As Nigeria prepares to celebrate its 65th Independence Anniversary, political and religious leaders have jointly called for unity, stressing that national cohesion remains the foundation for progress and stability.
The call for unity was made during an Inter-denominational Church Service held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja, the nation’s capital, as part of the official celebrations.
Presiding over the event, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, emphasised that unity remains central to Nigeria’s survival and growth as the nation marks 65 years of independence.
Acknowledging the presence of the diplomatic community, including the UK Deputy High Commissioner dressed in Nigerian colours, Akpabio thanked them for their continued support and identification with Nigeria.
He relayed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message for the anniversary, stating that the watchword for the nation at this time must be unity.
Also speaking at the service, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, praised President Tinubu’s ongoing reforms, urging citizens to remain patient and steadfast.
“We must all commit to fairness, honesty and unity in building a stronger nation,” Akume said.
Acknowledging the difficulties Nigerians are facing due to ongoing economic reforms, Akume assured the public that these short-term pains are necessary for long-term transformation.
“These are not temporary fixes but courageous changes aimed at lasting transformation,” Akume said.
The President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, urged Nigerians to embrace unity beyond ethnic and regional divides.
“It’s good for our people, the leaders and the led, to live together in unity,” he said.
He also called on political leaders to govern with humility and a servant’s heart, urging them to model the values they preach.
Despite the economic and social challenges facing the nation, the prevailing message at the event was one of hope, unity, and collective responsibility.