Tag: Independence Day

Independence lecture: VP Shettima speaks on sacrifices being made by Nigerians

Nigeria’s Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, has assured Nigerians that their sacrifices will not be in vain, saying the promises made by the Tinubu administration will be fulfilled.

Sen. Shettima made the remarks on Thursday at a public lecture to commemorate Nigeria’s 63rd Independence anniversary at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.

He said President Bola Tinubu’s administration is committed to building a country where the economic independence of each citizen is guaranteed, and where none of them has to depend on unspecified handouts to earn a living.

“Today, we gather to honour Nigeria’s journey to redefine its destiny. Today, we stand on the precipice of history to reflect upon a nation that has defied the predictions of doomsayers, a nation that has become the metaphor of resilience.

“Over the past 63 years, we have not only survived but thrived because of our collective resolve, our commitment to progress, and the enduring spirit of unity that binds us together from Aba, down through Ogbomosho to Zaria, despite the conspiracies of minor vested interests,” the Vice President said.

According to him, while this anniversary offers Nigeria another opportunity to acknowledge the cross-regional bonds that have kept the country standing as Africa’s most populous nation and largest economy, “we are here to remind ourselves that the future we promised Nigerians isn’t an empty performance for electoral favours.”

The Vice President noted that the future of a great nation is not determined by the occurrence of a socio-economic challenge, but by the intention, sincerity, and innovative ideas of its leaders, and their commitment to implementing them.

He said: “We cannot renew the hope of the nation unless we deliver on our promise to drive food security and eradicate poverty. We cannot foster economic growth and nurture job creation unless we facilitate access to capital, enhance national security, and optimize the business environment for our enterprises.

“We are going to uphold the rule of law and fight corruption to design the Nigeria of our dream. We can’t achieve any of these unless each citizen remains a strategic partner in pursuit of our ultimate national interests.”

Reflecting on the recent COVID-19 pandemic, Vice President Shettima pointed out that “the tragedy reminded us that viruses do not discriminate based on ethnicity or religion, and that our strength as a nation is driven by our collective faith in the ideals that define us and in the moral character of our leaders.”

The VP then emphasized the crucial role of leadership in shaping a nation’s destiny, stating that “the future of a great nation rests on the intention, sincerity, and innovative ideas of its leaders and their commitment to implementing them.”

The Vice President also recognized the sacrifices made by Nigerians over the years, noting that such solidarity has inspired the government to focus on diverse sectors, from agriculture to digital technology, from healthcare to education.

He said: “We knew from the starting point of this race to serve the people that the track would not be without its holes and thorns. We knew that challenges would arise, and obstacles would test our resolve. But, as our history has shown, Nigerians are too ambitious to be broken by a temporary setback. We are going to emerge from this phase of our reforms stronger, each of us with renewed hope.”

With unwavering determination, Sen. Shettima asserted, “at 63, we recognize that what has sustained us and propelled us forward is our collective belief that overcoming the challenges we’ve inherited necessitates sacrifices.”

He reiterated that these sacrifices are investments in a brighter future, one that will secure the well-being of current and future generations.

September 28, 2023
BREAKING: FG announces public holiday for Independence anniversary

The Federal Government has declared Monday, Oct. 2 as public holiday in commemoration of the nation’s 63rd independence celebration.

This is contained in a statement by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Interior, Dr Oluwatoyin Akinlade, on Thursday in Abuja.

According to her, the Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo who made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated all Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora.

Tunj-Ojo assured Nigerians of Government continued commitment to tackling challenges facing the country.

“It is today a known fact that difficult socio-economic and security challenges are global, and Nigeria is not isolated.”

The minister however said that the Government was really making efforts to confront these varied and numerous challenges with all the might available until respite comes.

Dr Tunji-Ojo reiterated that the eminent position of Nigeria in the comity of nations and the greatness ahead of the country was achievable if we all work together in unity.

He stated that our warm welcoming spirit and love as well as our unbounded human capital and the richness of our land makes Nigeria unarguably the leading black nation in the world.

