Nigerian leaders have called for unity, peace, responsible citizenship and renewed hope as the country prepares for its 66th Independence Anniversary and the 2027 general elections.
The call was made at a special interdenominational service held as part of activities marking the anniversary, with speakers urging Nigerians to work collectively towards a safer, more prosperous and united country.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, urged Nigerians to unite in confronting insecurity, poverty, unemployment and other challenges affecting the country.
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He said Nigeria must bequeath a peaceful and prosperous nation to future generations, while addressing the difficulties facing mothers, young graduates, farmers and business owners.
“We want a safer nation, a fairer future, a government that can be called in the lives of Nigerians.”
Collective effort
The Senate President urged Nigerians to confront the country’s challenges collectively and build a better future for coming generations.
He called for prayers for members of the armed forces and other security personnel protecting communities, describing insecurity as a major obstacle to national development.
The Senate President said the National Assembly was working to provide the legislative framework and reforms needed to support development, stressing that public resources should serve the public interest.
He highlighted security, legislative reforms and responsible management of public resources as priorities for national development.
Call for Peaceful Elections
On the 2027 general elections, the Senate President urged Nigerians to approach the electoral process with patriotism and allow candidates to campaign on their ideas, character and records of service.
He encouraged citizens to make their choices freely and called on political actors to promote peace and national renewal.
He also appealed to Nigerians to reject hatred and dishonesty, saying prayers for peace and justice must be accompanied by responsible conduct.
The Senate President noted that Nigeria had recorded 27 years of uninterrupted democracy since 1999 and urged citizens to rise above prejudice, fear and division.
Unity and Shared Prosperity
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) called for renewed commitment to building a prosperous, secure and united Nigeria.
He said the theme of the celebration, centred on hope, divine stability and shared prosperity, highlights the importance of faith and optimism in the nation’s journey.
The SGF said national progress requires hope, stability, unity and a shared commitment to prosperity.
The SGF said the 2027 elections should be conducted in an atmosphere of peace and unity, stressing that citizens’ votes should reflect their free will.
He also called for the consolidation of economic reforms and urged the government to translate economic stability and growth into opportunities for Nigerians across the country.
He called for peaceful elections and economic policies that turn growth and stability into tangible opportunities for citizens.
According to him, building a better Nigeria is not solely the responsibility of government but a collective duty shared by citizens.
He commended members of the armed forces and other security agencies for their service and prayed for the protection of their families.
The SGF emphasised shared responsibility and recognised the sacrifices of Nigeria’s security personnel.
He urged Nigerians to preserve national unity despite differences in opinions and interests, while praying for wisdom for leaders, strength for citizens facing hardship, and peace and prosperity for the country.
He called for national cohesion and prayed for wisdom, resilience, peace and prosperity.
Clergy Urges Nigerians to Turn Hope Into Action
In his message, Musa Panti said Christian hope should go beyond wishing for a better future and should be rooted in faith in God.
He urged Christians to allow their faith to shape their daily lives and make them “signs of hope” to others, particularly as many Nigerians continue to face difficult circumstances.
The cleric urged Christians to demonstrate hope through their everyday actions and conduct.
He rejected expressions of hopelessness about Nigeria, saying the country should not be regarded as a nation without hope.
According to him, the Church must first allow the word of God to transform its members before expecting transformation across the wider society.
He said national renewal should begin with personal and spiritual transformation.
He urged Nigerians to combine prayers with personal transformation and practical commitment to national renewal.
“We are never finished. Nigeria is never finished, precisely because God is faithful.”
The cleric stressed that Nigerians who genuinely desire change must first allow the Holy Spirit and the word of God to transform their lives.
