Nigeria @66: PDP urges citizens to keep hope alive

The Peoples Democratic Party has urged Nigerians to keep hope alive and remain committed to peace, unity and national development as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.

The party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, on Thursday, acknowledged that Nigeria is yet to attain its desired level of development but said citizens must not despair, stressing that the country remains endowed with enormous human and natural resources capable of driving national progress.

PDP also called on Nigerians to reject violence and corruption, place national interest above personal and sectional considerations, and work towards building a country where young people can pursue their dreams with confidence and hope.

The party stated, “The PDP acknowledges that, as a nation and as a people, we are not yet where we aspire to be. However, we must not despair. The future of Nigeria remains bright, and our collective hope must remain stronger than our present challenges.

“Nigeria is a blessed nation, endowed with enormous human and natural resources. Let us harness these resources, alongside our rich ethnic, cultural and religious diversity, into an instrument of unity, creativity and national progress.

“The PDP, therefore, calls on all Nigerians to continue to preach peace, unity and national cohesion. Our leaders and followers alike must remain patriotic, reject violence and corruption, and always place the interests of Nigeria above personal and sectional considerations.

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“Above all, let us build a nation where our young people can dream, aspire and look to the future with confidence and hope.”

The PDP said it remained committed to democracy, good governance and the welfare of Nigerians, promising to provide an alternative platform to help the country realise its potential.

The statement read in part, “As we celebrate our nation, let us honour the sacrifices of our founding fathers and all those who have contributed to our national development, and ensure that the labour of our heroes past shall not be in vain.

“Together, let us renew our commitment to building a better Nigeria and restoring hope for the younger generations. Nigeria has what it takes to rise! Nigeria shall be great!! Happy 66th Independence Anniversary, Nigeria.”

Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960, and the country celebrates its Independence Anniversary every October 1. This year, Africa’s most populous nation marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.