As Nigeria marks 65 years of independence, political leaders, civil society actors, and intellectuals have expressed their views on the state of the nation.
From calls for unity and support for current leadership, to demands for structural reform and accountable governance, the country’s future will depend not only on government policy but also on the collective will of its citizens, they said.
Bala Mohammed Urges Reflection
Bauchi State governor, Senator Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed, has extended warm felicitations to the people of Bauchi State and Nigerians on the occasion of the country’s 65th Independence anniversary today.
In his goodwill message, Governor Mohammed described Nigeria’s independence as a milestone achievement that liberated the country from colonial domination and gave its people the right to self-determination, socio-economic growth and political development.
He urged the citizens to reflect on whether the noble ideals of the founding fathers had been fully realised after 65 years of nationhood.
In a statement issued last night by his special adviser on Media and Publicity, Mukhtar Gidado, the governor said, “Though our development trajectory may not match that of some countries that gained independence around the same period, particularly the Asian Tigers, Nigeria has made significant strides in governing itself, managing diversity and uniting towards nation-building.”
He acknowledged that the prolonged military rule stunted democratic growth but expressed delight that 26 years into uninterrupted democracy, Nigerians are beginning to savour the dividends of good governance.
Bala Mohammed reiterated his administration’s resolve to sustain its multi-dimensional approach to development, particularly in infrastructure, security, and economic empowerment.
He disclosed that the state government has concluded arrangements for an Investment Summit scheduled for October 8th and 9th, 2025, to attract investors to harness the state’s enormous potential.
Regarding security, the governor reaffirmed that peace remains the bedrock of development and pledged continued collaboration with security agencies to safeguard life and property. He appealed to the citizens to support security agencies’ efforts by reporting suspicious movements or persons to them.
Governor Mohammed further called on the people of Bauchi State to rededicate themselves to national development, stressing the need for unity, prayer and mutual coexistence for the progress of both the state and the country.
“Let us continue to work together in harmony, with hope in our hearts and faith in Almighty Allah, to make our State and our country greater,” he said.
For Katsina State Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda, justice is the cornerstone of Nigeria’s nation-building project, as he urged citizens to recommit to fairness, peace, and unity.
In his Independence Day message, released by his chief press secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, the governor congratulated Nigerians on the milestone, describing it as an occasion for sober reflection and renewed patriotism.
“As we mark this significant milestone, let us rededicate ourselves to the ideals of justice, peace, and progress that our founding fathers envisioned for this great nation,” Radda said.
The governor stressed that true security and prosperity cannot be achieved without justice, which he described as the bedrock of trust, inclusion, and national harmony.
According to him, insecurity thrives where fairness and equality are absent, making justice a vital tool in strengthening Nigeria’s unity.
Radda also underscored the need for citizens to partner with the government in addressing insecurity, noting that security agencies alone cannot succeed without the people’s cooperation.
He called on Nigerians to report suspicious activities, support security operatives, and remain vigilant in their communities.
Commending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for prioritising security and economic reforms, Radda said the resilience of Nigerians remains the nation’s greatest asset in overcoming its present challenges.
“Our strength as a nation lies in our diversity and unity of purpose. When justice guides our actions, there is no challenge too difficult to overcome,” he declared.
