Tinubu Leads Shettima, Others to Mark Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Anniversary

*Governors optimistic about nation’s future 

*Country doesn’t need to suffer current hardship, says PDP  APC: We’re committed to restoring Nigeria’s greatness

Our correspondents

President Bola Tinubu, yesterday, led top government officials, including Vice President Kashim Shettima and foreign diplomats, to observe a low-key, but colourful, 63rd independence anniversary of the country at the Forecourt of the State House, Abuja.
Across the states, at various events to mark the anniversary, governors expressed optimism about the future of the country.
Still in the spirit of the Independence Day, First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, pleaded with Nigerians to be patient with her husband, saying he is not a magician.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, appealed to Nigerians to moderate their expectations, because solutions to complex problems confronting the country could never be instant.

But Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said the 63rd Independence Day address by President Bola Tinubu was empty, bereft of ideas, and merely aspirational in the wrong direction, especially, in the face of the agonising experiences of citizens under the All Progressives Congress (APC) administrations.
However, APC said it remained committed to the restoration of true greatness and prosperity of the country.
The national event, which commenced about 10am, featured symbolic displays and performances by both military and civilian troupes.
Tinubu, who was the special guest of honour at the Abuja event, was ushered into the Forecourt, venue of the occasion, at 10:15am by a 14-man Scots-dressed Presidential Pipers. He immediately took the national salute after which he inspected the abridged guards on parade mounted by members of the country’s armed forces.

The highpoint of the event was the performance of some ceremonial tasks, including signing of the anniversary register, cutting the cake, and releasing white pigeons into the open air, by Tinubu, who was clad in agbada with the national colours of green and white.
Another significant event of the day was the ceremonial Change of Guards, a piece of political symbolism expressing the handover of state control from the British colonial authorities to indigenous Nigerian rule on October 1, 1960.
Other top government officials at the ceremony included President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen; Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola; National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; ministers; and National Assembly members.

There were also diplomats from various countries, including United Kingdom (UK), Morocco, India, Turkey, Burundi, Ireland, Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Argentina, Poland, South Africa, and Kenya.
Yesterday’s ceremony at the State House was the first Independence Day celebration under the leadership of Tinubu.
The event at the Forecourt replaced the regular full military parade, drills, and other supporting performances, which used to hold at the popular Eagle Square in Abuja.
After October 1, 2010, when the anniversary celebration was disrupted by bomb blasts at the Eagle Square, then President Goodluck Jonathan had marked all subsequent anniversaries under his administration at the Forecourt in the Presidential Villa.
But immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari had broken the jinx by marking the 58th independence anniversary at the Eagles Square, Abuja.

My Husband is No Magic Worker, Says Oluremi Tinubu
First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, pleaded with Nigerians to be patient with President Bola Tinubu, saying he is not a magician.
She made the appeal yesterday in her remarks as Special Guest of Honour at Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Anniversary Inter-denominational church service held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja.

The first lady said while the administration was not blaming any other government, its primary purpose was to fix what had been damaged.
She stated, “We just came back from UNGA ‘78, it was really successful for us as a nation. The world awaits Nigeria and investors in our team. We came back with good news and all we inherited are things that have happened many years ago. We are not here to put blame on any administration but to fix what is damaged.
“My husband is not a magician, he is going to work brick by brick and I believe and hope that you will have faith in this administration. The best is yet to come for us.”

Mrs Tinubu expressed gratitude to God for allowing her to celebrate the country’s Independence Day at the National Christian Centre as First lady, saying it is something no one would have ever imagined.
Describing the occasion as a testimony on its own, she said, “I bring you warm greetings from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Today, as we gather to praise and worship God, let us remember God’s faithfulness and love to us.
“These words remind us that hope is not just a phrase but a spirit that resides in each and every one of us. It is hope that transcends many challenges and uncertainties of the present.
“A hope that is deeply rooted in love and sacrifice. This is all what the love of Christ signifies. As a nation, we need to recognise that Christ, being in us, would only be exemplified by his nature or embodied in the fruit of the spirit, which is love, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, faith and neatness, against such there is no law.
“The Nigeria of abundance has begun. If we do not have hope, how do we become part of this greatness that God has started in our nation? The Bible says it is not what we see, but when we see how we hope for it.
“Our hopes and expectations will not be cut short, in Jesus name. My prayer for Nigeria is that Nigeria will rise out of the ashes of despair and despondency, in Jesus name.”

