From Femi Mustapha, in Kaduna
As Nigeria celebrates its 64th anniversary, the Kaduna State Governor, Sen. Uba Sani has called on citizens to remain firm in the face of adversity while embracing opportunities to build a brighter future for all to thrive.
In his address on Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary in Kaduna today, Governor Sani said that nation building is a marathon, not a sprint a journey of incremental progress, not a single achievement.
He remarked that there is a need for Nigerians to celebrate as the nation continues to thrive despite the highs and lows, ups and downs experienced in the last 64 years.
“Fellow citizens, today, we mark yet another significant milestone in our journey as a sovereign nation. On October 1, 1960, we proudly hoisted our green and white flag, symbolizing freedom, sovereignty, and self-determination.
“Today reminds us not only of our sovereignty but the courage and resilience that defines us as a people.
. We celebrate not just the freedom we have achieved, but the collective effort that has brought us thus far. We honor the struggles of our past, the sacrifices of our heroes, and the unwavering spirit of our people.
“We recognize that nation-building is a marathon, not a sprint – a journey of incremental progress, not a single achievement. Even where the road is rough, we trudge on; spurred by the fact that independence is neither an end in itself, nor is it a destination.
It is a continuous process of building, striving, and overcoming.
“Sixty-four (64) years on, there have been highs and lows, ups and downs on the journey, but we are still striving. And there is cause for cheer. We have enjoyed uninterrupted democratic governance for twenty-four (24) years.
“Economically, Nigeria has experienced economic growth, becoming Africa’s largest economy.”
However, Gov. Uba Sani noted that this year’s anniversary comes at a time of severe economic stress in many households seeing that Nigeria is grappling with economic difficulties due to the unfair global economic system and years of mismanagement.
According to him, the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government has taken bold and painful economic measures to reinvent the economy and steady the ship of state, hoping that with patience and sustained support, the economy would bounce back and the socio-economic conditions of Nigerians would improve.
“The Federal and state governments have stepped up short, medium, and long-term measures to mitigate the hardships of the citizens. The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government has taken bold and painful economic measures to reinvent the economy and steady the ship of state, ” he said.
” However, with patience and sustained support, our economy would bounce back and the socio-economic conditions of our people would improve.
“The Kaduna State Government, which I lead by the grace of God, has been providing succor to the poor, vulnerable, and underserved persons in the state.
” We are investing heavily in agriculture, education, health, innovation and entrepreneurship.
“Transformation of the rural economy is on course as many road projects have been completed and many others are ongoing across the state.
” We shall continue to build bridges, not walls, to foster inclusivity, not division, and to nurture hope, not despair.”
He, therefore, called on all concerned citizens and residents of Nigeria to unite and confront the challenges that lie ahead while embracing the opportunities to create a brighter future for all to thrive.
“Let us draw strength from our resilience and our capacity to unite in the face of adversity. As we move forward, let us confront and embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
” Let us work together to create a brighter future, where every citizen can thrive and reach their full potential.
” May our collective efforts continue to shape a nation that is just, equitable, and prosperous for all,” the Kaduna state governor said.
