa’s most populous nation, acknowledging its struggles while steadfastly championing its unyielding potential.
Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan began by framing Independence Day as more than a historical date, but as a living testament to the courage of Nigeria’s founding generation. “The freedom we commemorate today was not a gift; it was a hard-won prize, purchased with the sweat, toil, and blood of men and women who dared to imagine a flag of their own,” she stated. “We remember the diplomatic finesse of the Ziks, the fierce advocacy of the Awosanis, the visionary leadership of the Sardaunas, and the grassroots mobilisation of countless unnamed heroes. Their dream was not merely of a geographic entity called Nigeria, but of a sovereign nation where the principles of freedom, justice, and unity would be the bedrock of our collective destiny.” She emphasized that the most profound way to honour this legacy is not through speeches and parades alone, but through a deliberate commitment to resurrecting and realizing their original vision—a nation where every citizen, regardless of origin or creed, has an equal stake in the Nigerian project.
In a candid assessment of the contemporary landscape, the Senator acknowledged the significant headwinds facing the nation. “To embrace the present is to look reality in the eye. We stand at a critical crossroads, navigating economic headwinds that squeeze family budgets, confronting security challenges that threaten our peace, and grappling with social inequalities that hinder the potential of millions.” However, she was quick to pivot from these challenges to the undeniable triumphs of the Nigerian spirit. “Yet, it is in this very crucible of difficulty that the mettle of our people shines brightest. Look around you: our young tech entrepreneurs are not just solving local problems but are building unicorns that command global respect. In the face of adversity, our farmers remain the steadfast backbone of our nation, feeding a population of over 200 million. Our artists, musicians, and filmmakers have become cultural ambassadors, redefining the African narrative on the world stage.” This segment of her address served as a powerful reminder that the narrative of Nigeria is not a single story of hardship, but a dual tale of daunting challenges being met with extraordinary innovation and resilience. “The present is not just a time to endure; it is the active workshop where we are crafting the legacy we will bequeath to our children. We must recognize its power and our own.”
Looking ahead, Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan articulated the path forward as one requiring renewed determination and collective will. “The Nigeria our heroes envisioned was not one balkanized by ethnic suspicion, religious intolerance, or political divisiveness. It was one united by the shared values of justice, equity, and prosperity for all.” She outlined the prerequisites for this march: “Building this Nigeria is our generational task. It demands a government that is truly accountable and transparent to its people. It requires a citizenry that moves beyond criticism to active, constructive participation in nation-building. Most critically, it needs a leadership at all levels—from the community to the national stage—that is rooted not in self-interest, but in service, integrity, and a profound love for country.” “Sixty-five years on, the assignment is clear,” she continued. “We must convert our vast potential—our youthful population, our abundant natural resources, our creative energy—into tangible progress in the lives of every Nigerian. We must build an economy that works for the market woman in Onitsha as much as for the executive in Lagos. We must ensure that no Nigerian is left behind on the basis of their postcode or pedigree.”
Concluding on a note of defiant optimism, the Senator rallied Nigerians to a shared purpose. “Today, as we celebrate the green-white-green, let us do more than reminisce about how far we have come. Let us commit with one voice and one heart to the brighter future we are determined to build together. The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. Let this 65th anniversary be the step where we, as a people, choose to truly honour our past, embrace the power of our present, and march with unwavering hope towards the Nigeria our heroes envisioned.”
The statement has resonated widely across social media and political circles, sparking conversations about national identity and the shared responsibility of forging a better future.
Happy 65th Independence Day, Nigeria.