SGF: No Instant Solutions to Nation’s Complex Problems
Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, appealed to Nigerians to moderate their expectations, saying solutions to complex problems confronting the country at this time can never be instant.
Akume’s remarks were a riposte to a comments by the guest minister at the independence anniversary inter-denominational church service, President of Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Dr. Israel Akanji, that Nigerians were tired of past unfulfilled promises being rehashed again by the present administration.
Akume said Tinubu had only done four months of the 48 months mandate given to him by Nigerians on May 29, 2023 to transform the country and should be given enough time to implement his “Renewed Hope” agenda.

The SGF said, “I have listened to the very inspiring statement by the Rev Dr Israel Akanji. However, I want to observe one thing. I believe most of you listened to the broadcast of Mr President this morning. The statement of hope, not only that the major inputs in place were spelt out in that statement.
“This government was sworn in on May 29 2023. Nigerians gave President Bola Tinubu 48 months to transform Nigeria. He has done only four months. Solutions to complex problems can never be as instant and promptly in this time.”
Akume stated that the federal government was considering mass funding of vehicles that could use Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), while reforms were being made to yield greater results in the financial sector to ensure the growth of the economy on a scale that had never been known before.
He said, “The former president said it about President Tinubu, when he was then candidate. He did it in Lagos and believed very strongly that he will do it across the country. He has started and by the time the report of the CBN is out that is when Nigerians will know why we are where we are today.”

Fubara Assures Rivers People of Welfare, Security
Rivers State Governor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, assured the people of the state that his administration would not renege on its promises, particularly in terms of security of lives and the people’s welfare.
Fubara commended the security agencies for their relentless efforts in fighting crime, quelling acts that threatened the sovereignty of the country. He assured them of continued support, particularly those in Rivers State, so that they could deliver on their mandates.
The governor spoke yesterday at St Paul’s Cathedral Church, Diobu, Port Harcourt, during an interdenominational church service to mark Nigeria’s 63rd independence anniversary.
Congratulating Nigerians on their resilience in the face of odds and challenges on the journey to nationhood, Fubara said Nigerians had refused to be discouraged, but remained bonded as a nation.
Despite the various challenges, he said the country had recorded significant breakthroughs in its journey, particularly in sustaining the democratic process.
The governor charged traditional rulers to remain fathers to everybody, while exposing criminal elements in their domains as their contribution towards achieving the goal of protection of lives and property of residents of the state.

Bago: My Leadership Will Create New Niger State
Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago said his leadership would bring about a new Niger State that prioritised empowerment of the youth and women.
In a broadcast to mark the country’s independence anniversary, Bago said his administration “is  already developing the critical sectors of the state’s economy. We are building a new Niger State through renewed security strategies to ensure safety of lives and property
“Our ambitious multi-billion naira investments in urban renewal, state-of-the-art facilities for improved healthcare and education, as well as our intent to take advantage of the abundant value chain in the agricultural sector means that we are set to empower our youths and women groups for the needed development of our state.
“Our new leadership style in Niger State is a sure way to achieving our dream of a new Niger before soliciting for the support of the public for the realisation of the objectives.”
Bago reiterated the commitment of the administration to ensuring “lasting peace returns to all troubled parts of the state”.
He said the people should remain vigilant and report to the appropriate authorities any suspicious persons or movements.

Uzodimma: Nigeria’ll Become One of World’s Strongest
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State predicted that Nigeria would soon rise to become one of the strongest nations in the world.
Uzodimma called on Nigerians to persevere, strive to love the country more, and make it work for everyone.
The message was contained in the governor’s Independence Day anniversary speech delivered at the Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu Square, Owerri.
The governor stated, “The least we can do as Nigerians is to invest our faith in our country and pray fervently for her progress.
“Therefore, as we celebrate this year’s independence anniversary, we should renew faith in Nigeria. We must remain confident that this blessed country will ultimately become a great nation. I foresee a Nigeria that will sooner rather than later rise above the challenges that currently impede her march to a virile and prosperous nation.
“I see in the nearest future a new Nigeria that is the bastion of democracy, where the expectations of the majority will be met, where justice and equity shall reign, and where sustainable development shall be taken for granted.
“Yes, I am convinced that Nigeria will surely rise to become one of the strongest nations in the world. I call on all Nigerians to remain optimistic that it shall be well with our country.”

