Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called on Nigerians to remain hopeful and resilient as the country celebrates its 64th independence anniversary.
In a heartfelt message, Jonathan emphasized the importance of not losing hope in the vision of building a prosperous and united nation, despite the daunting challenges currently facing the country.
In his Independence Day message, delivered through his spokesman Ikechukwu Eze, Jonathan described the day as a “significant milestone” in the nation’s journey, marking over six decades since Nigeria gained independence from colonial rule.
“This period is when we remember and adore our nationalists who fought and brought an end to colonial rule,” Jonathan said, honoring the pioneers who fought for Nigeria’s freedom.
Reflecting on the nation’s history since 1960, Jonathan acknowledged the progress Nigeria has made in various sectors and the hurdles it has overcome.
He remarked, “Over time, we have indeed made modest progress in our hopes and shared dreams as citizens of our nation.”
The former president highlighted Nigeria’s 25 years of sustained democracy since the end of military rule in 1999, alongside improvements in the economy and Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He also noted the nation’s continued unity despite the challenges that test its social fabric.
However, Jonathan was candid in admitting that Nigeria still faces significant challenges. These challenges, he said, revolve around unmet goals in critical areas such as security, economic growth, national cohesion, and infrastructure development.
He added: “We still face significant challenges that test our resolve and resilience as a people. These border on our inability to meet our goals and expectations on security, economic growth, national cohesion, and general infrastructure development.”
Jonathan stressed the need to strengthen Nigeria’s institutions and democratic culture to ensure peaceful, transparent, and fair elections, which are fundamental to achieving good governance and sustainable democracy.
“For us to deepen the roots of our democracy and foster inclusive economic growth, we must strengthen our institutions and develop a good democratic culture that will support peaceful, transparent, free, and fair elections,” Jonathan remarked.
In his call for unity and inclusivity, Jonathan urged Nigerians to recommit to the principles of justice, equity, and inclusion. He emphasized the importance of harnessing Nigeria’s diversity, empowering its youth, and leveraging the country’s natural resources for collective benefit.
“As a nation, we must recommit to the principles of justice, equity, and inclusion. We must harness our diversity, tap into our youth’s potential, and leverage our natural resources for the benefit of all,” Jonathan said.
As the country marks this milestone, Jonathan encouraged Nigerians to remain steadfast in their belief in a better future. He expressed hope that with a common purpose, love, and zeal, the country can overcome its challenges and fulfill its potential.
“With a common purpose, zeal, and love for one another, we can overcome our challenges and build a prosperous nation of our collective dreams, where every citizen has equal opportunities to thrive,” he concluded.
