The All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and Dan Amanan Fune Emirate of Yobe State, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, Ph.D., has urged Nigerians to remain hopeful about the country’s future, stressing that patriotism, unity and collective responsibility are critical to overcoming the challenges confronting the nation.
Ajia made the call in a message to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary, signed by his Director of Communications and Strategy, Mallam AbdulRahaman Aliagan.
As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence on Thursday, October 1, 2026, the anniversary has again provided an opportunity for national reflection on the country’s economic trajectory, security challenges, democratic development and the aspirations of its citizens.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his Independence Day address, also acknowledged the difficulties Nigerians have endured while urging citizens to look ahead with renewed confidence.
Ajia, while congratulating Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, said the anniversary should mean more than commemorating the country’s attainment of political independence.
The Ilorin-born politician and security expert described the 66-year journey as one characterised by “many lessons”, noting that Nigeria had experienced periods of crisis and triumph but had remained united as one country.
“Sixty-six years is a journey of many lessons. We have seen challenges, we have seen triumphs. We have disagreed, but we have remained one indivisible nation under God. That resilience is the true spirit of Nigeria,” he said.
The APC chieftain acknowledged the concerns of citizens over the state of the economy, insecurity and uncertainty about the future, but appealed to Nigerians not to lose faith in the country.
“At this moment, many Nigerians are understandably anxious about our economy, security and the future. My message today is simple: Let us not lose hope in Nigeria. Let us keep Hope Alive,” he said.
Ajia argued that nations that have attained significant levels of development also passed through difficult periods, citing the United States, China and Saudi Arabia as examples of countries that experienced major challenges in their respective national journeys.
Ajia therefore called for patience, patriotism and sustained commitment to the Nigerian project, stressing that love for country should not depend solely on whether circumstances are favourable.
“Patriotism is not about supporting Nigeria only when it is convenient. Patriotism is about standing with Nigeria, praying for Nigeria, and working for Nigeria even in difficult times,” he said.
The APC chieftain particularly appealed to Nigerian youths to renew their confidence in the country and contribute positively to its development.
He urged citizens to choose unity over division, productive work over dependency and peaceful engagement over conflict, saying Nigeria’s future could not be built by government alone.
“We have no other country. Nigeria will be great, and the greatness will be built by all of us,” Ajia said.
His message comes against the backdrop of continuing national debate over the impact of economic reforms, insecurity, employment and the country’s broader development trajectory.
In his Independence Day address, President Tinubu said the Federal Government’s economic reforms had begun to improve the country’s economic outlook, while acknowledging that millions of Nigerians were still struggling with the cost of living and other pressures. He said the government’s next phase would focus increasingly on shared prosperity, productive employment and reducing the cost of living.
Ajia’s appeal for hope also comes amid broader calls from civil society and other stakeholders for Nigeria’s independence to translate into greater security, dignity, economic opportunity and accountable governance.
While congratulating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the anniversary, Ajia also extended his felicitations to the Governor of Kwara State, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, and Nigerians across the country.
He prayed for continued divine guidance for the country’s leaders and for peace, stability and prosperity in the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The APC chieftain’s message ultimately framed the 66th anniversary not merely as a celebration of the past, but as a renewed call for Nigerians to take collective ownership of the country’s future.
For Ajia, the enduring challenge is to transform patriotism from a slogan into a daily commitment to peace, productivity, unity and national development.