Alia Appeals to NLC, TUC to Reconsider Strike
Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, appealed to the leadership of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) to reconsider their actions for a planned nationwide industrial action, now suspended, by exercising more patience, as the government was working round the clock to meet their demands.
Alia said although his administration did not consider regular payment of pensions, gratuity, and public workers’ salaries as achievement, it was more determined to sustain the practice, stabilising the welfare package of the workforce.
He said his administration would not deploy propaganda and political blackmail in governance, but instead, allow its achievements in office speak.
The governor stated that the government under his watch had left the door open for innovative ideas and constructive criticisms, adding that corruption and nepotism are already being relegated, especially as the administration is poised to foist the flags of merit, equity, equality, justice and fairness in all its dealings.
Appreciating the people of the state for believing and standing by him to deliver good governance, the governor equally saluted the people, who made the country’s independence possible, thanking God for keeping the country together, despite some events that have threatened peaceful coexistence.

Otti Blames Leaders for Nigeria’s Slow March to Devt
Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, blamed the country’s leaders for Nigeria’s inability to reach the height expected of it at independence 63 years ago.
Speaking at the Independence Day parade held at Government House, Umuahia, Otti said he was of the opinion that the journey to development had been slow. He added that aside from the leadership issue, many other factors had also combined to weigh the country down and slow the pace of development
The governor stated, “The desperation for power, unending pillaging of public resources and the worrisome refusal to see the bigger picture boils down to greed and the ungodly urge to think only of ourselves.

“Corruption and the abuse of resources that have combined to cripple several state institutions in the country are manifest products of greed, which, for me, represent an unhealthy desire to acquire everything for oneself without minding what happens afterwards to other people.”
Otti said despite the drawbacks that Nigeria had experienced since independence, the situation was not “completely irredeemable,” saying the country can still make a fresh start.
He said October 1, 2023 represented “a great day to begin on a new path towards national rebirth.
“At any rate, we must refuse to be misled into thinking that change can just happen by merely wishing. A desire for change must match with appropriate commitment, a clear sense of responsibility and an understanding of the quantum of sacrifice required to turn things around.”

Mohammed Urges Nigerians to Re-dedicate Selves to Development
Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, appealed to Nigerians to re-dedicate themselves to the development of the country by being patriotic and praying to God to shower His mercy and blessings on the country in order for peace to thrive.

According to Mohammed, in his independence address in Bauchi, “The 63rd Independence anniversary should be used to reflect on the struggle and sacrifice of the founding fathers of this great country and also strive to ensure that their labour shall not be in vain. It is gratifying to note that 63 years after independence, we have belied the scepticism on our ability to govern ourselves.  
“Today, we have shown to the world that, against all odds, we are not only able to govern ourselves, but are able to understand our differences, respect each other’s values and unite towards developing our country, despite our diverse cultures.

“Like many other countries, however, Nigeria has in the process of its growth experienced a lot of turbulence in its 63 years of existence as an independent country. We suffered serious setbacks in the political arena, which seriously affected our political and economic growth. The long period of military involvement in the political spectrum of our country had seriously retarded the evolution of democracy and its inherent benefits.”
The governor added, “It is, however, gladdening that today democracy has found its roots in the country. The dividends of democracy are manifest and the citizens are happy. We, in Bauchi State, have taken a multi-dimensional approach to all the developmental projects, which resulted in success all round, particularly in infrastructural development.
“Having been granted another mandate by the good people of Bauchi State to run the affairs of the state for another four years, I want to assure you that we will redouble our effort and work harder to provide more dividends of democracy than we did during our first term.”

