vAbuja, Nigeria – The activities commemorating Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary commenced on Sunday with an inter-denominational church service at the National Christian Centre, Abuja. The event, which attracted top government officials and dignitaries, was marked by calls for unity, hope, and a brighter future for the nation.
Leading the government’s delegation was the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume. Also in attendance were former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and the Service Chiefs, among other prominent figures.
In his address, Akume expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future under President Bola Tinubu’s leadership. He envisioned a prosperous and successful country, not only in Africa but globally.
“There is hope. I have a dream too, that this country, under Asiwaju, will become the most blessed, most successful, and prosperous in Africa and the world,” Akume said during the service.
A Message of Hope and Vision
The theme of hope was echoed by Archbishop Michael Akinwale of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, who delivered the sermon at the service. He expressed his belief in a brighter future for Nigeria, saying the nation would rise again to become a leader in industrialization and development in Africa.
“I have a dream that this nation, Nigeria, will be great again… and that Nigeria will be a pacesetter for industrialization in Africa,” Akinwale said, urging Nigerians to hold on to hope.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio also spoke at the event, encouraging patience and resilience in the face of challenges. He acknowledged the nation’s current difficulties but assured citizens that the journey to prosperity had only just begun.
“Our journey to become a prosperous nation is just beginning… Nigeria’s brightest days are ahead of us. Together, with unwavering belief, we will build a nation that our children and generations to come will be proud of,” Akpabio stated.
Calls for Unity and Inclusive Development
Meanwhile, in Enugu, Governor Peter Mbah called on Nigerians to embrace unity and work toward inclusive national economic development. Speaking during a special church service at the Government House Chapel, he described Nigeria’s 64th anniversary as a milestone and a testament to the resilience of its people.
“The message for us as a nation is to be united, to have an inclusive economic development,” Mbah said, urging citizens to support President Tinubu and other leaders in pursuing the country’s economic dreams.
Mbah emphasized the importance of innovative approaches to development, suggesting that Nigeria needs to deploy “disruptive innovation” to address some of its longstanding challenges.
A Call to Leadership
Fr. Wilfred Agubuchie, Diocesan Secretary of the Catholic Diocese of Enugu, also delivered a homily at the event, urging political and private sector leaders to use their positions for the common good. He stressed the importance of selfless leadership in driving the nation toward progress.
As Nigeria celebrates its 64th Independence Anniversary, the overarching message from its leaders is one of hope, unity, and the belief that, despite challenges, the country is on a path to greatness.