This, he said, being Africa’s pride and beacon of hope for the ‘Renewed Hope’ of President Bola Tinubu.

While wishing the citizens a memorable independence celebration, the minister recalled that our founding fathers, in spite the differences in faith, tribe,tongue, came together for Nigeria’s freedom which we all enjoy today.

The minister assured that the present administration through the ‘Renew Hope’ agenda would ensure a better Nigeria for all citizens, as a befitting tribute to our heroes past.

A lecture will hold on Friday at the National Mosque Conference Centre at 10:00am, followed by Juma’at Prayer at the National Mosque at 1:00 pm.

President Bola Tinubu is also expected to address the nation on Sunday at 7:00 am and an inter-Denominational Church Service on Sunday, 1st October, 2023 at the National Christian Centre will hold at 10:00am.

There will also be a Military Parade on Oct. 2 at the Presidential Villa, at 9:00am.

September 28, 2023
Strike: No Independence Day wage award for workers – Labour Ministry

The Ministry of Labour has described reports that President Bola Tinubu would announce a wage award to workers on Independence Day as untrue.

This is contained in a statement issued Mr Olajide Oshundun, Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry of Labour on Wednesday in Abuja.

“The attention of the Ministry of Labour and Employment has been drawn to reports circulating online claiming that the President will announce wage awards and palliatives to workers during his October 1st Independence Day speech.

“The report which is said to have emanated from a purported interview with the Director of Information in the ministry claimed that a last minute meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday between Federal Government and Labour to avert the proposed strike.

“We wish to categorically state that the report is false and misleading as at no time did the Director of Information make such disclosure,” he said.

He urged members of the public to ignore the report as it is a total fabrication of an interview by the reporter to suit the narrative of the interests best-known to the newspaper.

He added that, for the benefit of doubt, it is important to stress that the Director of Information at the ministry does not speak for the President.

The director said that he was also not involved in writing the speech for the President to warrant him making any categorical statement on its content.

“If and when the Minister schedules a meeting with Labour, the public will be adequately notified through verified channels.

“The said newspaper is advised to retract the story and maintain professionalism in its reportage to avoid misleading the public,” he said.

September 28, 2023
Nothing to be happy about 62 years of Nigeria independence – Oluwo

The Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, said the stated there is nothing to be happy about in 62 years of Nigeria’s independence day

In an independence day message addressed to the general public and politicians, signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Alli Ibraheem, and made available to newsmen on Saturday in Osogbo, the monarch stressed that Nigeria got its independence too early.

According to him, “Nothing to be happy about in 62 years of Nigeria independence day and the irony of it is that, we took the independence too soon and left our future in the hands of some heartless leaders. Many of our Leaders were selfish, incompetent, and not God fearing. May nature reward them accordingly for what they have done for Nigeria.

“I challenge them to individually come out to highlight the good they have done for this country. On every independence day like this, a space should be provided for all of them to tell us the pride they have brought to this country. We deserve better. We have everything to our advantage to be one of the very few greatest countries in the world but leaders to our disadvantage.

“As a natural paramount ruler, I’m proud of my achievements as an incorruptible monarch of merit to my kingdom. I take nothing from my people. I protect their interest and resources. I give account of my stewardship and always demand they challenge me when I unlawfully take from their sweat. As one of the leaders today, I’m so proud of myself and beat my chest.

“Nigerians should freely express their mind instead of the usual happy independence. As the giant of Africa, we should be proud of it now.

“My piece of advice to the politicians and leaders in the position of power now is for them to change their ways now and make this country better.

“I’ve the hope we can still kick and better. The ball has not crossed the bar. Nigerians should start electing and appointing credible individuals into positions of authority and always request stewardship. We have the power to reject any elected or appointed leader whose governance is of curse to us.

“The masses must unite to dispossess people of no conscience from power. It is now, it is already late but not too late.”

October 1, 2022
Nigeria@62: Ex-president Jonathan sues for peace, unity

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged Nigerians to prioritise patriotism, unity and peace as they make their choices at the polls in 2023.

