Nigeria @66: Abejide Urges Nigerians to Reflect on Nation’s Journey, Assess Current Standing and Unite Towards Renewed Determination
The member representing Yagba East, Yagba West and Mopamuro Federal Constituency of Kogi State in the House of Representatives and Chairman of the House Committee on Customs and Excise, Rt. Hon. Leke Joseph Abejide, has urged Nigerians to use the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary to reflect on the nation’s journey, assess its present position and renew their collective commitment to building a better Nigeria.
Abejide, in his Independence Day message, described October 1 as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s history, noting that the country has recorded important progress since gaining independence in 1960, despite the political, economic and social challenges encountered over the years.
He noted that Nigeria’s post-independence history has been marked by periods of democratic governance and military intervention, as well as major national events, including the Civil War and the June 12 political crisis, which tested the country’s unity and democratic development.
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According to him, Nigeria’s return to constitutional democracy in 1999 and the continuity of democratic governance since then represent important milestones in the country’s political development.
Abejide said the existence and functioning of the three arms of government—the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary—remain essential to the country’s democratic system, stressing the importance of constitutional governance, freedom of expression and association, and citizens’ participation in public affairs.
He said the Legislature, in particular, has an important role to play in strengthening democracy through lawmaking, representation, and oversight, adding that effective legislation remains central to addressing the country’s challenges.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s journey, Abejide said the country had remained one indivisible nation despite several challenges that have tested its unity over the past 66 years.
He acknowledged the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians but expressed optimism about ongoing efforts to stabilize the economy. He said the country must continue to strengthen its institutions and improve legislative and policy frameworks that support sustainable development and shared prosperity.
The federal lawmaker also expressed support for the economic transformation efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, saying the legislature remains ready to work with the Executive in the national interest.
The Federal Government is marking the 66th Independence Anniversary under the theme “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity.” The government has said the anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on Nigeria’s journey while consolidating ongoing reforms and translating them into greater opportunities and improved living conditions for citizens.
Abejide called on Nigerians to approach the anniversary with renewed patriotism, unity and determination, stressing that the responsibility of building the country cannot be left to government alone.
He said, “This anniversary provides an opportunity for us to reflect on our journey as a nation, assess where we are today and renew our determination to build the Nigeria of our dreams. Despite our challenges, we must not lose faith in our country or the possibilities that lie ahead.”
He reiterated his confidence in the objectives of the Renewed Hope Agenda. He pledged his continued commitment, as a legislator, to initiatives and policies that promote national development and collective prosperity.
Abejide also felicitated with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR; the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Tajudeen Abbas; members of the 10th National Assembly; the Executive Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo; and Nigerians at home and abroad.
He extended special greetings to the people of Kogi State and, in particular, the people of Yagba East, Yagba West, and Mopamuro Federal Constituency, wishing Nigerians a peaceful and meaningful 66th Independence Anniversary.
Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960, and the 2026 anniversary also marks 27 years of uninterrupted constitutional democracy since the return to democratic rule in 1999.
DemocracyNewslineNewspaper October 1st, 2026
