Nigeria — Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians to use the country’s 66th Independence Anniversary as an opportunity for sober reflection on the state of the nation, rather than limiting the occasion to celebration.
In his Independence Day address, Obi said Nigeria’s anniversary should be a time to appreciate the country’s natural and human resources, honour its founding fathers and recognise the sacrifices made by past and present leaders.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges across critical sectors, including poverty, insecurity, education, food security, unemployment, drug abuse and healthcare.
Obi said the country’s challenges were not caused by a lack of resources but by the failure to convert its enormous resources into human development, productivity, security and shared prosperity.
He also recounted his recent visit to Sokoto State with his running mate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, including a visit to an internally displaced persons’ camp at Ramin Kura in Sokoto metropolis.
According to Obi, the conditions he witnessed at the camp reflected the wider hardship faced by Nigerians displaced by insecurity.
He pledged that, if elected president in 2027, his administration would prioritise security, education, healthcare, job creation, agriculture, manufacturing and human capital development.
Obi said his government would seek to move Nigeria from what he described as a consumption-driven economy to a productive economy capable of creating jobs and expanding opportunities.
He also promised that Nigerians would begin to see the tangible impact of his administration within its first year in office.
The NDC candidate further pledged to spend his presidential holidays in different parts of Nigeria rather than abroad, saying he wanted to remain close to Nigerians and better understand their challenges.
“I want to continue to see Nigeria. I want to know Nigeria. I want to spend time with Nigerians, listen to them, understand their challenges and celebrate their resilience,” Obi said.
He called for leadership based on accountability, competence and responsible management of public resources, saying Nigeria could build a future in which citizens live securely, access quality education and healthcare, farm without fear and have opportunities to prosper.
“The Nigeria we desire will not be built by prayers alone, nor by promises alone,” Obi said.
“It will be built by leadership that understands that public office is a sacred trust, by citizens who demand accountability, and by all of us who refuse to accept failure as our destiny.”
