Nigeria at 66: Pro- Tinubu group urges patience, unity, faith in Nigeria’s future

The PBAT Door-to-Door Movement has congratulated Nigerians at home and abroad on the occasion of the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary, urging citizens to remain patient, united and committed to the Nigerian project as the nation continues to navigate economic reforms and institutional changes.

In a statement issued to journalists on Thursday, the National Coordinator of the movement, Comrade Sunday Adekanbi Asuku, said the anniversary provided an opportunity not only to celebrate Nigeria’s resilience but also to reflect on the sacrifices of the nation’s founding fathers and the responsibility of the present generation to build a more prosperous and united country. Blueprint reports

Asuku urges patience with reforms

Asuku said the challenges confronting the country should not diminish citizens’ confidence in Nigeria’s enormous potential, stressing that sustainable national development requires patience, consistency and collective commitment.

He noted that nations do not transform overnight, adding that rebuilding an economy, strengthening institutions and creating sustainable opportunities require time, sacrifice and deliberate efforts from both government and citizens.

“Nothing good comes easy. Nation-building is a process that requires patience, sacrifice and consistency. We must remain committed to the Nigerian project even as we demand accountability and better performance from those entrusted with public responsibility,” he said.

The National Coordinator acknowledged that the economic reforms introduced by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, including the removal of fuel subsidy and other major policy changes, have created difficulties for many households and businesses.

He, however, urged Nigerians to consider the reforms within the broader objective of creating a more sustainable economic foundation, while encouraging the government to remain sensitive to the hardship being experienced by citizens.

Movement seeks tangible benefits for Nigerians

According to Asuku, the Federal Government has outlined measures aimed at moving the country from the current phase of economic adjustment towards greater stability and shared prosperity, with emphasis on infrastructure, agriculture, education, investment, job creation and human-capital development.

He said the success of the reform process would ultimately be measured by its impact on ordinary Nigerians, particularly through improved living standards, employment opportunities, access to basic services and stronger economic opportunities.

“As Nigerians, we must understand that rebuilding a nation is a process. We may disagree on policies, we may demand better performance from our leaders, and we must continue to hold government accountable, but we should not lose faith in Nigeria or allow our present difficulties to make us abandon the hope of a better future,” Asuku said.

He therefore urged the Federal Government to sustain efforts to cushion the effects of economic hardship while ensuring that the benefits of reforms eventually translate into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.

Nigeria’s diversity must remain a strength

Asuku also called on Nigerians to strengthen national unity and constructive democratic engagement, stressing that criticism and accountability remain essential components of democracy.

He said the country’s ethnic, religious and regional diversity should be regarded as an asset rather than a source of division, noting that sustainable development would be difficult to achieve where citizens allow sectional interests to undermine the national interest.

“On this Independence Day, we must choose hope over despair, unity over division and constructive engagement over bitterness. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and the responsibility for building the country we desire cannot be placed entirely on government.

“Citizens, businesses, civil society, professionals, religious institutions and community leaders all have important roles to play,” he stated.

The National Coordinator said Nigerians also had a responsibility to contribute to nation-building through responsible citizenship, peaceful coexistence, productive enterprise and participation in democratic processes.

Nigerians’ resilience celebrated

The movement commended Nigerians for their resilience in the face of the country’s economic and social challenges, saying the continued efforts of citizens to work, invest, raise families and contribute to their communities remained a reflection of the Nigerian spirit.

Asuku said the independence anniversary should therefore serve as a reminder that the task of building a better Nigeria extends beyond government and requires the collective efforts of citizens and institutions across the country.

He also called for greater commitment to peace and patriotism, urging Nigerians not to allow present economic difficulties to undermine their confidence in the country’s future.

Asuku pays tribute to founding fathers

Asuku congratulated President Tinubu, members of the Federal Executive Council, state governors, members of the National Assembly and Nigerians across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory on the anniversary.

He paid tribute to the nation’s founding fathers and other Nigerians who, over the past 66 years, have contributed to the growth, survival and development of the country.

“As we celebrate 66 years of independence, our message is one of hope. We must give our country the opportunity to heal, rebuild and grow. Nothing good comes easy, and nation-building is certainly not an exception.

“The sacrifices of today must ultimately produce a better tomorrow for our children,” he said.

Asuku urged Nigerians to use the anniversary to renew their commitment to peace, patriotism, national unity and the collective pursuit of a more prosperous Nigeria.

“May the Nigeria of our dreams become a reality. May our sacrifices today become the foundation for greater prosperity tomorrow, and may our nation continue to move towards stability, peace and shared prosperity,” he added.