President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration is committed to leaving behind a peaceful, united and prosperous country. He gave the assurance on Sunday at the 66th Independence Anniversary Interdenominational Church Service held in Abuja. The service had the theme, “Anchored in Hope: The Path to Divine Stability and Shared Prosperity.” Tinubu spoke through the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
Tinubu urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and committed to nation-building, stressing that the challenges confronting the country could be overcome through collective prayers, unity and responsible citizenship. He said the forthcoming 2027 general elections should provide an opportunity for Nigerians to freely assess candidates based on their ideas, character and records of service. Citizens must be allowed to make their choices freely, while political differences should not destroy relationships and national unity.
Tinubu also called on Nigerians to reject hatred and division, stressing that the country’s common interests should remain above partisan, religious and ethnic considerations. He said the administration’s ongoing reforms were aimed at addressing the country’s economic and social challenges, adding that Nigerians should continue to support efforts to build a stronger nation while demanding greater accountability from government.
The President highlighted some economic indicators and government interventions, including the reported 4.73 per cent growth in the economy in the second quarter of 2026, student loans, infrastructure projects and increased investments, particularly in the gas sector. He also acknowledged the sacrifices of members of the armed forces and other security agencies in protecting the country, urging Nigerians to continue praying for them and their families.
Tinubu said the true measure of progress should be reflected in the lives of ordinary Nigerians, particularly their ability to meet the cost of living, access quality jobs, farm safely and operate businesses in a stable environment. He therefore urged government at all levels to pursue these objectives with urgency, noting that public resources must be deployed for the public good.
The guest preacher, Most Rev. Musa Panti Filibus, Archbishop of the Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria, said Nigeria had passed through seasons of promise, disappointment, sacrifice, loss and division in its 66 years as an independent nation. He, however, said God had preserved the country and given Nigerians reasons to remain hopeful. Filibus likened Christ to an anchor that keeps a ship steady amid storms, saying Nigerians could acknowledge the country’s challenges without losing confidence in the possibility of transformation.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, expressed appreciation to President Tinubu and other dignitaries for participating in the service. He called for a Nigeria where the benefits of progress would reach every community, stressing that citizens might disagree on several issues but should not lose sight of what unites them as Nigerians.
Key points
- President Tinubu assures Nigerians of a peaceful, united and prosperous country.
- The administration’s ongoing reforms aim to address the country’s economic and social challenges.
- Tinubu urges Nigerians to reject hatred and division.