Jonathan in a goodwill message personally signed by him in Abuja to mark the 2022 independence day, said that the anniversary came at a time the nation was preparing for its general elections.

“Fellow Nigerians, our anniversary this year comes at a time our nation is preparing for general elections.

“It is a critical moment for us all. The elections provide another opportunity for our citizens to demonstrate our faith in the greatness of our nation. Let us be patriotic in the choices we make,” Jonathan said.

He urged Nigerians to prioritise the unity and peace of our country in our campaigns, and through the choices we would make at the polls in 2023.

“Ours is a great nation with boundless possibilities. Let us work in unity, live in peace, promote justice, and accommodate each other.

“That way, we shall build an inclusive and cohesive society where everyone is happy, safe, and proud of his country.”

The former president extended his compliments to Nigerians on the occasion of the nation’s 62nd independence anniversary.

Jonathan said that the event offered Nigerians a chance to reflect on the experience of nationhood and the prospect of progress and greatness, adding that the people had been steadfast in patriotism in challenging times.

“Today, we mark another anniversary of our independence from the grip of colonialism. We reflect on the promises of freedom, hope, peace, and unity that comes with independence.

“Sixty-two years into this journey, we have every cause to reflect on the experience of our nationhood, the prospect of our greatness and how to surmount the challenges that limit our progress as a nation.

“As a country, we have made significant impacts on the global stage in sports, arts, music, and academia.

“Our citizens have asserted themselves as people with strength, courage, and honour in different spheres.

“We have remained steadfast in patriotism in challenging times of our nationhood, demonstrated faith in moments of doubt, displayed resilience in times of adversity, and pursued peace when our unity was threatened.”

October 1, 2022
Nigeria @ 62: ADC Presidential Candidate lauds Nigeria’s fallen heroes

Dumebi Kachikwu, Presidential Candidate of the African Democratic Congress(ADC), has lauded Nigeria’s fallen heroes who lost their lives while defending the integrity of the nation.

Kachikwu said this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja to commemorate Nigeria’s 62nd Independence Anniversary.

According to him, to mark this day, two groups of people must be celebrated, first are our fallen heroes and those who are in the field defending our freedoms and way of life.

“For over a decade our nation has been at war and more often than not we forget the heroic sacrifices made daily by our men and women in uniform.

“They wage war that we may have peace. Our troops have defended other nations, maintained the peace in far flung lands and today have the task of defending our land.

“The second group are the Nigerian masses who are suffering in silence. They stay silent that we may have peace They suffer untold hardships as our economy gets worse, as job opportunities disappear, as our security situation worsens and as food prices escalate.

“These two sets of people are the true heroes of our nation. They maintain the silence of the grave in the face of hardship,” he said.

Kachikwu said that as Nigeria approached the 2023 general election it was important to remember these two sets of people and ensure conversations never depart from them.

He said that Nigerians and the government must focus on this two groups, sustain conversations around them and address concerns so that the labours and suffering of the nations fallen heroes, men and women in uniform and the masses were not in vain.

“He said that the Independence day anniversary should also be used to remember the sacrifices made by the nations forefathers for Nigeria to be free from colonial rule.

“We must remember those who died on both sides of the Nigerian Civil war that our nation may remain united.
“We must remember the poor masses who mostly live on one meal a day. We must remember our troops who are fighting a difficult war.

“If we do this, the silent majority will become the vocal majority and apathy to Nigeria and politics would no longer be an option,” he said.

Kachikwu cautioned Nigerians against trading their votes in 2023 general election for material things such as money, wrappers, Tshirts, face caps and food.

He also advised Nigerians against being used by politicians and political parties as instruments to campaign unjustly by constituting false crowd, supporters and followers.

He said that Nigerians needed to change the narratives and stay true to a just course of only campaign for the right candidate with a clear vision to rescue and restore the country.

According to him , Nigeria needs Nigerians, our troops need Nigerians support, millions of poor Nigerians need Nigerians voice and their vote to rescue and save our country.

