By NEWSCOUNT Desk
President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON, has congratulated Nigerians on the occasion of the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary, urging citizens to promote love, unity and faith in Nigeria’s future.
Akpabio, in a goodwill message released on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, described Nigeria as “our destiny, our duty, our future.”
The Senate President extended felicitations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, Nigerians at home and those living abroad, saying the anniversary provided an opportunity to celebrate the gift of nationhood and the enduring promise of the country.
He recalled that 66 years ago, Nigeria’s national flag was raised to proclaim the birth of an independent nation, with millions of Nigerians embracing hopes of freedom, self-government and the opportunity to shape the country’s destiny.
Akpabio said the independence anniversary also called for remembrance of the founding fathers and generations of Nigerians whose courage, labour and sacrifice contributed to the country’s development.
He said they had handed over to succeeding generations a country to cherish and a future to build, urging Nigerians to prove worthy of their sacrifices and ensure that future generations inherit a better country.
According to him, Nigeria’s journey has witnessed triumphs and trials, as well as periods of confidence and uncertainty, but Nigerians have continued to strive, create, serve and believe in the country.
He said the resilience of Nigerians was worth celebrating, describing it as the strength of a people whose hopes had survived different challenges.
Akpabio said Nigeria’s national spirit could be found in the farmer tending the soil, the teacher shaping young minds, the entrepreneur creating opportunities and young Nigerians pursuing their dreams.
He also identified the country’s music, enterprise, hospitality and the achievements of Nigerians around the world as expressions of the Nigerian spirit.
The Senate President said Nigeria’s diversity remained an important part of its national inheritance, noting that citizens from different linguistic, cultural and religious backgrounds belonged to one national family.
He urged Nigerians to use the anniversary to renew their affection for one another and recognise the green-white-green flag as a symbol that belongs to every Nigerian.
Akpabio also paid tribute to members of the Armed Forces and security agencies who had sacrificed their lives in the service of the country, while expressing gratitude to their families.
He said their sacrifices gave solemn meaning to the freedom and unity Nigerians were celebrating.
The Senate President assured that as President Tinubu leads the country through its current chapter, the National Assembly would remain committed to supporting efforts aimed at strengthening Nigeria and improving the lives of its citizens.
He called on Nigerians to renew their resolve to serve the country with integrity, compassion and devotion, stressing that independence was an inheritance that every generation must renew.
“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,” Akpabio said.
He wished Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary and prayed for God’s blessings upon Nigerian homes, guidance for the nation’s leaders and the preservation of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