Obaseki Applauds Edo’s Resilience Amid Hardship
Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, commended the “resilience and indefatigable” spirit of the people of the state and Nigerians, who in the face of the current economic realities in the country, had continued to keep hope alive as they struggled to earn a living daily.
Obaseki, in a statement to commemorate Nigeria’s 63rd Independence anniversary, urged the people to continue to pray and work in unity to overcome the country’s present economic challenges.
The governor stated, “My dear good people of Edo State, today is a day of reflection; a moment to pause and ponder on our collective journey as a people and nation, celebrate our achievements, acknowledge our challenges, and reaffirm our commitment towards ensuring a more united, progressive and prosperous Nigeria.

“Ours is a story of courage, resilience, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of a people. Our founding fathers, driven by a vision of unity and shared prosperity, fought tirelessly to lay the foundation of our dear nation, liberating us from the shackles of colonialism and instituting our long march to nationhood and greatness.
“Despite the successes so far recorded in these past 63 years, we yet grapple with multiple challenges occasioned by economic, security, political and ethnic pressures. However, our enduring faith and belief in the unity and progress of our country have endured, keeping us together as one nation.
“I must commend the dogged and indefatigable spirit of our people, who in the face of many daunting difficulties continue to slug it out daily to earn a living, especially amid the current economic realities.”

Sule Reviews Civil Servants’ Vehicle Loan to N50m
Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, yesterday, approved an upward review of the vehicle and furniture revolving loan to civil servants in the state from N10 million to N50 million.
The upward review of the revolving loan, according to the governor, “is in order to allow for wider participation and to enhance the purchasing power of the beneficiaries”.

Sule made the assertions in his address on Sunday to mark Nigeria’s 63rd independence anniversary and Nasarawa’s 27th anniversary.
The governor added that his administration had recently absorbed and issued permanent and pensionable appointments to about 1,000 workers, who had been engaged on casual basis since creation of the state.
He stated, “In our determination to improve the living standard of our people, government restored the 100 per cent payment of monthly pension to the state retirees. This course of action has transformed the living condition of our retirees in the state.
“Government also addressed the percentage payment of pension and salaries of local government employees. As at today, we have stabilised the payment of salaries of workers and pension of local government retirees at 100 per cent.”

Akeredolu, APC Seek Concerted Effort to Rebuild Nigeria
Ondo State Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), and the state chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) called on Nigerians to unite with the country’s leadership in the task of rebuilding the country towards peace, progress, and development.
Akeredolu, in his 63rd Independence Anniversary message, signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde, stressed that now was the time for Nigerians to demonstrate their dedication to national development and nation-building. He described the country’s diversity as a strength, saying Nigeria must purposefully leverage its diversity for growth and development.
The governor expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to overcome the current socio-economic difficulties and emerge more prosperous and stronger. He pointed that the challenges stemming from the removal of the fuel subsidy should not erode the country’s collective trust, but reinforce the people’s belief in Nigeria’s promising future.

Akeredolu emphasised the importance of consciously upholding the principles of national unity and nation-building as a pathway to peace and prosperity.
He stated, “Despite today’s challenges, our hope and trust must remain unshaken. Our journey towards a prosperous and secure future has just begun. We must continually interrogate every issue that hinders the development and greatness of our beloved nation.
“We will persist in our efforts to foster true federalism. We must be dedicated to addressing the root causes of our national issues. The welfare of our people should accelerate our resolve for development.”
APC in the state, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Alex Kalejaiye, urged Nigerians to be optimistic about the future of the country, saying the current economic situation would soon end in joy.

Adeleke Calls For Prayer, Unity
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, called on Nigerians to pray for the continuous peace and prosperity of the country.
Adeleke, while acknowledging the unfavourable prevailing economic and security situation across the country, urged all political, religious, traditional and business leaders to unite purposely to find lasting solutions in line with the vision of the past heroes, who fought hard for national independence.
The governor said, in his independence speech, “We are currently in a difficult situation. The precarious economic situation is affecting everyone. This is our reality, and we must face it. As leaders, we must collaborate to find lasting solutions, irrespective of our cultural, religious, political, and social affiliations.
“We must also seek divine intervention from God, I believe in prayer, so, I will always urge us to continue to pray.

“We must look back to find the purpose behind the vision of our founding fathers, who fought for our independence. The leaders must be committed to the progress of our society, and the followers must be responsible to hold the leaders accountable. We must all play our roles for the sake of prosperity.
“As the governor of the people, I have enshrined the culture of transparency and accountability in the governance of the affairs of Osun State. I have assembled a strong team of professionals from different fields.
“In fulfilment of my open governance agenda, I will be hosting the first edition of IPADE IMOLE in the coming days.”