October 1, 2022
2023: Contest for elective offices not a do-or-die affair – Gov. Mohammed

Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State has called on political parties, candidates and supporters not to view contests for elective offices as a do-or-die affair.

Mohammed, who stated this in his goodwill message on the occasion of Nigeria 62 Independence Anniversary celebration on Saturday, also called on parties and supporters to conduct themselves according to the rules of the game.

He asked them to bear in mind that “it is only God that gives power to whoever He likes at a point in time”.

“It is not therefore the amount of money, hate speech, fake news or political thuggery that would make contestants emerge victorious during the elections,” he said.

He further called on all and sundry to re-dedicate themselves to the country, be patriotic and intensify prayers to God to shower His mercy and blessings so as to continue to live in peace with one another.

“As we celebrate the 62nd Independence anniversary, we should reflect on the struggles and sacrifices of the founding fathers of this country and also strive to ensure that their labour shall not be in vain.

“It is gratifying to note that sixty two years after independence, we have defeated the skepticism on our ability to govern ourselves.

“Today, we have shown to the world that we are not only able to govern ourselves, but are able to understand our differences, respect each other’s values and unite towards developing our country in spite of our diverse cultures,” the governor said.

According to him, as a responsible and responsive government, his administration had taken measures in collaborating with security agencies to protect the lives and property of the people of the state by swiftly addressing any form of security challenge.

He assured the citizenry that security would continue to be top on his priority to sustain the relative peace enjoyed in the state.

Mohammed added that his government had taken a multi-dimensional approach to all the development projects which had resulted in success, particularly in Infrastructure development.

“We have also executed several other projects in the areas of education, health, housing, agriculture, water, power supply and poverty alleviation.”

October 1, 2022
NIGERIA AT 62: FG declares Monday public holiday

In line with marking the nation’s 62nd Independence Anniversary Celebration, the Federal Government has declared Monday, October 3, 2022, as a public holiday.

TheNewsGuru.com reports that this was made known by the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

While making the declaration, the Minister congratulated all Nigerians on this year’s celebration and assures them of the government’s commitment to tackling all the challenges facing the nation and bringing smiles to the faces of all the people.

In his words: “The world is going through dire economic and security challenges which have also affected our nation. However, I am assuring us all that the government will not abandon the people, but will continue to confront all these challenges with all the might at our disposal until respite comes our way.”

Aregbesola reiterates the eminent position of Nigeria in the comity of nations and the greatness ahead of the country if we work hard at it as a people.

“Our warmth, welcoming spirit and love as well as our unbounded human capital and the richness of our land, make Nigeria unarguably the leading black nation in the world and Africa’s pride and beacon of hope. If we can rally ourselves together to harness our potentials, we shall be the greatest nation on the earth.

“A country of over 200 million people whose natural talents, grit and passion glitter like the precious diamond that we are; Nigerians are sparkling like diamonds in the pack, whether in the academia, science and technology, business, innovation, music, entertainment, fashion or culture” he said.

The Minister admonished Nigerians to use the occasion of the celebration to reflect on the challenges facing the nation and the role individuals can play in addressing them. He urges Nigerians to work hard, shun any attraction to get rich through criminal and other immoral means, saying only through productivity can an individual and the nation create wealth and get rich.

While wishing Nigerians a memorable independence celebration, he reminds them of the fact that our founding fathers, in spite of the differences in faith, tribe and tongue, still came together for Nigeria’s independence.

“Though our nation is going through challenges, especially on security, these challenges are temporary and do not define us. We are defined by the greatness of the Nigerian people in our diversity, strength, ingenuity and resilience.

“We shall overcome all the challenges. A time is coming when we shall look at this period in retrospect and give thanks to the Most High for the stormy waters we have waded through and the triumphs we have recorded over the challenges that look so huge and gargantuan today,”

He, therefore, called on all Nigerians to join hands together with the Muhammadu Buhari Administration in its quest to ensure a better Nigeria for all citizens, both at home and abroad as this, he said, shall be a befitting tribute to our hero’s past.

