The President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has paid tribute to Nigeria’s founding fathers and fallen heroes, acknowledging their courage, labour and sacrifices in building and defending the country.
Akpabio, in a goodwill message issued on Wednesday by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh, to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, also urged Nigerians to sustain the values of love, unity and patriotism.
He said: “Sixty-six years ago, our national flag rose to proclaim the birth of an independent Nigeria. With it rose the hopes of millions: the hope of freedom, the dignity of self-government and the conviction that we could shape our own destiny. That flag still flies, and that promise still calls us forward.
“We honour our founding fathers and the generations whose courage, labour and sacrifice made this anniversary possible. They handed us a country to cherish and a future to build. May we prove worthy of their faith, and may our children inherit a Nigeria greater than the one entrusted to us.”
The Senate President also paid tribute to members of the Armed Forces and security agencies who lost their lives defending the country, saying their sacrifices gave meaning to Nigeria’s freedom and unity.
He said: “We salute our Armed Forces and security agencies, especially those whose lives were given in service to our country. We remember their families with gratitude and honour. Their sacrifice gives solemn meaning to the freedom and unity we celebrate.”
Akpabio said Nigeria’s 66-year journey had been marked by both achievements and challenges, but commended citizens for remaining resilient through difficult periods.
He said Nigeria’s “journey has known triumphs and trials, seasons of confidence and moments of uncertainty.”
“Yet through them all, Nigerians have continued to strive, create, serve and believe. We celebrate that resilience today: the strength of a people whose hopes have survived every storm.”
The former governor further urged Nigerians to strengthen national unity, saying the country’s diversity should remain a source of strength.
He said: “Our diversity enriches this inheritance. Across languages, cultures and faiths, we belong to one national family. Let this anniversary renew our affection for one another and remind us that the green-white-green shelters us all. The peace we preserve together is the foundation of the future we seek.”
On the role of the National Assembly under President Bola Tinubu, Akpabio said lawmakers would continue to support measures aimed at strengthening the country and improving the lives of Nigerians.
He said, “As President Tinubu leads our country through this chapter, the National Assembly remains committed to supporting efforts that strengthen our nation and improve our people’s lives.”
“This anniversary renews our shared resolve to serve Nigeria with integrity, compassion and devotion.
“Fellow Nigerians, independence is an inheritance renewed by every generation. Let us celebrate with grateful hearts, extend hands of friendship and keep faith with the possibilities before us. Our past gives us perspective, our present gives us responsibility, and our future gives us purpose. Together, let us carry its promise into the future.”