Yusuf: Nigeria Ought to Be Better, Urges Sobriety
Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf described the country’s independence as a period for sober reflection to reconnect with history, assess the present, and make plans for the future and better Nigeria.
Speaking at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Yusuf saluted the resilience of the country’s past leaders, who vigorously fought for independence, saying Nigeria ought to be better than it currently is.
He said though, since independence, Nigeria had recorded significant progress, it ought to have done much better, considering the effort of its founding fathers, who laid a solid foundation on the principles of fairness, equity, justice and progress.

Yusuf stated, “At this moment of reflection, we must recognise and salute the efforts of all our previous leaders that contributed their quota in keeping our country united and catalysing our development to where we are today. It is only rational to also recognise that arising from some policy choices of some of our past leaders, our development and growth ought to have gone beyond where we are today.
“Our cohesion and unity ought to have been stronger than what it is today. Our security and stability ought to have been better than what it is today.”
The governor urged the three tiers of government to provide a level playing ground for the youth, who made up more than half of the population.

Jonathan: It’s Time for Reflection, Commends Nigerians
Former President, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, commended Nigerians for their steadfastness and loyalty to the country, in the face of the modest successes recorded and the development challenges the country had faced since independence.
In statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan encouraged Nigerians not to despair but remain committed to the task of charting a more progressive path for a greater tomorrow.

While noting that the anniversary offered citizens and leaders of the country an opportunity to reflect on the journey to nationhood since independence, Jonathan said, “It is now 63 years since our dear country got her independence from Britain.
“This commemoration offers us the opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s great journey of nationhood; acclaim our modest strides, reassess the odds we survived, chart a path out of present challenges, and renew our hopes for a greater tomorrow.
“Our country has seen progress as well as setbacks. Patriotic Nigerians, believing in their country, have always stood firm, sharing in the glory of successes and feeling the pain of missed opportunities.”

Kingibe Commends Nigerians’ Resilience
The senator for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Senator Ireti Kingibe, celebrated Nigerians for their ability to whether the storms of adversity in the journey of nationhood.
Kingibe noted in her Independence Day message that only a few nations could withstand the kind of pressures, crises, and challenges Nigeria had faced since 1960 and still remain one corporate entity.
She said it was remarkable that despite a regrettable civil war, which raged for over three years, and a plethora of religious communal and conflicts, successive generations of Nigerians had ensured that the dream of the country’s founding fathers to bequeath to posterity one nation bound together by the ideals of unity, peace, tolerance and respect for law and due process, remained on course.
Kingibe stated, “Over the course of the last six decades, we have had challenges that would have splintered or perhaps even obliterated other nations. Indeed, we are witnesses to the fact that many nations, which thrived at the turn of the 20th century, have disappeared off the map of the world to be replaced by small and less cohesive entities.”

APC: We’re Committed to Restoring Nation’s Greatness
The governing All Progressives Congress (APC) said it remained committed to the restoration of the country’s true greatness and prosperity.
National Publicity Secretary of APC, Felix Morka, in a statement, commended the heroism of the founding fathers, who fought valiantly for the independence of the great country.
The party also paid tribute to members of the armed forces for their many sacrifices in defence of the unity and territorial integrity of the country.
The statement said, “We proudly celebrate 63 years of patriotism, bold strides, and resilience of our people, who have continued to achieve remarkable excellence in all spheres of human endeavour at home and abroad.

“In spite of apparent challenges and missed opportunities, our dear country continues to soldier on and remains a beacon of hope of the black race. We urge all Nigerians to join hands with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration as it continues to deepen our democracy, harness our abundant human and natural resources, and unleash our transformative potential.
“As espoused in President Tinubu’s 63rd Independence Day address to Nigerians, our commitment to the welfare and safety of citizens as well as the development of the country is resolute. The bold and determined reforms that are now underway will inure to the improvement of the living conditions of all Nigerians and reaffirm our pride of place in the comity of nations.
“Nigerians deserve the good life, and we remain committed to the restoration of our true greatness and prosperity as a nation.”