The minister urged Nigerians to shun violence of any kind and be security conscious, asking them to report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest security agency and through the N-Alert application on Android and IOS, saying “when you see something do N-Alert for prompt response from security agents”

September 29, 2022
FG declares Monday as public holiday

To commemorate the nation’s 62nd Independence Anniversary Celebration, the Federal Government has declared Monday the 3rd of October 2022, as public holiday.

This was disclosed by Rauf Aregbesola, the Minister of Interior, who congratulated Nigerians on this year’s celebration and assures of government’s commitment to tackling all the challenges facing the nation and bring smiles to the faces of all the people.

“The world is going through dire economic and security challenges which have also affected our nation. However, I am assuring us all that the government will not abandon the people, but will continue to confront all these challenges with all the might at our disposal until respite comes our way”, the Minister said.

Ogbeni Aregbesola reiterates the eminent position of Nigeria in the comity of nations and the greatness ahead of the country if we work hard at it as a people.

“Our warmth, welcoming spirit and love as well as our unbounded human capital and the richness of our land, make Nigeria unarguably the leading black nation in the world and Africa’s pride and beacon of hope. If we can rally ourselves together to harness our potentials, we shall be the greatest nation on the earth.

“A country of over 200 million people whose natural talents, grit and passion glitter like the precious diamond that we are; Nigerians are sparkling like diamonds in the pack, whether in the academia, science and technology, business, innovation, music, entertainment, fashion or culture” Aregbesola said.

The Minister admonishes Nigerians to use the occasion of the celebration to reflect on the challenges facing the nation and the role individuals can play in addressing them. He urges Nigerians to work hard, shun any attraction to get rich through criminal and other immoral means, saying only through productivity can an individual and the nation create wealth and get rich.

While wishing Nigerians a memorable independence celebration, he reminds them of the fact that our founding fathers, in spite of the differences in faith, tribe and tongue, still came together for Nigeria’s independence.

“Though our nation is going through challenges, especially on security, these challenges are temporary and do not define us. We are defined by the greatness of the Nigerian people in our diversity, strength, ingenuity and resilience.

“We shall overcome all the challenges. A time is coming when we shall look at this period in retrospect and give thanks to the most high for the stormy waters we have waded through and the triumphs we have recorded over the challenges that look so huge and gargantuan today,”

He therefore, called on all Nigerians to join hands together with the Muhammadu Buhari Administration in its quest to ensure a better Nigeria for all citizens, both at home and abroad as this, he said, shall be a befitting tribute to our heroes past.

The minister urged Nigerians to shun violence of any kind and be security conscious, asking them to report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest security agency and through the N-Alert application on Android and IOS, saying “when you see something do N-Alert for prompt response from security agents”

September 28, 2022
WAR: Russia missile hit Ukraine train station, kills 22 persons

About 22 persons were feared killed when a Russian missile hit a train station in Eastern Ukraine, in an attack that brought home the harsh reality of the six-month-old war.

Zelensky said in an evening video address that “five of the dead were recovered from a car on the railway track, and search and rescue operations are ongoing.”

“Charlene is our pain today,” he added.

Over 50 people were injured in the shelling, according to earlier information. It’s not possible to independently verify the details.

“Rescuers are working,” President Zelensky said during a remote address to the U.N. Security Council via video. “But, unfortunately, the number of dead may still increase.”

“There is no such war crime that the Russian occupiers have not yet committed on the territory of Ukraine,” he said.

Ukrainian officials said that by Thursday morning about 25 had died while 31 persons are still injured.

meanwhile, hours before the strike, a rocket slammed into a house in the same area, killing an 11-year-old child, according to the official in the president’s office, Kyrylo Tymoshenko. Two children narrowly escaped with their lives, officials said. They had been buried under the rubble but were rescued by emergency crews.

The hostility between Russia and Ukraine started on the 24th of February after Russia claimed Ukraine had perfected plans to join NATO a body considered anti-Russia.

August 25, 2022