PDP: Nigerians Need Not Pass Through This Hardship
Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), yesterday, asserted that the 63rd Independence Day address by President Bola Tinubu was empty and merely aspirational in the wrong direction, despite the “harrowing and life-discounting experiences” of Nigerians under the APC administration.
In a statement by National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Debo Ologunagba, the party said Tinubu’s admission in his speech that his administration was responsible for the current excruciating hardship in the country validated PDP’s position that his government lacked the competence, capacity, required skills and humaneness to effectively run the affairs of the country.

PDP insisted that Nigerians did not need to pass through agonising hardship, as being excused by Tinubu, if the country was run by a government that had the required vision and skills to harness and manage the abundant economic potential, national comparative advantage, and expanded value chain that abound in the country’s vast but dormant productive sector.
The party stated, “The expectation of Nigerians on a day like this was for a presidential speech that will provide concrete solution to critical challenges of the nation, including security as well as the crisis in the electricity and petroleum sectors. Indeed, any serious government with requisite capacity and vision will set a Marshall Plan on every critical sector, which have capacity to galvanise and stimulate the economy through job creation.
“Our party holds that the manifest non-preparedness and hasty implementation of ill-planned policies by the current APC administration triggered a catastrophic economic failure with unprecedented crippling effect on the productive sector and agonising hardship on Nigerians.”

‘Tinubu’s Independence Day Speech Filled with Lies’

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, described the speech delivered by President Bola Tinubu as insipid, uninspiring, and empty, adding that it exudes renewed hopelessness.

Shaibu said, in a statement, that Tinubu had failed to increase the minimum wage after decimating the naira and removing petrol subsidy, which ultimately pushed inflation to over 25 per cent.

He said, “Many workers were hopeful that minimum wage would be announced today. However, what Tinubu decided to do was to add an allowance of N25, 000 ($25) to the lowest paid workers for six months only. This is a man, who is not in sync with the current realities that the people are living in.

“He claimed he refused to increase the minimum wage in order not to worsen the inflation rate. If he cared so much about the inflation rate, he ought to have planned properly before removing the petrol subsidy and forced the central bank to embark on a failed exchange rate unification policy, which has not been backed by a corresponding boost in exports.”

AAAN Releases Unity Song to Mark Independence Day

Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN) extolled the qualities of the Nigerian people in a newly released afrobeats solo track produced to mark the country’s 63rd independence anniversary.

In a statement issued on Friday by AAAN, the association’s President, Mr Steve Babaeko, felicitated with Nigerians on the landmark celebration, adding that the special occasion offers an opportunity for all Nigerians to reflect on the collective challenges and successes Nigeria has witnessed as a united entity.

Babaeko explained that the solo track was aimed at fostering unity among Nigerians through the powerful melody of music, which celebrated the enviable achievements and unique qualities that made Nigerians stand out in their respective endeavours.

He stated, “As Nigeria marks her 63rd anniversary, we congratulate and celebrate with all Nigerians on this special occasion. Without a doubt, this anniversary comes at a time when the country is bedevilled with a myriad of challenges, which threaten to divide our heterogeneous nationhood.

“However, we need to be united on all fronts, because we are better and stronger as a united entity. As communicators, we recognise the endearing power of music, which is why we are glad to announce that we are releasing a unity song, an unofficial Naija anthem titled Naija No Dey Carry Last. This song aims to celebrate our collective triumphs and resilient spirit.”

‘Tinubu’s Speech Fails to Address Current Hardship’

The Youth Party said President Bola Tinubu’s Independence Day speech failed to address the current hardship being experienced by Nigerians.

Speaking ahead of the indefinite strike by the organised labour, which had now been suspended, the Youth Party accused the federal government of applying a slow and unserious cosmetic “rice sharing” approach to a situation that demands a robust sustainable economic solution.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Ayodele Adio, the party said the speech also failed to appeal to NLC to call off the impending strike or state quantifiable and time bound interventions that could address the current hardship faced by Nigerians.

According to the party, Tinubu’s administration removed petrol subsidy without any plan to protect the young, poor and vulnerable from the economic impact. It noted that despite the increase in the monthly revenue of the government since June, it had not translated into any serious effort towards an affordable public transport, education or public health systems for the masses.